What to do with old scrapbooks?

Question

I have several photo albums from my grandparents, around 100 years old, with many photographs of their old friends I do not know. Many of the persons have names written, some with stories. These albums are deteriorating slowly, though the photos are good. I think of the families who would love to have these documents, yet have no way to contact them. Is there a recommended thing to do with these? I'm sure this is a common problem, but thought I would ask it anyway.

Albert Hines

Comments

I've seen several groups on facebook whose purpose is to reunite lost photos with current descendants. After you make a digital copy for yourself maybe you could look into either turning those photos over to a reuniting service or ask for their advice as to how best to find those pictured.

Answer 1

What a good question! If you know the name and/or story you could add a profile for the person even if you didn't want to manage it. What a find for a relative as they searched WikiTree. Or scan and post the photo here on G2G with as much information as you have and then others could help you track their history.

Comments

Great answer Brett! One thing to do would be to digitize the entire scrapbook. Basically use a camera (phone cameras work well too) and photograph each page. Take care not to use a flash, so lighting is important. Also take care that the photos are taken straight on rather than at an angle. Don't forget the cover.

Then create a Free Space profile here on wikiTree for the Scrapbook.

Mags