Heirlooms Directory
Welcome
Welcome to the *Is This Your Ancestor* heirlooms directory. Original heirlooms from our collection are available, with new entries added monthly.
Emma Lazarus’s sonnet “The New Colossus” is inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty, a sight that greeted many immigrants as they arrived at Ellis Island. (Ellis Island image above)
The New Colossus
By Emma Lazarus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
Source: Poetry Foundation
What Is in a Name?
Heirlooms are cataloged by surname, date, and location; for example: SMITH, John - 1900 - New York.
Some heirlooms in our collection may contain incomplete information due to faded inscriptions or missing details. When inquiries are made regarding heirlooms with limited details, our historian will conduct a courtesy search to assist potential family descendants. In such cases, they will extract additional details directly from the heirlooms.
Please note: We are currently evaluating search engine options; however, given the evolution of family surnames over time, we believe that listing the names facilitates research efforts at this juncture.
Example: The surname Smith exhibits various spellings, including:
* Smyth – A common English variant, frequently observed in the United States and Canada.
* Smythe – Another variation commonly found in historical records and genealogies.
* Smithson – A patronymic form, signifying “son of Smith.”
* Smithfield – A variation potentially referencing individuals associated with a smithy or workshop.
* Schmidt – The German equivalent, often Anglicized to Smith.
* DeSmid – A Dutch form, frequently adapted to Smith in English.
* Ferai – An Italian variant, occasionally Anglicized to Smith.
These variations demonstrate the diversity of the Smith surname and the influence of various cultures and languages on its spelling and usage. For genealogists, understanding these variations is essential for accurately tracing family lineages and connecting with ancestors.
Heirlooms Directory
Select the first letter of the surname associated with the heirloom you are seeking to navigate to the corresponding page. The heirlooms are organized in a clear, easy-to-read format, categorized by surname, date, and location indicated on each item.
Example: John Smith, born in 1864 in Illinois.
If you discover an heirloom of interest, are searching for one, or wish to return an heirloom, please complete the form below.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A simple, user-friendly contact form is now available at the bottom of each page, making it easy to send any questions or requests.
Grand Opening May 1, 2026
Our official social media platform BlueSky will open on May 1, 2026. (You are welcome to follow us as we prepare for the opening)
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
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