Photo Detective

Finding the Story Behind an Old Photo of a Man in Military Uniform

Lost to time is the name of this man wearing a 19th-century military uniform and the reason he sat for this studio portrait. A picture like this, with carefully placed props, was taken to tell a particular story.

Caption Clues & How to Label Your Old Family Photos

Avoid future family photo mysteries by identifing photos you know. Just write the name lightly with a soft lead pencil on the edge of the back.

What Story Does Your Picture Tell?

All photographs have a story behind them; you just have to know what clues to look for. Photo Detective Maureen Taylor shares tips on finding the history in your images.

A Mystery Discovered Inside a Library Book

When Ansel Wilson’s father checked out a library book in the 1960's, he didn't expect to find a mystery inside. Decades later, Ansel has reached out to Photo Detective Maureen A. Taylor for help identifying the women photographed on a negative that he found within the book.

Three Steps to Identifying Ancestors in Old Group Photos

Don't know who's who in that old black-and-white family photo? We'll show you three steps to identifying ancestors in old group photos.

Real Cowboys or Make Believe?

Maureen continues her investigation into who these two handsome cowboys are. With the help of facial comparison technology and census records help her solve the case?

A Mystery in a Framed Wedding Certificate

Wedding certificates used to be quite common, and you may have one or more in your family collection. Maureen A. Taylor is investigating a mysterious date change on a certificate submitted by one of our readers, and sharing information about these popular historical documents.

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