IDENTIFYING MYSTERY PERSONS IN YOUR PHOTOS

Unidentified persons in your family photos is a real challenge. The Riverton FamilySearch library "tip of the week" has outlined a 4-point procedure for identifying who's in some of those photos you inherited.

"You inherited a box or CD of old family photos found in Grandma’s attic. Great! But who are all those people? If you are one of the fortunate ones, you can look on the back of the photos for notes to identify who they are. However, most of us will be scratching our head wondering who is in that photo?

There are a number of ways to try to identify unknown individuals in your family photos. The process can take time and perseverance, but it is definitely rewarding when you are able to put a name with the face.

1. Ask Family Members: 

• This is an obvious way, but many don’t bother to try. 
• Seek out distant relatives, not just close family members. 
• The more eyes, the better the chance for success. 
• No relative is too far in distance or location on the family tree to potentially not have information about your photographs. 
• While inquiring, ask if they have photos they are willing to share. You may find a match from a different photograph. 

2. Share Your Unidentified Photos on Social Media: Facebook 

• There are many groups on Facebook that may help. 
• Look for family groups, genealogical societies, or pages dedicated to specific states or countries. Pinterest 
• Create a Pinterest board for your unknown photographs. 
• In the description for each pin, include keywords such as location (i.e. Pittsylvania County, VA) or a possible surname (i.e. Richardson). 

3. Websites Dedicated to Unidentified Photographs: 

• DeadFred.com and Ancestors Lost and Found are popular free sites. 
• Upload your photographs for help in identifying, or search what others have posted. 
• Searching by surname, location, or by the photographer’s name may locate ancestors’ photographs you recognize. 

4. Perform a Google Image Search: 

• Upload your unidentified photographs into Google’s Image search to see if the photograph appears anywhere on the web. 
• It’s possible the photograph is identified on someone’s genealogy website/blog. 
• It is possible to get a match that is not your unidentified individual but maybe a different relative that can be used to look for more information. Genealogy is like a magic mirror. Look into it, and pretty soon, interesting faces appear. "

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