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How to Find Pictures of Ancestors

Finding pictures of ancestors puts a face on your own personal history. For most of human history, only the very wealthy could afford the high prices commanded by portrait painters. The first photograph of a person appeared in 1839 when Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre experimented with his brand new product, the daguerreotype. He photographed the streets of Paris and one man stopped for a shoe shine long enough to appear in the photo. By the 1850's portrait studios had sprung up in major cities and family and individual portraits became treasured keepsakes.

Things You'll Need

Family address book
Computer

Instructions

- 1
  Contact extended family. Upon death, entire estates are split between children and grandchildren, including photos. Second, third and even fourth cousins share common ancestors. Some families refuse to hand over original photographs. However, with the ease of digital copies, electronic transfers take the place of sending originals.
- 2
  Search records in your local historical society. Many libraries and historical societies collect photos from a variety of sources. Schools and churches record their events and donate old photos. Pictures of civic events such as new buildings, political races or celebrations find their way into these archives. Many families donate old pictures from estates. Many of these archives scan, restore and tag the photos for easy searches. If your ancestors lived in a distant area, try checking for online archives or plan a trip to the area to search through original photos.
- 3
  Search the internet. Many online search companies fill the needs of amateur and professional genealogists alike. Try searching online auction sites for antique pictures from your ancestral area. Search for state and local archives for school and professional pictures of your ancestors.

Other Collecting