History is not just about "important" people. As part of Rutgers Day 2011, the Rutgers University Libraries will formally launch a new project - MyJerseyRoots - that offers New Jersey citizens an opportunity to document the everyday life of our cities, small towns and rural communities from past to present. Ordinary photos of your family, community, architecture and social events, and even your house will one day be fascinating artifacts for future generations.

Does your family, business, or organization have photographs that capture a piece of the story of our remarkable state? MyJerseyRoots is a digital collection within the statewide New Jersey Digital Highway website that allows you to share and - just as important, preserve - your pictoral history for future generations. Rutgers librarians will get your collection started at Rutgers Day! Bring five photographs to Alexander Library - We will scan them, digitize them and, with your help, record the information that will identify people and places. Within two weeks, your photographic history will appear in the MyJerseyRoots collection of New Jersey Digital Highway.

The first 25 participants in the MyJerseyRoots digitization program will receive a free USB flash drive, which they can use to take home electronic files of their valued family images. Participants will also receive a free brochure, prepared by library preservation staff, with basic tips on how to best preserve physical photos to extend their lifetime.

As part of the formal launch of MyJerseyRoots, members of the Libraries staff will select the three most striking photos brought in on Rutgers Day. The owners of these photos will each receive a free framed print of their image.

The following types of photos are examples of prospective history that would be suitable for MyJerseyRoots:

• photos of people, families, and/or neighborhood groups
• street scenes
• pictures at street fairs, parades, and other events
• pictures of houses/farms/office buildings/businesses
• pictures in and of religious institutions
• school photos - either of classes or activities
• photos of clubs, organizations, and civic groups

For more information about getting started with MyJerseyRoots on Rutgers day, visit the New Jersey Digital Highway - njdigitalhighway.org - and click the link: "Preserve your family history."