Gifts of the Past | Newsletter, Volume 1, Issue 1

Preserving Your Family Photographs: How to Organize, Present, and Restore
Precious Family Images
by Maureen A. Taylor
Published by Betterway Books, Ohio, 2001
U.S. $19.99
Canada $29.99

The author begins the introduction to her book with an anecdote I think is worth repeating. She writes:

A woman at one of my lectures stood up and announced that she had a solution for organizing all the photographs she had collected. ‘Put them on your computer and throw away the originals. That way you don’t have the clutter.’

When I read that, I was shocked. I couldn’t believe that someone had purposely destroyed their priceless family photos! It certainly demonstrates the need for a book like Preserving Your Family Photographs.

I was very impressed by Maureen Taylor’s in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, while at the same time making the information accessible to the "lay person." For example, she uses icons and sidebars to both simplify and highlight information. This makes navigation through the book quick and easy—allowing the reader to promptly find what he or she is looking for.

Preserving Your Family Photographs is a well-written, very comprehensive book. It covers everything from descriptions of early photographic techniques such as Daguerreotype; to the handling, preserving, organizing, scanning, and storing of prints and negatives; to information on computer photo programs; to conservation tips; to displaying family photographs; and, finally, the "how-to’s" of safe scrapbooking. The book also has two appendices that provide a glossary of technical terms, numerous resources including copying and restoration services, a list of historical societies by state, a time-line of photograph-related events, and a list of web sites of interest!

Ms. Taylor even addresses the copyright laws that apply to both print and digital publishing—something, I suspect, that most of us who have posted family photographs on web sites have never considered. Apparently it could be a copyright infringement if you post a professionally-taken family photo on your web site—if the photographer is still in business. Who knew? I’ve always assumed you could do whatever you wish with your own family photographs.

If you are going to buy only one book on photo preservation, make it Preserving Your Family Photographs. It's extremely comprehensive and I suspect you’ll refer to it often—making it well worth the price.


	If you have a relative who is reluctant to talk, you may find one or more of the following suggestions helpful. First, try to find out why your relative is unwilling to talk. In a relaxed, private location ask why they’re feeling reluctant. You might find they simply don’t think they have anything interesting to say. I’ve found this is especially true for older women. Without exception, however, everyone I’ve ever interviewed has had at least one fascinating story to tell—and, oftentimes, many interesting stories! Stress this fact and let your family member know how important his or her life stories are to you, as well as to present and future generations. If a family member is unwilling to be tape-recorded, you might suggest they write down the answers to your questions or possibly tape-record their own answers. Or, you might try to do the interview without a tape-recorder and just write down as much information as you can. This is not the ideal, but it is certainly better than nothing. Stress the fact that you’d like to tape-record the interview because you don’t want to miss any of their information and because you want to capture the stories in their own words and voice. At some future date consider asking your relative again to do a tape-recorded interview because some people change their minds over time. If your family member is reluctant to talk about a particular subject or person, respect that wish and ask if they’d be willing to talk about other aspects of the family history. If you press them too hard to discuss something they don’t want to talk about you’re likely to "scare them off" altogether. On the other hand, if you respect their wishes and are able to establish a good rapport you might find this relative more amenable to discussing "sensitive subjects" in the future. Another strategy to get reluctant family members to talk is to arrange a casual get-together for the purpose of reminiscing. Come to the gathering with a list of questions or topics, but let those present help determine the direction of the discussion. Ask everyone to bring old photographs, family heirlooms, letters, or other family documents such as immigration papers or birth certificates. These artifacts will help to jog the memory and spark conversation. If possible, put a tape-recorder in the middle of the group so that you can capture all the stories and bits of information that are likely to arise. Then, at a later date, you can listen to the recording and decide which stories, or family members, you’d like to pursue further. If a family member is still unwilling to talk, you might find there is someone else in the family he or she would be more comfortable speaking with—perhaps a daughter-in-law or an older grandchild—or possibly even someone outside the family altogether. I have found that some people actually find it easier to talk with a stranger than with a family member. If this is the case, and you can’t find a friend to help, you might consider hiring an oral historian/personal historian to do the interview. A list of personal historians can be found on-line at www.personalhistorians.org/index.html. Or you might try your local historical or genealogical society for possible referrals. Whatever happens with your reluctant relatives, don’t give up! Capturing the family history is well worth the effort!


	Touching Tomorrow: How to Interview Your Loved Ones to Capture a Lifetime of Memories on Video or Audio by Mary Lo Verde Published by Simon & Schuster, New York, 2000 U.S. $10.00 Canada $14.75 Touching Tomorrow is a relatively "small" book at 132 pages, but it is packed with useful information. The author has written a concise, easy-to-follow book on how to interview and record family members. In her words, the book can help you "create a legacy of memories for your family and friends." It offers practical advice on preparing for—and conducting—interviews, as well as tips on audiotaping and videotaping the sessions. The book also provides a comprehensive list of questions you might wish to use during your interviews. So, you don’t have to start from scratch when developing your interview questions—something I think a lot of people find difficult to do. You can just adapt Mary’s sample interview guide to fit your own or your family member’s needs. The author also highlights the benefits and value of creating a family audiotape or videotape heirloom. As she states, "…the efforts you give now [in recording family interviews] will enrich the lives of generations to come. No tangible gift could be more valuable." To illustrate this point she offers a number of letters she’s received from readers who have shared their experiences in doing family interviews. One reader who interviewed her parents wrote, "I believe that I touched their hearts in showing them that their history was important enough to capture…I helped them relive some great moments…and I’m delighted that I’ve captured their love of family and of each other for all time." I highly recommend Touching Tomorrow as a good basic guide to creating a family history recording. It covers everything you need to know to start preserving your family memories today!


Contact Gifts of the Past	Share this site with friends or loved ones	©2005 Gifts of the Past.