Reviving Old Yearbooks: What to Do with Your High School Scrapbook

Preserving memories from high school is a cherished tradition for many. For those who have held onto their yearbooks for decades, the question often arises: what should one do with these treasured items? Whether you’re 83 or just graduated, here are several methods to keep those memories alive and share them with others.

Hold Onto and Digitize

If you find yourself holding on to old yearbooks, consider scanning the images and uploading them to platforms like Facebook or other social media sites. This allows you and other former classmates to reminisce and share memories. Many people, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, did not have the opportunity to purchase a yearbook at the time. By sharing these digital copies, you can bring back fond memories for those who may not have had the chance to relive their high school years.

Donate to Libraries or Historical Societies

Another way to preserve the memories stored within your yearbook is to donate them to your local library or historical society. These institutions often have archives that benefit from additional material. Donating your yearbook can help preserve history and allow future generations to learn about your high school era. This act of kindness can also bring comfort to someone who is going through a significant event in their life, such as the passing of a loved one.

Resell Your Yearbook

If you’ve outlived your need for a yearbook, you can try to resell it. Online marketplaces and used bookstores often have a niche market for yearbooks and other vintage memorabilia. Selling your yearbook can bring some income and ensure that the memories within it continue to be cherished by someone else.

Incorporate Yearbooks into Your Life

Others find joy in using yearbooks as a reference point for future interactions. For example, reaching out to old friends through yearbook memories can reignite old friendships or open new ones. Whether you’re planning a class reunion or simply want to keep the memories close, your yearbook serves as a valuable treasure.

Personal Examples

One individual shared, ‘I have a yearbook from a European church study abroad program, a high school yearbook, two intermediate school yearbooks, a Youth Group yearbook, and elementary school class photos. I plan on cherishing them, using them as references, and potentially making new friends. They are not a waste of paper; your children will be curious about your educational upbringing, which serves as a great reference point.’

Another example includes an uncle who was 86 and had saved all his high school football programs, yearbooks, prom pictures, and community mementos. Storing these items in a locked chest, he preserved memories that brought comfort and joy to those who were left to cope with his passing.

Conclusion: Whether you choose to hold onto, digitalize, donate, or resell your high school yearbook, the decision should be made with the intention of preserving precious memories. These items hold more value than mere pieces of paper, serving as masks of shared experiences and cherished moments. Don’t let these treasures fade away; find a way to keep them alive.

Keywords: high school yearbook, digital archiving, preserving memories, donating yearbooks, selling yearbooks