By Terri Fassio, Co-Director, Public Relations Committee

A memory jar is a decorative jar, often glass, used to collect and store memories for a specific period of time. It could be a one-year project or a multi-year project. Memories are written down on notes, and can even include small keepsakes, photos, clippings, drawings

or cards. The jar acts as a time capsule, allowing Granges to reflect on and revisit those cherished moments at a later date when the jar is opened.

A simple glass memory jar can be beautiful, but it’s so much fun to personalize the project for your Grange. First, decide if you want your jar to be transparent or opaque. If you want the content hidden until it’s open, you could completely paint or wrap the outside, or use stickers, glue, or paint to decorate the outside of the jar. You could also consider attaching a special fabric, such as lace, to trim your memory jar. The ideas are endless.

Your Grange memory jar should be on show at all times, waiting for new memories, messages of hope and gratitude, or embracing Grange stories and reminders of special members. This prompts members to add their own special moments. Choose somewhere prominent but safe — you don’t want the jar to get knocked or smashed!

The biggest payoff with the memory jar comes at the end of the cycle, when you get to open it up, read the notes, and reminisce.

The more involved your members are with your memory jar project, the more it will mean as the years go by.