Jewish family memory
How to record uncertain photo identities
An uncertain identity should remain visibly uncertain wherever a photograph is used. A suggested name and a confirmed identification are different kinds of information.
By Pinkas · Updated September 28, 2026
A practical first step
Record the proposed person, contributor, reason, and confidence in ordinary language. Before making a book or public display, review whether the caption preserves that uncertainty.
An example to follow
Use 'Believed to be Chana, based on Leah's recollection' instead of dropping the qualifier to fit a short caption.
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.