People who are interested in learning how to trace their own ancestral history have a chance to learn how to go about that, through a series of lectures being offered at the Lutz Branch Library, in Lutz.
During a recent lecture on April 8, those attending had a chance to learn about piecing together their heritage through the use of photography.
The presentation, “Genealogy: Photo Forensics,” was presented by Kelly Whitelock, a family history researcher for Tampa Bay Roots.
Whitelock is also the host of the genealogy series.
At the photo forensic session, she explained how modern-day technology can help unlock the mysteries embedded in a photo.
“It’s amazing what you can learn from a photograph,” the researcher said. “You never know what you’re going to find and where you’re going to find it.”
She used a power point presentation to outline developments throughout the history of photo evolution — from the daguerreotype established in 1839 to today’s computer-generated imagery.
As someone who has studied genealogy for 20 years, Whitelock knows how to unlock information contained in unfamiliar photos of her own ancestors.
She explained some key indicators to look for when examining an old family photograph.
There are clues that can help narrow down when a photo was taken, for instance, and help identify the people in it.
Websites such as Olive Tree Genealogy, or the Victoria and Albert Museum, allow viewers to scroll through images of fashion trends by specific time periods, she said.
“That’s what’s really important about the details,” Whitelock said. “What the person’s wearing, their hairstyles, types of shoes, the jewelry. All these things come into play.”
The type of jewelry being worn may be useful, but it isn’t always a good clue because jewelry often is passed down from one generation to the next, she said.
Whitelock used one of her family photos as a point of reference. The photograph, taken around 1948, is an image of her father and his sister.
She noted some specifics in the photos, which help to indicate its age. Those include the furniture, dishes, books and clothes that can be seen in the image.
There was also an unfamiliar portrait in the photo’s background, which raises even more questions, she said.
In cases like this, Whitelock said one should ask: What connection does the stranger in the background portrait have to the family being researched?
Other good questions to ask include: Does the landscape look familiar? What is the weather like outdoors?
If the photography studio’s name or logo is imprinted on the photo, sometimes the studio can provide useful information, the researcher said.
During the lecture, Whitelock played several instructional YouTube videos.
One video explained how to use Google Images to unveil identities. By uploading personal pictures to Google Images, it can run a search and potentially find the same photo with useful information.
She also dispelled the notion that older people resist the use of new technology. They tend to be very receptive to using the tools in their quest to conduct historical research, she said.
In fact, she said, “genealogy (research) has really encouraged a lot of them to learn more than they may have otherwise learned.”
Paul Ergler, who was at the lecture, said he could attest to that.
He’s been using technology to help him discover his family roots.
Ergler said his mother got him interested in his lineage decades ago and he’s been curious about old photographs that came from his grandmother.
The genealogy class has demonstrated what a huge benefit Internet sources can be in his search, the Lutz resident added.
“Most of it I really wasn’t aware of,” he admitted. “This is kind of the beginning of my search to decipher what I’ve got.”
Ergler, among others, also learned the importance of preserving photographs for the long-term.
Another YouTube tutorial that Whitelock showed recommends keeping photos in albums with polyester sleeves to protect from stains and fingerprints.
It also advises storing photographs in windowless closets, to reduce potential damage from exposure to the sun. Storing photos in attics, basements or garages is not recommended.
It’s also a good idea to avoid protectors made of chemical acids or polyvinyl chloride, as they could ultimately ruin the photos, Whitelock said.
Anyone who wants to learn more about their family roots is invited to attend the monthly genealogy session at the Lutz Branch Library every second Monday at 12:15 p.m. To find out more, call the library at (813) 273-3652.
Genealogy courses
Where: Lutz Branch Library, 101 Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz
When: Every second Monday of the month, at 12:15 p.m., through December
Cost: Free
Details: Each lecture focuses on different aspects of ancestry and how to research one’s personal family lineage.
Info: Call the Lutz Branch Library at (813) 273- 3652.
Published May 01, 2019
