What Is a Legacy Project? Ideas and How to Create One

A legacy project is any creative endeavor that captures and preserves someone's life story, values, wisdom, and memories for future generations. It could be a memory book, video compilation, written memoir, or collection of recorded stories. The goal is simple: ensure that who someone was—not just that they existed—survives beyond their lifetime.

Why create a legacy project?

Everyone has a story worth preserving. Your grandmother's childhood, your father's career lessons, your aunt's recipes and the stories behind them. Without intentional capture, these disappear when people do. A legacy project transforms ephemeral memories into permanent artifacts that grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and beyond can access.

Types of legacy projects

Memory books: Recorded stories transcribed into printed or digital books. Video biographies: Edited video interviews with photos and documents. Written memoirs: First-person or ghostwritten life stories. Audio collections: Preserved voice recordings with context. Photo books with narratives: Pictures paired with the stories behind them. Ethical wills: Letters passing down values and wisdom, not just possessions.

Who legacy projects are for

Anyone, but especially: Elderly family members with stories to preserve. Terminally ill patients wanting to leave something behind. Parents wanting children to know them beyond the parent role. Caregivers helping loved ones create meaning. Grandchildren wanting to connect generations. You don't need to be famous or have lived an extraordinary life.

Elements of a meaningful legacy project

Life stories: Childhood, education, career, relationships, adventures. Wisdom and advice: Lessons learned, values held, guidance for descendants. Family history: Context about ancestors, traditions, cultural heritage. Personal voice: Their actual words, in their actual voice if possible. Sensory details: What things looked, sounded, smelled, tasted like—what made their world theirs.

How to start a legacy project

1. Choose your format: book, video, audio, or combination. 2. Identify the subject: who are you preserving? 3. Gather questions: what do you want to know? what will future generations want to know? 4. Start recording: even informal conversations count. 5. Organize and preserve: transcribe, back up, and consider printed formats that outlast technology.

Legacy projects in hospice and end-of-life care

Many hospices now incorporate legacy work into care. It gives patients agency and purpose in their final chapter. For families, it shifts focus from loss to preservation. Studies show legacy projects reduce anxiety for both patients and loved ones. The project doesn't need to be finished to be meaningful—every captured story matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a legacy project take?

It depends on scope. A basic memory book can be created in a few weekends of recording. A comprehensive video biography might take months. Start small—even a few recorded stories is a legacy project.

What if the person doesn't want to participate?

Don't force it. Sometimes framing it as 'for the grandchildren' helps. You can also compile what you know from other sources—photos, family stories, documents—without their direct participation.

Can I create a legacy project for someone who has already passed?

Yes. Gather stories from people who knew them, compile photos and documents, record family members' memories of them. It won't have their voice, but it preserves their impact.

What's the difference between a legacy project and a memoir?

A memoir is typically written by the subject themselves. A legacy project can be created by or for someone, in any format. Memoirs are one type of legacy project.

Ready to start?

Capture family stories with guided prompts, easy recording, and a beautiful book export.

Start Your Family's Legacy Project