In this paper, we describe the design issues and technical implementation of an interactive Family Message Board. The Family Message Board enables members of a distributed family to communicate with one another both synchronously and asynchronously via simple, pen-based, digital notes. Each household running thi$ Java-based software can view, create, and manipulate notes in a zoomable space. The Family Message Board will be used as a technology probe to help us unders$ the communication needs of distributed families, and to help us design new devi$ to meet those needs.