Dating old family photographs

Is it possible to date old family photos?

Many family historians have a collection of unidentified old family photos they’re not sure what to do with–but can’t bear to throw out. In this article, we’ll share tips for helping you accurately date old family photos. Photographs are one of the treasures of genealogy.

What to do with your old family photos?

If you have living family members with a possible connection to the photograph, don’t forget to ask for their input. Sitting down with somebody and giving them time to reminisce over a photograph may be the most fruitful thing you can do.

Should you ask your relatives for help with old family photos?

But if your old photos are still a headache for you then why not ask your relatives for help. They may be able to help you, and who knows they may even provide you with more photos for your research. Old family photographs are a great way to get the younger generation interested in family history.

Can an old photo bring you closer to your ancestors?

You may be surprised to learn that an old photograph can bring you closer to your ancestors. You may have heard stories, tales and anecdotes told to you by older members of the family. When we see these photos of our ancestors we feel more connected to them. And quite possibly you want to know more about them.

How to date old family photos?

Clues To Dating Old Photographs 1 Clothing and Accessories. When we look at our old family photos one of the first things that is brought to our attention is the clothing. 2 Hairstyles. Similar to the clothing that our ancestors wore we are also drawn to their hair and how it was worn. 3 Background. ... 4 Type of Photograph and Studio. ...

Do old family photos have a story to tell?

She teaches at the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. Old family photographs are a treasured part of any family history. Many of them, unfortunately, do not come neatly labeled on the back with names, dates, people or places. The photographs have a story to tell...but about whom?

How can I find out when a family photo was taken?

Look for the family house or other family possessions in other photos for which you do have names and dates. You can also use household items, cars, street signs and other background items to help determine the approximate date a photograph was taken.

Do old family photos have names on the back?

She teaches at the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. Old family photographs are a treasured part of any family history. Many of them, unfortunately, do not come neatly labeled on the back with names, dates, people or places.

Use this list of family history interview questions to help you get started, but be sure to personalize the interview with your own questions as well. What is your full name? Why did your parents select this name for you?

How can I find out more about my family history?

Should you ask your relatives for help with old family photos?

But if your old photos are still a headache for you then why not ask your relatives for help. They may be able to help you, and who knows they may even provide you with more photos for your research. Old family photographs are a great way to get the younger generation interested in family history.

What happens to your old family photos?

However, the two go hand-in-hand, because in the right (or, more accurately, wrong) conditions, your old family photos become a tasty meal for a variety of insects. Book lice, which are so tiny you can barely see them, love to eat any kind of paper, including photos, in humid conditions.

How to safely preserve old family photos?

Safely Preserve, Store Old Family Photos - Display Heirloom Photograp... Experts say that the best way to preserve old photos is to store them in archival boxes, handle them sparingly and never expose them to light. See also: How to date your old family photos.

How to date old family photos?

Clues To Dating Old Photographs 1 Clothing and Accessories. When we look at our old family photos one of the first things that is brought to our attention is the clothing. 2 Hairstyles. Similar to the clothing that our ancestors wore we are also drawn to their hair and how it was worn. 3 Background. ... 4 Type of Photograph and Studio. ...