When researching your family tree, a good way to identify people and gain information is to start with the oldest family photo that you have. Take the photograph and number each person, then identify anyone in the photo that you already know.
Next, take the photo and a notebook with you to your oldest living relative. Show that person the photo and write down the name and corresponding number of any person identified, as well as any other information given to you by your relative.
My mother did this and found a lot of information this way. Sometimes the person she asked referred her to another person who would be able to help her. She eventually identified everyone in the photo. This helped her build our family tree further and gave her more information to research.
A great way to gain information and learn names is to take any photos you have of unidentified relatives to a family reunion. There’s a good chance someone will be there who knew the person in question. Other relatives may also have copies of the same photo and can help with names. Always ask for any dates or other information as well as names when you find someone who has information.
Once everyone in the photo is identified, you can type a list of names corresponding to the numbers on the photograph. Attach the list to the photograph. Consider framing the photograph and having a mat cut that holds the photo above the list. You could also paste or attach both to a small poster board or place them in protective sleeves in a family history notebook or album.
This type of project gives you information that can be passed down to your children or other family members. The work you’ve done to identify everyone in the photograph gives it historical value for future genealogical research.
Another idea is to scan the photograph and the list of corresponding names and send it to other history buffs in your family.
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