Objects and Heirlooms

The last programme of the series ties in with the History of the World in 100 Objects. Sally Magnusson and resident genealogist Nick Barratt track down the stories behind fascinating objects and family heirlooms. All the objects featured in the programme are also featured on the History of the World website, where listeners are also encouraged to upload their own treasured heirloom.

When listener Sarah Bailey inherited a pearl necklace and a letter written at the time of Marie Antoinette, she contacted the History of the World Website. Now she'd like to know which of her ancestors was at the French court and how she came to be there.

There's a very personal heirloom in the shape of a beautiful hand drawn book created by an illustrator, Carrie Solomon, whose baby was born when her husband was away fighting in WW1. She kept a daily record of their baby growing and developing and gave it to him on his return. Now her descendants hope to find examples of her professional work as an illustrator of children's books.

Kenneth Curley sent audio discs back to his family while he was in the RAF in WW2 and his granddaughter Becky Rowe has inherited some of them. She and her family would dearly love to hear what's on the discs, but no-one can play them. That is until they got in touch with the Tracing Your Roots team.