collector: {what is generational histories:}
I believe from birth we all (most all) become a collector. I have been a collector. (and why not?) We have all collected simple things as children - then throughout our years into adulthood.
My collections have given me pleasure & satisfaction ...
RECORDS: (because i liked the music and then they become part of my collection?)
POST CARDS: (left to me by past family members) which i now kept.
BOOKS: (on various subjects ) no reason why i have them.
ANTIQUES: (why you may ask? - yes i did go through a phase of collecting these old things) 
GLASS: (flat, blown & cast) maybe because the world of glass has been in my blood since 1970)
SILVER: (silver just intrigues me - maybe i like shiny things)
COINS: (no other reason than i have them)
MISCELLANEOUS: (other things & items collected)
LINEAGE: is a family historian not a collector?