Organizing Family History Photos and Documents

[@AncestryAimee]

Here's a video on scanning those photographs - hope it helps!

[@mampasalaurie293]

Over the past 20 years, I have faithfully backed up my information onto floppy drives, then CD's, then flash drives and external drives. However, as the technology changed, I lost a lot of information from those early days, that became unreadable in the newer systems. So I am often sorry that I didn't hold onto the paper copies and originals. We see the cloud as the ultimate storage location, but is is really. As much as I hate holding onto paper, that still may be the most reliable. And sharing with others, so your information gets into their trees as well.

[@AncestryAimee]

Good point. Thank you for sharing it!

[@roberthopgood1894]

I like last name, first names (dob-dod) - type of document this helps differentiate between people with same name

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks!

[@bevleeming6703]

Keeping it simple will help if you pass on your research to someone else. They won't have to learn a complicated system in this may encourage them to use it. To add sources to images I have started using Snagit. It is a program where you can capture an image and add notations and sources and save it as a JPEG or whatever format you prefer. It's really simple to use and not expensive.

[@AncestryAimee]

- Agreed! Alot of folks love snagit- thanks for sharing that!

[@erichepperle5902]

Great video. Love the research log tip!

[@AncestryAimee]

Thank you!

[@spinsteraunt329]

This is a great video. Clear & concise. Thanks Aimee!

[@AncestryAimee]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting!

[@ellis984]

I’m including this video in my next newsletter.

[@AncestryAimee]

So glad you’ve liked it and want to share it.

[@charlyleprof]

Very interesting. Thank you.

[@AncestryAimee]

You’re welcome 😄

[@kimberlysavage112]

Great ideas on organization.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thank you!

[@randywallis9624]

When I worked as a communications officer at the local police dept. we searched information for making wanted persons entries into a nationwide computer system, needless to say if someone was arrested on a warrant I entered and the information was incorrect and the incorrect information is what the arresting officer used to match the person he had to the warrant I could get into big trouble. We were taught that any information we found was “lead information only” we had to confirm it was accurate and copies of the information was filed with the original warrant and we had to sign and date a confirmation sheet. So if people searching ancestry would do it thinking that if they put in wrong information they could go to jail they would be more cautious at what they put on record.

[@AncestryAimee]

I do believe that would increase reliability in family trees but may hurt the industry as folks would be afraid to build a tree! 😂

[@randywallis9624]

@@AncestryAimee I wasn’t meaning people should be arrested but that all information should be looked at as lead information leading us to more information that confirmed what we have found. Ps enjoy your videos I just came across them and I’ve been doing this for about 12 years. I put together binders on my paternal side (Wallis & Gunn) printed on parchment paper and gave each of my nephews and nieces a copy. With a letter to them hoping that at least some will pick up the mantle. Thanks Randy

[@aimeec2313]

I misunderstood! 😂 And you’re right every source should lead us to more info that confirms what we’ve found. I like that! So glad you like the videos and are enjoying the channel. Feel free to share! Thanks!

[@shaveurhead4me]

One thing I do with my .jpg digital files is I add "metadata" to the image (at least in Windows, not sure if this works for Macs) by right clicking on the image, selecting PROPERTIES, then a new window opens and I click on DETAILS and then click in the area to the right of COMMENTS. A large block will open into which I paste a copy of the URL, then add the access date: example (accessed 15 June 2023), and I also add the image number if there is one: example [Image 12 of 67]. I add the source information if it is easily copied/pasted, but I can understand if one wouldn't wish to add this because of the horrible way the major genealogy sites do their "source" info. The source I add in the DETAILS is nothing like the source info I create in my genealogy software. This "metadata" stays with the image when you copy it or move it. I have read that the "metadata" supposedly is searchable, but I have never found that to be true. Possibly it was in earlier versions of Windows. Unfortunately, this only works with .jpg, .doc or .docx, and .xls or .xlsx files. There presently is no way to add this kind of information to .pdf or .tif files.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thank you for adding this. I haven’t had luck with metadata sticking. I do use a Mac. I need to study it more because it would be wonderful! I just haven’t wanted to do that and then lose the work and information. If someone out there knows more, please add a comment!!

[@ellis984]

Super!!! Also where do I find a good research log. My hand written ones just become a mess.

[@AncestryAimee]

I use excel and make my own. I include the source citation, whom it applies to, the details, a document number, and sometimes add a web link.

[@MissMJB1997]

What would be the best way to label and organise photographs? I inherited an overwhelming amount of photographs from my grandparents and other family members, which I have scanned digitally. I've tried naming them but find it difficult to categorise, especially when its a photo of multiple people. I've tried all sorts such as separating paternal and maternal, having a file for each family member along with other ways and nothing seems to work best! But its getting to the point where it so overwhelming I just don't organise at all which I don't really want to do as I can never find anything! HELP!

[@AncestryAimee]

I'm actually working on a video about that very topic - it'll be out in a few weeks (3-4). I do have some tutorials on my website: ancestryconsultingbyaimee.com or you can check out this video too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZWynol5qbNqbtk The video explains my method - which is very simple - I have a file with everyone in it, not separate folders (except for closer family where I have lots more pictures). I tend to name photos by father if in pic and may add family (i.e. Stevenson, George and children (or family) - date place or whatever). I know that's what I do so I know where to look.

[@robertsmiley2207]

I have one huge 3 ring binder with all my family history in it but alot of it is stored in my memory

[@AncestryAimee]

I use the binder too for the important docs. Try to get that stuff in your head into a digital tree or your binder. I’m shocked at how much I’ve forgotten now.

[@robertsmiley2207]

I never forget anything it's a Scorpio thing we are hardwired to be investigators it's deeply embedded into my DNA 🧬 and I don't really trust technology my methods are unorthodox but I prefer it that way your more professional I saw your video with Crista Cowan I learned a lot from her and now I'm learning a lot from u 😎✍️🧐

[@lesliebeckwith2483]

i tried the free trial of ancetry and it was so hard, i gave up. it was like i was suppose to know who everyone was, like i thought they would know who my relatives are...

[@AncestryAimee]

Sorry it was frustrating. Try my videos and see if that helps. “How to Build an Ancestry Tree” kzbin.info/www/bejne/haDQY3qliJiop9E and kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnqnmIqBat-qnK8

[@maureentaphouse5206]

I use both Ancestry and Find My Past in the UK and much prefer Ancestry especially when I select the printer friendly version and print a hard copy. That then becomes my working copy and I have one for every name so far. With all programs you need to use your parents as the starting point. Hope that helps support what the channel has said. This is the first one I've found that emphasises "keep it simple".

[@robertsmiley2207]

I had my older relatives put names on the back of the one's they remember but I still have tons of pictures of unknown origins that I suspect are from my own bloodline 🩸

[@AncestryAimee]

Yeah. Me too! So sad.