About Us
Our Community
The historians behind the Is This Your Ancestor (ITYA) website are passionate about reuniting descendants with their ancestors’ cherished heirlooms.
We’re a warm and welcoming community, here to help those searching for original family heirlooms or seeking to return one, and to connect as many people as possible with those who value preserving a tangible link to their past.
The site is a friendly space for genealogy and history lovers, centered around family stories and offering guidance for newcomers. We believe every family’s story deserves to be told with respect, honesty, and heart, helping people discover, honor, and celebrate their heritage while leaving a lasting legacy
A simple, user-friendly contact form is now available at the bottom of each page, making it easy to send questions or requests.
* Lessons in Life *
Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.
- Dr Seuss
Lost Heirlooms
Seeking a Family Heirloom?
If you are seeking a family heirloom, please submit the required information via the contact form below.
The information needs to be submitted in the following format: - Surname - Approximate Date of Item - Location where the heirloom originated from
Please include informative details, such as dates with month and day, and locations with cities listed. The more detailed you are, the better the chances of finding a match.
If you have a family genealogy page, please share the details. Example: Joseph, Mary - 1933 - Virginia
Found Heirlooms
Wish to reunite a family heirloom?
If you have located a family heirloom and wish to facilitate its return, please submit the required information via the contact form below.
The information needs to be submitted in the following format: - Surname - Approximate Date of Item - Location where the heirloom originated from
Please include informative details, such as dates with month and day, and locations with cities listed. The more detailed you are, the better the chances of finding a match.
If you have a family genealogy page, please share the details. Example: Joseph, Mary - 1933 - Virginia
We currently accept only paper-based items, such as letters, photographs, postcards, and other related documents.
Grand Opening May 1, 2026
Our official social media platform BlueSky is open.
The platform is very simple, functioning like the former Twitter-style website. We have found that using BlueSky offers more options and is very easy to navigate.
Direct ITYA link:
Is This Your Ancestor - BlueSky
- Special Note -
Our website is maintained by senior historians who operate at a pace consistent with the site's vintage theme. We prioritize a respectful approach, enjoying the experience, and staying true to ITYA's core mission and values.
Questions / Comments
- Have a question about an item on this page?
- Are you seeking a lost family heirloom?
- Are you Interested in reuniting a family heirloom?
- Do you operate a family genealogy website?
- Do you offer genealogy services, or work in an environment that supports family research?
Please submit your information to our easy contact form below.