Jewish family memory
Five facts to record with every family photograph
At minimum, record the item's identifier, people, place, approximate date, and source. Explicit unknowns make an archive more trustworthy than guesses.
By Pinkas · Updated September 28, 2026
A practical first step
Keep a literal transcription of writing separate from your interpretation. Add the contributor, scan date, and any sharing restrictions when available.
An example to follow
An inscription 'Summer at Auntie's' is evidence. Your interpretation of which aunt and town belongs in a separate note with an explanation.
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.