WHO'S IN THOSE OLD PHOTOS?

If you have old photos or CD's, this is a must read. In it's Tip of the Week, the Riverton FamilySearch Library some great ideas on identifying who is in those old photos or CDs.

Tip of the Week

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 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.

Riverton FamilySearch Library - Tip of the Week 03/17/19 Page 2/2
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 may be
a different relative that can be used to look for more information.