In these pages we have photos that we cannot identify.  We are asking for your help.  Please contact us.

If you have a photo of someone you cannot identify please contact us and we will post your photo.  Be sure and tell us what you know of the photo.

Old family photographs are a treasured part of any family history. Many of them‚ unfortunately‚ do not come neatly labeled on the back with names‚ dates‚ people or places. The photographs have a story to tell…but about whom? The sooner they are posted‚ the quicker they are found!

Solving the mystery faces and places in your old family photographs requires knowledge of your family history‚ combined with good old fashioned detective work.

Here are 5 tips to help you identify your photos:

1. Identify the Type of Photograph – knowing the type will help you narrow the period.  If you are uncertain ask a photographer (Dan Wenzel)
2. Who Was the Photographer? – http://genealogyinstlouis.accessgenealogy.com/tracylewis.htm
3. Check Out the Scene & Setting – The setting or backdrop for a photograph May be able to provide clues to location or time period. Early photographs‚ especially those taken prior to the advent of flash photography in 1884‚ were often taken outside‚ to take advantage of natural light.
4. Focus on Clothing & Hairstyle – Photographs taken during the 19th century were not the casual snapshots of today but‚ generally‚ formal affairs where the family got dressed up in their “Sunday best.” Clothing fashions and hairstyle choices changed from year to year‚ providing yet another basis for determining the approximate date when the photograph was taken. Pay special attention to waist size and styles‚ necklines‚ skirt lengths and widths‚ dress sleeves and fabric choices. Women’s clothing styles tend to change more frequently than men‚ but men’s fashions can still be helpful. Menswear is all in the details‚ such as coat collars and neckties.
5. Match the Clues Up with Your Knowledge of Family History – Once you’ve been able to narrow down a location and time period for an old photograph‚ your knowledge of your ancestors comes into play. Where did the photo come from? Knowing which branch of the family the photo was passed down from can narrow down your search. If the photograph is a family portrait or group shot‚ try to identify other people in the photo. Look for other photos from the same family line which include recognizable details – the same house‚ car‚ furniture‚ or jewelry. Talk to your family members to see if they recognize any of the faces or features of the photograph.

Source: http://genealogy.about.com/od/photo_dating/ss/identification.htm

Make sure that your photos are in some way identified (a name or country‚ or date‚ or state‚ etc.) and that they meet Airrington Genealogy’s criteria.  Currently‚ AirringtonGenealogy’s photos were taken prior to 1965 and all subjects are now deceased.  Submissions must fall within these guidelines for privacy concerns.

Airrington Genealogy – Mystery Photos