7 Incredible Multi-generation Family Photos

Last year, a heartwarming 6-generation family photo went viral, featuring every generation of women between 98-year-old MaeDell Snow Taylor and her great-great-great-granddaughter, Zhavia.

Multi-generation photos are an incredible way to celebrate the thread that connects members of a family over time. While 6-generation photos are extraordinarily rare, 5-generation family photos are still quite difficult to come by. Capturing such a photo isn’t always easy, especially in modern society where members of the various generations may be spread across different locations, and coordinating travel for older family members can make gathering everyone for a photo challenging. When these opportunities do come together, they offer a precious memory that can be cherished forever.

At MyHeritage, we love helping families preserve moments like these for future generations. Family photos that span generations tell a story about family continuity and the enduring bonds between family members.

Here are a few examples of beautiful 5-generation family photos shared with us by MyHeritage users:

The first photo below is from Cheryl Bleau Hudda, who is pictured in the back row holding her grandson. Since the photo was taken, her grandson has grown up and now has a toddler of his own. Cheryl hopes to capture another 5-generation picture soon to continue this beautiful family tradition across generations!

Cheryl says her grandmother always loved this photo: “My Baba (grandmother) would have been tickled! She loved that picture so much and would show it to everyone!”

Coming up next is a 5-generation family photo submitted by Lizzie Snively. This special image features five strong women across generations: Lizzie’s great-grandma in the vest, her grandma in the diamond-patterned dress, her aunt (who is her mom’s twin sister) in the white shirt, Lizzie herself in the pink shirt, and the newest addition to the family — a beautiful baby representing the fifth generation.

Shared by MyHeritage user Tina Hancock, the next 5-generation photo below captures her paternal family legacy. The generations span from Tina’s son, Adam John Deakes (born in 1987), to herself, Tina Elaine Deakes (nee Lee) now Hancock, Adam’s grandfather Christopher John Lee (born 1952), Adam’s great-grandmother Jean Winifred Lee (born in 1929), and finally Adam’s great-great-grandmother Edith Winifred Sherborne (born 1904). Each family member hails from the Bideford area in England.

This picture below, shared by Lyn Myall, was taken in 2022. It features Lyn with 4 generations of her family: her mother, her daughter, her granddaughter, and her great-grandson. At the time the photo was taken, her mother was about to turn 90, Lyn was 70, her daughter was 45, her granddaughter was 25, and her great-grandson was 4. Lyn humorously noted that her curly hair seems to be a “throwback,” as the rest of the family has straight hair.

In 1978, Anna Rideout’s family gathered at a nursing home in Los Angeles County, California to capture a precious 5-generation photo. Pictured front row left to right: Anna Rideout, Anna’s great-grandmother Hazel Wheelwright Owens, Anna’s grandfather Conroy Owens, and Anna’s nephew Franklin Rideout V. And in the back row, left to right: Anna’s twin brothers Patrick Rideout, Michael Rideout, Anna’s mother Charlene Owens Rideout, Anna’s brother Franklin Rideout IV and Anna’s father Franklin Rideout III.

The 5 generations are Anna’s great-grandmother Hazel, her grandfather Conroy, her mother Charlene, her brother Franklin IV, and her nephew Franklin V. Franklin V now has 3 grown children of his own, including Franklin VI!

The photo — especially bittersweet given Hazel’s dementia at the time — became a treasured family heirloom, especially after the passing of several relatives soon after. Hazel was the daughter of Mormon pioneers. Anna cherishes the memory, knowing it may never be recreated.

Jolanda van der Grift shared two photos that each showcase 4 generations of her family. One black-and-white image features Jolanda, her father, grandfather, and great-grandfather together. Arres, the eldest in the photo, was one of 22 children and lived an incredible 93 years. His son Bienze, born in 1919 in Friesland, sadly passed away before his father in 1985.

In another more recent photo, Jolanda’s little brother is pictured with the same family members — all named after their respective grandfathers, as is tradition among the Van der Grift men.

Capturing a multi-generation family photo may be no small feat, but the effort is more than worth it. These photos serve as a lasting tribute to our heritage and remind us of our roots. Have you taken a similar photo? We’d love to see it!

Share your multi-generation family photos or family stories with us here.