Since one of DeadFred's missions is the archiving of old photos (identified AND unidentified) for future generations of genealogists, we thought it might be great to keep you updated on some of the latest news about photography and archiving.
The photo industry has been trying to make it easier for us to print our own photos and archive them. Sharing photos online and storing them digitally seem to be a great solution as computer monitors and television screens emit light and make photos seem more alive. However, the downside is that digital mediums break down just like paper and ink....but just not as quickly. The more important problem is media FORMAT storage, which currently include JPG, TIFF, EPS and PNG files to name a few.
It is unlikely that printed photography will disappear for quite a while, so check out what Kodak is up to with their new ink that promises to last up to 100 years (from an article posted on February 7).
And not that we are focusing on Kodak, but they are the ones in the news at the moment with their new EasyShare inkjet printers. DVICE.com reports that their printers can save you $70 per year for 150 photos. The article goes on to say that Kodak printers don't rate the highest in consumer reports, but we expect that they will continue being a progressive company when it comes to photography. Complete article at DVICE.com.
Say Good-bye to a Photography Icon
Technology is always moving forward. The digital age has enabled us to document our lives in much more detail than our ancestors were able to. Materials are less expensive and more on demand. And with every advancement, we leave behind the old technology. In just one year, all television stations will begin broadcasting digitally leaving behind those of us that still cling to our rabbit ears in rural areas.
Now it's time to say good-bye to a photographic icon of a white framed photograph we all recognize as a Polaroid picture.
Bloomberg.com reports that Polaroid is exiting the film business. If you haven't heard, Polaroid announced this month that they are discontinuing production of their 600 series instant cameras. Additionally, they will only have enough film available for consumers through 2009. They will be focusing on digital photography and flat-panel televisions. Read the complete article here.
For all you dedicated archive supporters, DeadFred has created a special members area just for you. All the features currently available on DeadFred.com are and will always be FREE. However, for the discriminating family archivist DeadFred.com will be offering a special "Friends of Fred" members only area. For an annual membership of $19.95, you'll get access to the following EXTRA features:
Special photo posting area: Upload up to 10 photos at once
Change or delete records and photos without having to contact the DeadFred.com staff
Update general items for an entire photo (several records) at once - your changes are automatically approved
Update your email address
Access and search all past newsletters
View all "Possible Reunion" correspondence sent to you through DeadFred.com
Customize your area by picking your own color scheme and display photo
NEW: Stickies! Put notes to photo owners via our "Stickies." (Normally $10 for 100)
And...not only do you get all these fantastic EXTRA features, but you're helping promote an archive that has UNLIMITED free searches for all users and has helped well over 1,277 people find lost photos of their ancestors - FIFTY THIS MONTH ALONE - and you could be next!
For those involved with Irish genealogy this is the most important map collection ever published. Surveyed between 1829 and 1843, our Irish Townland Maps are packed with detail and are of superb quality and craftsmanship. They are both an excellent gift for anyone with an interest in Ireland and a wonderful source of information for researchers.
You made your New Year's Resolutions. You started your photo organizing project with tons of enthusiasm. Oh, yes, you told yourself. This year is going to be different.
But now it's February, Valentine's Day has come and gone, and...well...
Here are some tips to keep your photo organizing project from fizzling out before you finish.
1. Set realistic goals.
If you place the bar too high, you're setting yourself up for failure. Pick realistic goals. Remember the baby steps. I've talked about this in more detail before. Here's a link to that article.
2. Make photo organizing as fun as possible.
This technique not only works, it makes the whole project more fun. I call that a win-win situation. One of the simplest ways to increase the fun factor is to play your favorite music. Even better if the music goes with the photos you're working on.
Another win-win is to invite someone to join you. Make it a regular date and you've added an extra layer of "get it done." Just think of it as a quilting bee for photos. You know, like a photo bee! ::grin::
Miriam Midkiff's awesome Scanfest uses this same idea to help folks complete large scanning projects. This completely free event happens once a month. Follow this link to learn more about Scanfest.
3. Hire a photo coach.
I don't talk about this often, but you can hire The Practical Archivist for coaching via phone or email. If you live within driving distance of Madison, Wisconsin, we can arrange one-on-one help in the comfort of your own home. Email me if you'd like to set something up: sally -at- jacobsarchival -dot- com.
But, really...as long as you've got a solid preservation plan for your family photos, any personal organizer or coach can help you stay on track. Just don't rely on a "clutter buster" for safe photo storage boxes, OK?
4. Use tech tools as your personal trainer.
If all you need is a regular reminder to stay on track, there are plenty of free tools to choose from. Here are three to get you started:
Future Me - write yourself a letter to be delivered at a later date.
GottaKeepUp.com - Get reminders at work, home, or on the go.
rminder.com - Enter your reminder and receive a voice or text message to your phone to remind you. You can sync these reminders with iCal, Google Calendar, Yahoo Calendar and more.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sally Jacobs, The Practical Archivist, has a Master's in Library Science with a Specialization in Archives Management and has worked at the Library of Congress Prints & Photos Division, the Wisconsin Historical Society, and American Girl. She is currently on a mission to help family historians become better family archivists. The Practical Archivist blog: Archiving tips and geeky tidbits written by an archivist who never met an antique photograph she didn't like. http://www.practicalarchivist.com
GOT A QUESTION FOR THE PRACTICAL ARCHIVIST? Sure you do! Send queries
to sally@deadfred.com
DeadFred.com is pleased to announce that in the past 30 days we have had FIFTY reunions!
Because of this HUGE number, we've constructed a seperate page to showcase all the reunions so as to reduce the load time for our readers.
We now have had 1277 reunions of photos families never knew existed. And we couldn't be more exited.
So, dig out that box of old photos, identified or unidentified, scan them into your computer, and upload them to DeadFred to help people in their genealogy research fill in their family trees.
Full archive record may be found here.
Photo Number: 50961
Winamac, IN, United States
Comments: Minna (last name unknown) was a childhood friend of my great grandmother, Mary Jenkins, in Winamac (Pulaski County), Indiana. My great grandmother was born in 1874 so Minna was probably born around the same time. Photo is dated Oct. 23, 1919. Minna also appears in a separate group photo with Mary Jenkins and other girls where, other than Marys sister Ella, Minna is the only one labeled. Believe their friendship carried into adulthood although Mary Jenkins moved to Chattanooga, TN around 1885. Would like to give photo to a descendant
Full archive record may be found here. c1860s
Photo Number: 36210
Comments: This Photo was purchased by my mother at a yard sale. The photo looks like a glass picture and was contained in a leather folder about 2 inches by 3 or 4 inches. There was a latch on the side of the case. The case is still in fairly good shape. Thanks, Fran Conlan
Full archive record may be found here.
Photo Number: 51732
Essex, IL, United States
Comments: The only information on the back of this photo is Cummins Essex Ills
I am not related to the person in this photo. I "rescued" this photo from a thrift store in Western Oklahoma.
Full archive record may be found here.
Photo Number: 52358
Wilkes-Barre, Pa, United States
Comments: This person was a friend of Bernard and James McHugh of Parrish St. Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Any information on this person will be appreciated the photo was taken around 1900
Full archive record may be found here.
Photo Number: 51727
Comments: This is a post card with no information on it.
I am not related to the person in the photo. I "rescued" this photo from a thrift store in Western Oklahoma.
We think the subject of this photo looks a little like.... Well, we'll let you decide for yourself:
Submit your guess:
Last Month's Dead Ringer:
Some of you thought she looked like Christina Ricci!
Other Guesses
Drew Barrymore
Reese Witherspoon
Angelina Jolie
Bette Davis
Bonnie Parker
Claire Danes
Donna Reed
Helen Bonham Carter
Jessica Alba
Jessica Lange
Joanne Woodward
Lizzie Borden
Meg Ryan
Natalie Wood
Nicole Kidman
Pamela Reed
Susan Sarandon
Our hope is for each and every one of our unique visitors to donate at least one dollar (we'll take less and certainly more) for the upkeep and betterment of DeadFred.com. Be a philanthropist! All it takes is a big heart and a donation of any amount.
If you would like to help, please click on the link below, or you can mail a check or money order to the following address:
In This Issue
Since one of DeadFred's missions is the archiving of old photos (identified AND unidentified) for future generations of genealogists, we thought it might be great to keep you updated on some of the latest news about photography and archiving.
Technology is always moving forward. The digital age has enabled us to document our lives in much more detail than our ancestors were able to. Materials are less expensive and more on demand. And with every advancement, we leave behind the old technology. In just one year, all television stations will begin broadcasting digitally leaving behind those of us that still cling to our rabbit ears in rural areas.
