The Origins of Preserving Legacy

The seed was first planted when I spent time with some Nepali elders while producing a short promotional documentary for a nonprofit organization.

After observing their social practices and witnessing the interconnectedness within each family system, I left inspired to start exploring my own lineage in depth.

This gave way to a larger sense of calling: to document the stories that tie us to our land, homes, and families; and ultimately bring us closer to our loved ones.

Preserving Legacy was born from this emerging appreciation for culture, origin, heritage, and connection. It’s a way to create something tangible to cherish when the people in our lives who hold those memories can no longer share them among us.


in memoriam

PL_Rosanna-3.jpg

Rosanna

5/22/1920 - 11/19/2019

My grandmother Rosanna was a significant role model in my life.

She’s remembered by her unwavering tenacity and fervent dedication to her health and the conservation of historical land, items, and stories.

An antiques dealer and long time curator of our historical family home, the Benjamin Nye Homestead and Museum, Rosanna was a beloved figure in our community.

She was recognizable by her exuberant smile and youthful spirit.

Among the many lessons she taught me, her omnipresent curiosity and reverence for storytelling resonate the deepest with me.

Walter-1.jpg

Walter

5/1/1917 - 2/25/2017

Walter and his great-grandchild Danny were the first official Preserving Legacy subjects.

He’s remembered by his granddaughter Catherine as ‘the epitome of a nostalgic Norman Rockwell painting. He worked really hard and never complained, rarely took a day off, and never told a lie. He was a simple and kind man.’

Sometimes, a juxtaposition between the two most “vulnerable” beings in society can illustrate just how much they’re actually contributing to society.

These sweet and innocent interactions remind us of what we can learn from devotional connections based on unconditional love.