What does it truly mean to found a family? On December 6, 1877, the New York Daily Tribune called the Vanderbilt case “an impressive lesson in the folly of attempting to ‘found a family’ upon no better basis than the possession of money.” Money can preserve a legacy—but it cannot create one. Vanderbilt’s story offers a documented starting point for examining the difference between passing down a fortune and preparing a family to carry something meaningful into the future.

My parents often took the family on a vacation for a festive celebration, including all the spouses and grandkids. This group numbered 30 people and often wore matching T-shirts, a gift from the grandparents meant to memorialize the occasion. Pictures from the trip with everyone in similar shirts would be preserved for generations. We would spy other groups on the trip with a similar idea. Most used similar themes: the family name, the trip location, and the year of the event. Like us, some had a family/business logo or other symbol designed to foster camaraderie among family members. Although t-shirts are great, many families want to create a sense of belonging.

Sharing the history of the family or the family business doesn’t have to be dull, divisive, or disregarded. It starts with a little preparation to elicit ancestral tales and delightful personal stories. A bit of creative flair can spark a conversation that leads to memories of life lessons and values to pass down to future generations.