Jewish family memory
Build an old-photo inventory
A photo inventory is a map of your collection, including the items you have not identified or scanned. Start with enough information to find each original again.
By Pinkas · Updated September 28, 2026
A practical first step
Use columns for item ID, storage location, front/back files, names, date, place, contributor, confidence, and next action. Keep restricted notes out of publicly shared sheets.
An example to follow
A row with unknown names can still be useful if it identifies the envelope, owner, and question that needs answering.
Keep the record useful for the next relative
Save the original item or recording, the source of each claim, and the date you added the note. Label estimates and disputed details. Decide who should have access before inviting other people to help.