Legacy Projects: Creative Ways to Preserve and Share Your Story
Legacy isn't just about what we leave behind financially—it's about the stories, values, and wisdom we share with future generations. While legal documents and advance directives are essential pieces of end-of-life planning, legacy projects add heart and personal connection to the process.
Legacy projects allow us to reflect on what matters most, organize meaningful memories, and create tangible expressions of love that will comfort our families long after we're gone. As an end-of-life doula, these projects are among the most meaningful work I facilitate. I’m also created a free resource on legacy projects.
Why Create a Legacy Project?
Legacy projects serve multiple purposes:
They help you reflect on your life and what's mattered most
They provide comfort and connection for loved ones after your death
They preserve stories and information that might otherwise be lost
They can bring purpose and meaning during illness or end-of-life transitions
Legacy Projects for Every Comfort Level
For Those Who Love Writing
Ethical wills (letters sharing values, hopes, and life lessons)
Memory books with stories behind family photos
Letters for specific future occasions (graduations, weddings, births)
Journals exploring life's meaningful moments and lessons learned
For the More Visual or Tactile
Memory quilts made from meaningful clothing
Artwork that expresses your essence or important life themes
Recorded cooking lessons of family recipes
Memory boxes with collected treasures and their stories
For Those Who Prefer Speaking
Audio recordings of family stories or favorite memories
Video messages for loved ones
Recorded interviews about your life experiences
Oral history projects with multiple family members
Getting Started: Simple Steps
Begin With What Matters
Ask yourself: What stories, values, or wisdom do I most want to share? What brings me joy to think about? What questions do I wish I had asked my own parents or grandparents?
Start Small but Start Now
Legacy projects don't have to be elaborate. Begin with a single letter, one recorded story, or organizing photos from a particularly meaningful time. The simple act of beginning creates momentum.
Consider Recipients
Think about who might treasure different aspects of your legacy. Consider creating different projects for different people, addressing what would be most meaningful to each.
Embrace Technology When Helpful
Digital tools have made legacy work more accessible than ever. Voice recording apps, digital photo books, and online platforms for storing memories can simplify the process.
Beyond Individual Projects: Family Legacy Work
Some of the most powerful legacy work happens together. Consider:
Family storytelling sessions where multiple generations share memories
Cooking beloved recipes together while documenting the process
Creating family time capsules to be opened at future gatherings
Recording conversations between grandparents and grandchildren
Legacy projects aren't about creating perfect, polished products—they're about authentic connection and meaning. The most powerful legacy items often come from the heart rather than artistic perfection.
Interested in creating a meaningful legacy project but not sure where to start? As an end-of-life doula, I specialize in helping people identify and create legacy projects that reflect their unique stories and values. Contact me to explore possibilities that would be meaningful for you and your loved ones.