Jewish family memory
Preserve writing on the back of photographs
Handwriting, stamps, studio marks, and numbers can provide evidence unavailable in the image itself. Capture the reverse even when the writing is difficult to read.
By Pinkas · Updated September 28, 2026
A practical first step
Transcribe what is visible, including uncertain letters and original spelling. Keep a translation and interpretation in separate notes and name the person who supplied them.
An example to follow
A penciled surname may be a later identification rather than an original caption. Record that its author and date are unknown instead of assuming contemporaneous evidence.
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.