Friends and Neighbors
A couple of weeks ago, I presented several lectures at the San Luis Obispo Genealogical Society conference. I had great time and got to look at some interesting pictures. Roma Miller showed me this snapshot. This was in Roma's box of photos from her step-grandfather's family mixed in...
Read MoreThe Search for Annie Moore
If you don't know who Annie Moore is, you haven't been following Megan Smolenyak's research on her. For several years, Megan has been intrigued by her. Annie Moore was the first person to step foot on Ellis Island when it opened Jan. 1, 1892—a pretty significant first. There...
Read MoreA History of Hair: Using Hairstyles to Understand Our Ancestors
Understanding the history of hair will help you determine dates for photos—and give you more insight into your ancestors' personalities.
Read MoreHow to Win the Family Photo Lottery
I've lost track of exactly how long I've been writing this column. The first edition of my book Uncovering Your Ancestry Through Family Photographs was published in 2000, and I started this column in February of the following year. That means you've been reading about identifying family photographs...
Read MorePhoto Fun with Friends
Way back in August, I asked for photos of people smiling. In response to that request Teri Colglazier sent me this photo. The woman in the back left has a toothy grin, probably because this group of friends has decided to have fun in front of the camera. No costumes...
Read MoreHead Toppers
As you know I love hairstyles, but I'm also a hat person. No, I don't wear one, but I wish I did. Given this fascination with brimmed accessories, is it any wonder I couldn't pass up Bro. Joseph F. Martin's challenge?This photo depicts his great-grandparents Nicholas and...
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Photo Identification in the News
Readers of this column will be as fascinated as I was with these two articles on photo identification. In the January 2010 issue of Smithsonian Magazine is the story of an unidentified daguerreotype owned by Jack and Beverly Wilgus. In it a handsome young man stands facing the camera holding...
Read MoreTexas Twosome Revisited
Last week's tease mentioned that I'd solved a persistent mystery. Ah ... I really thought I had the answer to the Texas mystery. Late last year I ran a three-installment story about these two men in their embroidered shirts. In the first piece, I showed you the pictures and mentioned some...
Read MoreFinding the Story, Part Three
If you've been following the last two weeks' worth of Joan Lee's search for her husband's grandfather, you know how complicated this story is. In week one, I looked at a photograph reputed to be Fred Klingbeil and in week two, I explained some additional problems with the Lee/Klingeil family...
Read MoreFinding the Story, Part Two
Last week, I examined a lovely portrait of a young couple and their son. Although family in Canada identified the husband and wife as Fred and Marie Klingbeil, the facts of Fred's life and the date of the photo don't add up. I asked Joan Lee if she had any...
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