We live in an age of digital cameras and smart phones. It has become easier to record history, both with pictures and videos. Gone are the days of clipping articles from the newspaper, photo albums sitting on the coffee table and carrying snapshots in your wallet. I may be a bit nostalgic, but I believe we lose something in today’s electronic world.

My great-grandparents all died before I was born. The only thing I know about them are names, dates and residences that are available on public records. Though I have heard stories about them from older family members, there are few pictures availa...