Old Photographs

Every family has its collection of old family photos hidden away in old shoe boxes in the attic or in old dusty family albums. With a little detective work, they can be a valuable source of information about the lives of your ancestors.

The first step is to try and date the picture. Specific types of images were popular at different times. Go to your local Record Office or Library for help on how to date old photographs.

Can you see a photographer’s imprint on the picture? You can use this to find the photographer’s name and with this information you can search the Trade Directories to discover when where the photo was taken.

Are there any clues to be found in the Photograph itself? What kind of background is there to the image? Was the photo taken to mark a special occasion?

What clues can be found in the fashions worn by those in the image? What kind of collars are the men wearing? What kind of waist is there to the women’s dresses? What style of hats are they wearing?

If you can date the image go back to your family tree, or any other documents you may have, and try to put names to the faces. Once you’re confirmed who’s in the photograph make a note of the facts on the back of the image.

Be sure to ask old relatives to name and date any photographs they may have before the information is lost forever.

From the amateur snap to professional prints, photographs can reveal a lot about your family’s history.