Our collective history not only informs our contemporary cultural traditions, perspectives and behaviors, but it also provides us with a shared sense of memory tying us to places, times and other people. The result is a virtual compendium of ideas and inspirations for problem solving, using real-life experience as a roadmap.

Traditional history studies the rise or fall of civilizations, but the past - or the link between our modern experiences and that of earlier generations - cannot be fully understood without first documenting its beginning.

For example, the first-hand recollections of our World War II veterans - what they saw, felt, heard and even thought during that time - allow us to explore these events through an emotionally relevant lens by examining every facet of their (often divergent) perspectives.

What we gain from these personal stories is an emotional comprehension that inspires the sympathy, awe and even fear that we need to understand the full impact of this event today. That understanding gives way to action, as we draw from the lessons of the past to create solutions for the future.

Thankfully, the dedicated people at our libraries and historical societies have spent years aggregating and sharing the photos, stories and memories of those who have experienced history first-hand. And today, our collective memory is even easier to capture than ever, thanks to technology advancements.

How can you play a part in preserving our connections and inspiring our collective memories? Start within your own family. Have your mother write down the famous bread recipe she knows by heart. Find, research and save family heirlooms - or any objects or touchstones your family ties to the past. Then, share it with your local historical society or even with your social networks.