In today’s fast-paced digital world, our cherished memories and family histories can easily get lost or forgotten amidst the noise. However, one company is on a mission to change that—Artifcts. This innovative consumer platform and app is designed to help individuals capture and preserve the stories behind their most meaningful possessions.
A Personal Journey
In the latest episode of the Health Futures radio show, I had the pleasure of interviewing Artifcts co-founder Ellen Goodwin, who shared her powerful personal journey that led her to create this unique tool. Following the unexpected passing of her mother, Goodwin and her family faced the overwhelming task of sorting through her belongings. They quickly realized that while the physical items held deep sentimental value, the stories and memories attached to them were at risk of being lost forever. This epiphany sparked the creation of Artifcts, alongside her co-founder, whom she met while working at the CIA.
You can listen to the full radio show episode on this topic HERE.
You can also find this on any of the following podcasts:
How It Works
So, how does it work? The premise is beautifully simple: users can “artifact” an item by taking a photo and recording a short audio or video clip that shares the story and significance behind it. These “artifacts” are then securely stored in a private digital collection, which can be shared with loved ones at any time.
A Game-Changer for Memory Preservation
As Ellen explained during our conversation, this approach is a game-changer compared to traditional family history and legacy planning methods. Instead of getting bogged down in lengthy family trees or piles of dusty photo albums, Artifcts enables users to capture bite-sized, personal stories that breathe life into their cherished items.
Supporting Brain Health Research
But the benefits extend beyond mere memory preservation. Goodwin also revealed that Artifcts is partnering with researchers at UMass Chan Medical School on a fascinating study to explore whether the voice recordings collected through the app could potentially serve as a digital screening tool for early detection of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. This innovative use of technology to support brain health research is just one example of how Artifcts is challenging the status quo.
Capture Precious Moments This Holiday Season
As we approach the holiday season—a time when families gather to reflect and share stories—I can’t think of a better tool to help capture those precious moments and memories. Whether it’s an heirloom passed down through generations or a quirky tchotchke with a unique backstory, I encourage everyone to give Artifcts a try. You might be surprised by the stories you uncover and the memories you preserve for future generations.
