What we do

About Keepsake Chronicles

Keepsake Chronicles are storytelling groups that celebrate the lives of people in our community living with dementia. Each participant is invited to bring along a cherished object — something that has been with them for many years and holds deep personal meaning. These treasured items act as powerful touchstones, sparking memories and conversation through their tangible presence.

Together, we explore the stories behind these keepsakes, capturing recollections, reflections, and emotions. Through words and photographs, we collaboratively create a beautifully designed book that participants can keep — a lasting record of their stories, memories, and identity.

Outcomes

1. A Positive and Enriching Experience
Our storytelling groups are joyful, emotion-filled gatherings enjoyed by everyone involved. They offer cognitive stimulation and provide a space where participants can engage in conversation, share laughter, and use their remaining strengths and abilities to connect with others in meaningful ways.

2. Preserving Identity and Voice
Each Keepsake Chronicle serves as a portrait of personhood — a collection of stories and photographs that safeguard identity even as memory changes. The books feature the participant's own words, shaped into short stories or poems, ensuring their authentic voice shines through for years to come.

3. Challenging Dementia Stigma
The final books are works of art that honor and dignify people living with dementia. By celebrating creativity, wisdom, and life experience, Keepsake Chronicles helps shift public perception — from seeing dementia as loss, to recognizing the enduring humanity, individuality, and beauty of each person's story.