The Story Behind Unknown Faces in Photos
Last week, I featured Julie Magerka's genealogical photo mystery. As you know, I believe that every photo tells a story. By piecing together the clues present in a photo—photographer's imprint, props, faces, clothing and photographic format—you can let that photo talk. Even if you can't identify...
Read MoreIdentifying Unknown Faces in Old Photos
Over the years, a lot of you have sent me emails talking about a "picture moment." Genealogists are taught to look at census records, city directories and vital records, but if you read this column then you know that a photo can trigger a genealogical response. Gazing at an...
Read MoreForeign vs. American Fashion
My mind is focused on packing for Who Do You Think You Are? Live! in London. I'll be at this dynamic trade show for three days and I'll be presenting two lectures—one about online picture research and the other on writing your family memoir. Can't wait...
Read MoreMother or Daughter?
Winston Cochrane sent in this lovely portrait of a young woman. Her hairstyle and dress date from the mid to late 1880s. He wanted to know if the item on the studio prop to our left is a hat. It is! It's a tiny topper that would rest on the...
Read MoreMysterious Woman with Wavy Hair
Jay Kruizenga of DutchBlood.com sent in this photo of his family's mystery woman. Her long, flowing hair definitely makes an impression. She has really long full hair that must have created an enormous braid when pinned up. The photo was given to Jay by the daughter of his grandfather's...
Read MoreWho’s That Girl?
Do you want a chance to win a trip for two to Belgium and a $1000 shopping trip to fashion icon Diane Von Furstenberg's boutique? All you have to do is register on the Red Star Line blog and solve a mystery. Anyone know the identity of this...
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And the Winner Is? And a Runner-up
Thank you to everyone that contributed pictures to the Family Tree Magazine Photo Contest. So many great pictures....it was a tough decision. I'll be featuring many of your pictures in future columns. The winner is (drum roll please):Congratulations to J. Hansen! ...
Read MoreImmigrant Clues and Family Stories
Terri Poore and her cousin have a lot of questions about this photo. Who, what, when and where is just the beginning. Unfortunately, the original owner of the picture is currently unknown. Terri's cousin received a copy of it years ago and can't remember who gave him the print. Terri...
Read MoreShipboard Clues, Part 3
This week is another installment of Jake Jacoby's photo of a group in his collection. Two weeks ago in Photo Mysteries, A Clue at a Time, I discussed clothing clues. Last week in Shipboard Clues, I told you what I knew about the caption and the ship. Photo...
Read MoreShipboard Clues
Last week in A Photo Mystery, A Clue at a Time, I introduced you to a wonderful group picture of folks on a ship. The ShipWhat I didn't show you is the caption that runs along the bottom edge of the picture. Unfortunately, part of the cardboard is broken off...
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