In this episode of "The Photo Detective," guests Steve Little and Mark Thompson return to discuss AI's integration in genealogy photo projects. They discuss historical breakthroughs in image analysis, such as the ability of AI to recognize visual jokes and extract text from images, such as tombstone inscriptions. They also cover the practical applications of AI in managing and tagging large photo collections, greatly reducing the time and effort required. The discussion emphasizes the importance of critical analysis in genealogy, noting that AI tools should complement but not replace traditional research methods. The episode highlights the evolving nature of AI technology, the ethical considerations in its use, and the potential future advancements that could further revolutionize genealogical photo analysis.Key Topics:Historical development of AI in image recognition.Practical uses of AI in photo tagging and collection management.Detailed case studies of AI successfully identifying and analyzing elements in photos.Ethical concerns and limitations of AI, especially in facial recognition.Future prospects and potential improvements in AI photo analysis technology.Insights:Discussion on AI's role in identifying visual jokes.How AI has revolutionized the task of managing and tagging massive photo collections.Ethical implications of advanced facial recognition technologies.Importance of maintaining a skeptical and analytical approach to AI-generated data in genealogy.Conclusion: Emphasis on AI as a tool in genealogy that requires cautious integration and continual evaluation.Related Episodes: Episode 207: An Underutilized Source: The Newberry LibraryEpisode 221: Permanent Digital Storage Solutions with Tammy Kirby of Forever.com Links: Sign up for my newsletter.Watch my YouTube Channel.Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.About My Guest:Stephen J. Little,  is the AI Program Director for the National Genealogical Society and has lifelong passions for language, technology, and genealogy. His passion lies in AI & genetic genealogy, with a keen interest in endogamy, pedigree collapse, and the art of deciphering multiple relationships through DNA segment triangulation, and an insatiable cu I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations. Support the Show.

In this episode of the Photo Detective Podcast, Maureen was joined by Mark Thompson, a professional genealogist and IT expert, and Steve Little, AI Program Director at the National Genealogical Society.  Main Discussion Points:Comparisons of AI's current impact to the dot-com era.The role of small companies and startups in driving AI innovations.Potential applications of AI in genealogy and historical research.Ethical Considerations:Discussion on privacy issues related to AI.Ethical use of AI in processing sensitive genealogical data.Future of AI in Genealogy:Predictions on AI's evolving role in research and data analysis.Integration of AI tools into mainstream applications like Microsoft products.Related Episodes: Bonus Episode: ChatGPT and Image Generators: What You Need to Know Episode 205: Numbers to Names: A Holocaust Database Links: Sign up for my newsletter.Watch my YouTube Channel.Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.About My Guests:Stephen J. Little,  is the AI Program Director for the National Genealogical Society and has lifelong passions for language, technology, and genealogy. His passion lies in AI & genetic genealogy, with a keen interest in endogamy, pedigree collapse, and the art of deciphering multiple relationships through DNA segment triangulation, and an insatiable curiosity to explore beneficial uses and current limits of artificial intelligence in genealogy. Mark Thompson is a professional genealogist and educator who specializes in genetic genealogy and researching personal family archives.  Prior to becoming a genealogist, Mark worked in leadership roles in information technology.  Mark’s combined background in technology and genealogy uniquely positions him to introduce genealogists to the rapidly changing field of artificial intelligence and how it can help them in their genealogy research. About Maureen Taylor:Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo-related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations. Support the Show.

In today's solo episode, Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective, delves into the essential practice of interviewing relatives for family history research. Following the feedback from newsletter subscribers and podcast listeners, this episode focuses on the collective wisdom and personal insights shared on this topic. We will explore the nuances of conducting effective interviews, the importance of capturing oral histories, and how these personal accounts enrich our understanding of family lineage and heritage.Introduction to the importance of interviewing relatives for family history research.Summary of listener and subscriber advice on conducting interviews.Tips for preparing for an interview, including researching and creating a conducive environment.Discussion of the best practices for recording interviews and preserving oral histories.Insights on starting with elder relatives and verifying family information.Techniques for encouraging relatives to share stories and memories.Overview of resources for developing effective interview questions, such as AmericanAncestors.org.Personal anecdotes and advice from other listeners on the value of capturing family stories.Preview of the next episode focusing on advice for one’s younger self in family history research.Related Episodes: Episode 228: Joseph Quaderer: Democratizing Biographies with StorySavor.comEpisode 77: Interviewing Relatives: A Conversation with Personal Biographer Francie KingLinks: Conducting a Family History Interview from AmericanAncestors.org100 Questions to Ask Your Mother from Today.com Sign up for my newsletter.Watch my YouTube Channel.Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.About Maureen Taylor:Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveTM helps clients with photo-related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at Maureentaylor.comDid you enjoy this episode? Ple I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations. Support the Show.

Today, we dive into the flavorful world of Andrew Scrivani, a renowned food photographer and author of “That Photo Makes Me Hungry”. Andrew shares his extensive experience spanning over two decades, revealing insights into the evolution of food photography, his creative process, and the broader implications of visual storytelling in our culinary experiences. As we explore his journey from capturing the essence of food to coaching emerging creatives, Andrew illuminates the intricate relationship between art, life, and the ever-changing digital landscape of photography.Discussion on the evolution of food photography and its cultural significanceInsights into the impact of social media and technology on the photography industryExploration of food photography’s role in documenting cultural and temporal changesThe importance of storytelling and personal connection in creating memorable imagesHis involvement with the Content Authentication InitiativeFuture trends in photography, including the challenges and opportunities presented by AIRelated Episodes:Episode 209: Seeing Double: Talking Look-Alikes with Francois Brunnelle Episode 196: Early Color Photos and the American Museum of Photography Links:Content Authenticity Andrew Scrivani’s website Sign up for my newsletter.Watch my YouTube Channel.Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.About My Guest:Andrew is a photographer, director, and producer who has worked on editorial, publishing, advertising, content creation, documentary, and feature film projects. He is also the producer and co-host of The Chef John Podcast. Andrew launched his online learning platform in April of 2022 called the Andrew Scrivani Academy.  His first book, That Photo Makes Me Hungry by Countryman Press was released in 2019. He is also involved on the advisory board of the Content Authenticity Initiative, which was organized through Adobe and some other big tech companies. About Maureen Taylor:Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo-related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by T I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations. Support the Show.

Mitch Goldstone, from ScanMyPhotos.com, returned to the Photo Detective Podcast to discuss the growth and evolution of his photo-scanning business. Having preserved over a billion pictures, the company specializes in digitizing old photographs, slides, and films, thus safeguarding personal and historical memories. Mitch shared the journey of adapting from traditional photo labs to digital scanning, fueled by shifts in technology and public events. He highlighted the emotional impact of rediscovering and sharing old photos, especially through their ScanFast service for urgent needs. The conversation also touched on the future of photo archiving, including AI and virtual reality enhancements.Mitch Goldstone of ScanMyPhotos.com discusses surpassing a billion scanned photos.Technological shifts and events like 9/11 influenced the transition from traditional photo labs to digital scanning.The importance of digitizing photos to preserve memories and prevent loss due to deterioration or disasters.Introduction of ScanFast service for same-day scanning, aiding in immediate needs like memorial services.The role of digital archiving in preserving family history and cultural heritage.The impact of AI and virtual reality in enhancing photo viewing experiences.Note: This is an affiliate promotion, meaning we may earn a commission if you take advantage of this fantastic deal. Act fast, preserve your history, and save big with 'GoDigital' at ScanMyPhotos.com!Related Episodes: Episode 50: Scan My Photos with Mitch Goldstone   Episode 162: Preserving Your Life with Gaylord ArchivalLinks: ScanMyPhotos.com USA Today Tech TipsSign up for my newsletter.Watch my YouTube Channel.Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.About My Guest:Mitch Goldstone is co-founder and CEO of ScanMyPhotos.com which has professionally preserved one billion happy memories, family milestones, and special events for its customers since 1990. Mitch is a well-known leader in the photo imaging and tech industry who is regularly profiled by the national news media for his innovations and advocacy issues. About Maureen Taylor:Maureen Taylor, The Photo I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations. Support the Show.

In this solo episode, Maureen shares invaluable advice from her listeners, guiding beginner genealogists on their journey to trace their ancestry. From the critical importance of verification to the joy of discovering untold family stories, Maureen navigates through the collective wisdom of her audience, offering a treasure trove of tips and insights for anyone embarking on their genealogical quest.Overview of the episode’s theme: collecting advice for beginner genealogists from experienced listeners.Discussion on the importance of documenting family history accurately and avoiding assumptions.Insights into the challenges and rewards of genealogical research, including unexpected discoveries and the depth of family history.Tips for organizing genealogical research, including the use of timelines and careful documentation.Emphasis on the collaborative nature of genealogy and respecting the ownership of research findings.Exploration of the evolving career opportunities in genealogy and the importance of education in the field.Importance of skepticism towards online information and the value of primary sources in genealogical research. Related Episodes:Episode 160: Ask Maureen December 2021 edition Episode 147: Ask Maureen September 2021 Edition Links:Submit Your Ask Maureen Question Sign up for my newsletter.Watch my YouTube Channel.Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation. About Maureen Taylor:Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at Maureentaylor.comDid you enjoy this episode? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations. Support the Show.

Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal discusses the popular Relatives at Rootstech feature, which allows conference registrants to connect with family. It’s free to sign up, easy to participate in, and only available until March 31, 2024. Elizabeth shares her strategies for using it.  Register for RootsTech to access recorded content and participate in “Relatives at RootsTech” for family tree connections.Opt-in to participate in “Relatives at RootsTech” and ensure you have an updated family tree on FamilySearch.Use the FamilySearch family tree mobile app to find relatives and actively engage with the genealogical community.Experience sharing reveals the potential to connect with distant relatives and gain new insights into family history.New features like saving contacts on RootsTech improve long-term communication possibilities with newfound relatives. Related Episodes:Episode 205: Numbers to Names: A Holocaust Photo Database Episode 24: Civil War Photo SleuthLinks:5 Things to Do With Relatives at RootstechHeart of the Family Sign up for my newsletter.Watch my YouTube Channel.Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.About My Guest:Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal is a professional genealogist, writer, educator, and national genealogical speaker. She is the author of the family history lifestyle website, Heart of the Family™ where her mission is to help others make the past part of their present.About Maureen Taylor:Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at Maureentaylor.comDid you enjoy this episode? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations. Support the Show.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating journey of Joseph Quaderer, founder of StorySavor.com. Learn how this unique company is changing the landscape of biography writing, making it accessible to everyone.Joseph shares his transition from a finance professional to a passionate writer and entrepreneur. He discusses his experiences, from writing novels to starting a successful blog, and how these experiences led to the birth of StorySavor. Discover how StorySavor is democratizing the biography writing process, allowing anyone to have their stories artfully captured and preserved for generations. Joseph explains the streamlined process StorySaver uses to connect clients with professional writers, ensuring personal stories are told with authenticity and depth.Learn about the growth of StorySavor, its network of professional writers, and its impact on the writing community. Joseph reflects on the importance of storytelling, the therapeutic nature of sharing life stories, and his vision for the future of StorySavor.Related Episodes:Episode 77: Interviewing Relatives: A Conversation with Personal Biographer Francie King Bonus Episode: Katherine Howe on Writing–from the Salem Witches to Gloria Vanderbilt Links:StorySavor.comSign up for my newsletter.Watch my YouTube Channel.Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.About My Guest:Joseph Quaderer is a graduate of The University of Notre Dame (BA in finance), New York University Stern School of Business (MBA in finance and strategy), and Columbia University Journalism School (MS in long-form journalism). After spending 17 years as a banker on Wall Street, he left finance to pursue his passion for storytelling. He’s currently the founder and CEO of StorySavor – a biography writing services company. StorySavor has a roster of 74 professional writers with credits in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Forbes, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and many other top publications.About Maureen Taylor:Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo-related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and othe I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations. Support the Show.

Welcome to another captivating episode of our podcast! In today’s show, we’re joined by the remarkable Howlin Davis, a genealogy enthusiast with an extraordinary story to share. After tuning into one of our newsletters, Howlin revealed his unique tale of rediscovery. His journey began with an unexpected phone call that led him to a treasure trove of lost family memories captured in old film reels.Approximately 11 months ago, Howlin received a mysterious call asking if he was related to someone involved with the New York Stock Exchange. This call was the key to unlocking a series of family films dating back to the 1940s. These films, mistakenly believed to be related to the Stock Exchange, were actually personal family movies, showcasing scenes of New York City, Boston, and upstate New York.In this episode, Howlin takes us through the emotional journey of discovering these films. He explains his meticulous process of documenting each frame, revealing not just images but stories of his ancestors – his young parents, grandparents, and even family friends. This collection offers a rare glimpse into their lives, capturing their personalities and their era.Related Episodes:Bonus Episode: Lost History Discovered (in the Recycling) Episode 65: Lost Films Need Your Help!  With Elil SavadaLinks:Sign up for my newsletter.Watch my YouTube Channel.Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.About My Guest:In 1973, Howland’s mother-in-law wanted to update her father’s descendency information (Neher/Near) which she published by hand (printing press & type).  He had the book scanned so that they could work on it together. The updated book was republished in 1997. His mother then asked him to update her father’s family history (Fabyan), which was dated 1925 and was on a sheet of paper 40 inches wide by 30 inches high. He used that to make a book with that information in October 2002.  He is now working on the fifth edition. About Maureen Taylor:Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo-related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations. Support the Show.

In this episode, we delve into the heartwarming and intriguing world of Julian Rebello, the founder of the Chosen Families Project. Julian, a recent graduate with a unique blend of chemistry and graphic design expertise, has embarked on a poignant mission to reunite lost photographs, documents, and letters with their rightful families. His journey, which began with a chance discovery in an antique store, has evolved into a passionate project blending genealogy, history, and storytelling. Julian shares his experiences, challenges, and the satisfying moments of reuniting people with a piece of their history. His story is not just about preserving the past but also about connecting generations and honoring memories.Introduction to Julian Rebello and the Chosen Families Project.Origin and evolution of the Chosen Families Project: Returning photographs, documents, and letters to families.The project’s uniqueness: Not just photographs, but also documents and letters.The first project: Wedding photographs from Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania.The future goals and visions for the Chosen Families Project.Realistic perspectives on photo and document reunions.Closing thoughts and appreciation for Julian’s work.Related Episodes:Episode 174:  A Case of Mistaken Identity: Sue’s Wedding Photo Reunion Episode 145: Orphan Photos Reunited Links:Sign up for my newsletter.Watch my YouTube Channel.Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.About My Guest:Julian Rebelo is a New Jersey-based genealogist who, several years ago, created The Chosen Family Project out of his passion for collecting orphaned family photographs and documents whilst trying to reunite them with their respective families. Julian graduated from Monmouth University in 2023 with his Bachelor’s in Chemistry and recently graduated from the Boston University Genealogical Certificate Program. For over eight years, he has conducted genealogical research for clients through his business, JRebeloGenealogy. He is also the podcast host and primary researcher of The Chosen Families Project, an active volunteer for the Keyport Historical Society, and a member of the Matawan Genealogy Club. About Maureen Taylor:Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations. Support the Show.

Maureen Taylor is thrilled to have Dr. Michael Pritchard on the podcast. He’s a celebrated historian and the author of A History of Photography in 50 Cameras. They discuss cameras, history, and the art of capturing moments.Introduction to Dr. Michael Pritchard: His background and expertise in the history of photography.Discussion on “A History of Photography in 50 Cameras”: Insights into the book’s approach to storytelling through cameras.Evolution of Camera Collecting: Trends in camera collecting from the 1980s to the present.The Importance of the Camera Obscura: Discuss the significance of this device in the history of photography.Digital Photography and its FutureRelated Episodes:Episode 170: Snapshot Cameras in Your Family with Peter DumasEpisode 120: Good Pictures: Amateur Photography and Our Family with art historian Kim BeilLinks:British Photo HistorySign up for my newsletter.Watch my YouTube Channel.Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.About My Guest:Dr. Michael Pritchard, a renowned figure in photography, has a diverse career spanning various roles. Initially a photography specialist at Christie’s, he set record auction prices for cameras. Holding a PhD in photographic history, he has extensively written and lectured on the subject both in the UK and internationally. His expertise extends to teaching MA courses and consulting for the British Library on the Kodak Historical Collection. He contributes significantly to the field as the director of the Royal Photographic Society’s public programs. His practical experience includes studio and location photography, darkroom techniques, and alternative processes. Michael has also been prominent in curating exhibitions and judging international photography competitions. His published works include notable titles like “A History of Photography in 50 Cameras,” and he edits The PhotoHistorian and the British Photo History blog. About Maureen Taylor:Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo-related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical p I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations. Support the Show.

In this episode, Maureen Taylor talks with Tammy Kirby, a Senior Lead Ambassador at Forever.com. Their conversation delves into the innovative world of Forever.com. As someone who transitioned from traditional scrapbooking to embracing the digital era, Tammy offers a unique perspective on how Forever.com is redefining how we store and preserve our digital memories. She explains its distinct features compared to other cloud storage solutions and how it ensures the longevity and safety of our digital legacies.Tammy Kirby’s Background and Introduction to Forever.com:The concept and functionality of Forever.com as more than just a digital photo organizer.Unique Features of Forever.comIntroduction of Artisan software, Forever Box for physical conversions, and digital restoration services.Collaborative Features and App Functionality:Supported File Formats and Future Developments:Pricing and Storage Options:Tammy’s Favorite Feature: The ability to add rich descriptions to photos, enhancing the narrative of digital memories.Related Episodes:Episode 161: Creating a Digital Archive with Permanent.org Episode 95: How to Save Your Family Archive on Permanent.orgLinks:Tammy Kirby, Forever.com Sign up for my newsletter.Watch my YouTube Channel.Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.About My Guest:A Personal Photo Management Coach from Connecticut, Tammy has been working for over 20 years, helping individuals and families find solutions for all their photo memory needs. She focuses on creating an organized, permanent, and secure digital home that includes not just names and dates but the stories behind the memories. Working together with her clients, from digitizing vintage photos to managing current phone photos & videos, she works step-by-step so that all important memories are preserved and shared for generations.About Maureen Taylor:Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others. I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations. Support the Show.

In this episode, Maureen talks with Richard Thompson Ford, author of “Dress Codes: How the Laws of Fashion Made History.” They explore how fashion has been used throughout history as a way to reinforce class structures, gender roles, and social norms. Though dress codes are not as overt today, Richard explains how unwritten fashion rules still dictate what we wear.The “Straw Hat Riot” of 1922 erupted over men wearing straw hats past September 15thHigh heels originated as a masculine fashion, first worn by Persian horseback riders to lock into stirrupsThe flapper look in the 1920s was the first successful “rational dress” movement for womenTartans emerged as symbols of Scottish identity partly in reaction to British dress codes banning themThough we think fashion is casual today, there are still unwritten “uniforms” in many industries and social groupsRelated Episodes:Episode 91:Suffragists and Suffragettes: Fashion and the Vote Episode 155: Ancestral Handbag History with Curator Jessica HarpleyLinks:Richard Thompson Ford Sign up for my newsletter.Watch my YouTube Channel.Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.About My Guest:Richard Thompson Ford is Professor of Law at Stanford Law School. He writes about law, social and cultural issues and race relations and has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The San Francisco Chronicle, CNN and Slate.   He is the author of the New York Times notable books The Race Card and Rights Gone Wrong: How Law Corrupts the Struggle for Equality.  He has appeared on The Colbert Report, The Rachel Maddow Show, and The Dylan Rattigan Show.  He is a member of the American Law Institute and serves on the board of the Authors Guild Foundation.  Quite to his surprise, he was one of 25 semi-finalists in Esquire magazine’s Best Dressed Real Man contest in 2009.About Maureen Taylor:Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo-related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wal I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations. Support the Show.

Northeast Historic Film is a nonprofit organization founded in 1986 to preserve and share historic films from Maine and the broader New England region. Based in Bucksport, Maine, their extensive collection includes home movies, local TV news, documentary films, and more. In this episode of the Photo Detective podcast, co-founders David Weiss and Jane Donnell discuss their mission to save endangered films and make them accessible through digitization and online platforms.They provide film preservation services like digitization for individuals and institutions. They have climate-controlled vaults for long-term storage of film.Home movies are a core part of their collection. These give insights into everyday life, local history, family dynamics, fashion, and architecture.Their theater shows archival clips before contemporary films. They also share films on their website, YouTube, etc.Filmmakers and documentarians contact them looking for footage to license. They constantly get new donations as historic films surface from basements, attics, etc. Digitization is a key focus to make the films more accessible.Related Episodes:Episode 172: Vintage Film Finds with B. Wells Douglas  Episode 65: Lost Films Needs Your Help with Eli SavadaLinks:Northeast Historic Film Sign up for my newsletter.Watch my YouTube Channel.Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.About My Guests:David S. Weiss is the co-founder and executive director of Northeast Historic Film, a non-profit moving image archive located in Bucksport, Maine.  Jane Donnell is the Marketing, Membership & Theatre Manager. Since its founding in 1986, NHF has built collections including more than 12 million feet of film and 10,000 hours of videotape.  The facility includes a 3-story climate-controlled moving image vault building, technical services section, study center and the Alamo Theater.     About Maureen Taylor:Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveTM helps clients with photo related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations. Support the Show.

This week on the podcast, Maureen is joined by Elisabeth Smolarz, who created the Encyclopedia of Things. They discuss the items that define our lives and why we keep them. Related Episodes:Episode 187: Building a Story with the Ancestry.com AppEpisode 180: Photos, Memories, and English Genealogy with Emma Jolly Links:Elisabeth SmolarzSign up for my newsletter.Watch my YouTube Channel.Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.About My Guest:Elisabeth Smolarz was born in Poland and emigrated to Germany as a teenager. She creates photography, video, and social interactions investigating how consciousness, perception, identity, and value are formed by one’s cultural milieu.Smolarz has exhibited her work nationally and internationally for two decades. Her most recent solo exhibition, the “Encyclopedia of Things,” was presented at the Morgan Lehman Gallery resulting from a multi-year project supported by National Endowment for the Arts; the Queens Council on the Arts; and the City Artist Corps Grants program, and featured on PBS on 03/14/20. The German publisher Spector Books published a monograph with a selection of 120 portraits from the “Encyclopedia of Things” in the summer of 2022. The monograph was reviewed by Brooklyn Rail this Spring. Additionally, her work has been presented in venues including The Bronx Museum of Art, The Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts, EYEBEAM Center for Art + Technology, Lesley Heller Gallery, NARS Foundation, The Sculpture Center, Smack Mellon, The Queens Museum of Art, and Wave Hill, all New York City; Museum of Modern Art, Warsaw, Poland; Oberwelt e.V Stuttgart, Germany; Baden Württembergischer Kunstverein, Stuttgart, Germany; Photography Triennial Esslingen, Germany; Independent Museum of Contemporary Art, Cyprus; Reykjavik Photography Museum, Iceland; Espai d’art contemporani de Castelló, Spain; the Moscow Biennale, and others.About Maureen Taylor:Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations. Support the Show.

This week Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective TM, is joined by Greg French.Greg is an antique photograph enthusiast who buys and sells his images, as well as lending images to projects such as the 1991 book “American and the Daguerreotype, as well as placing a rare stereoview of Abraham Lincoln’s second inauguration in the Library of Congress. Greg and Maureen talk about photo collecting, photo identifying, and all about what it means to be a photo enthusiast in this week’s episode.   Related Episodes: Episode 207: An Underutilized Source: The Newberry Library Episode 204: Many Shades of Blue--Cyanotypes with Sabina Ocker Links: Greg French Early PhotographySign up for my newsletter.Watch my YouTube Channel.Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.About My Guest:Greg French started collecting antique photographs in 1981, focusing on social history. As a collector, he lent images to seminal projects such as the 1991 book ‘American and the Daguerreotype’ by John Wood and the 1999 groundbreaking ‘Africans in America" documentary. Greg was one of three founding members of the ‘Mirror of Race’ project. Greg is affiliated with the Photographic Historical Society of New England. He chaired the Auction Committee of the Daguerreian Society for 17 years. Greg still toils away on eBay offering 21 auctions a week and many buy-it-nows at least 50 weeks a year. Meanwhile, he sells to museums around the country, with a particular interest in New England. About Maureen Taylor:Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo-related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at Maureentaylor.com I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations. Support the Show.

This week Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective, is joined by Dr. Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell, an award-winning fashion historian and curator from Los Angeles, as well as the author of multiple books on fashion history.The two discuss skirts and how one piece of clothing can help us learn about history and how the skirt showed changes in ideals toward women and fashion, as well as how we present ourselves to the world based on what we wear.  Related Episodes:Episode 210:  The Dress Diary of Anne Sykes with Dr. Kate Strasdin Episode 167: Victorian Photo Studio SecretsLinks:Dr. Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell Sign up for my newsletter.Watch my YouTube Channel.Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.About My Guest:Dr. Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell is an award-winning fashion historian, curator, and journalist based in Los Angeles. She is the author of Fashion Victims: Dress at the Court of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette (Yale, 2015), Worn on This Day: The Clothes That Made History (Running Press, 2019), The Way We Wed: A Global History of Wedding Fashion (Running Press, 2020), Red, White, and Blue on the Runway: The 1968 White House Fashion Show and the Politics of American Style (Kent State University Press, 2022), and Skirts: Fashioning Modern Femininity in the 20th Century (St. Martin’s Press, 2022). She has written about fashion, art, and culture for The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Politico, Slate, and The Wall Street Journal and has appeared on NPR, the Biography Channel, and Reelz, along with several podcasts. She was a 2020-21 NEH Public Scholar and a 2021-22 USC Libraries Fellow. As well as writing books and articles, she does writing, lecturing, curating, and consulting for museums, universities, and the entertainment industry.About Maureen Taylor:Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo-related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at Maureentaylor.comDid you enjoy this episode? Please I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations. Support the Show.

In this week’s bonus episode, Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective, is joined by author Amanda Quay Blount.Amanda has recently been taking the literary scene in Rhode Island (and beyond) by storm, as she recently published Meet Me at the Biltmore, a historical look at The Biltmore Hotel in Providence, Rhode Island, which has been around for over 100 years, and seen many famous visitors, including John F. Kennedy and The Rolling Stones.In this episode, she and Maureen discuss the hotel, Amanda’s writing process, what it means to fall in love with a historic building, and how to tell its story.Related Episodes:Bonus Episode: Chat GPT, Image Generators, and What You Need To KnowBonus Episode: Tintypes Made for the Movies and Television with Rob GibsonLinks:Sign up for my newsletter.Watch my YouTube Channel.Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.About My Guest:Amanda Quay Blount is an author and historian who lives in Rhode Island. Amanda hails from New Jersey but came to the Ocean State in 2018 and was instantly enthralled by the historic allure of the city. Amanda holds a degree in History from Rutgers University and a Masters in Social Work and Community Development from Washington University in St. Louis. When she isn’t writing or researching, Amanda runs a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting adult literacy.About Maureen Taylor:Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at Maureentaylor.comDid you enjoy this episode? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations. Support the Show.

This week Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective, is joined by Heather Radke, whose first book Butts: A Backstory, has taken the world by storm. Don’t let the title fool you – this book takes a deep look into women’s history and fashion. From bustles to Broadway to Coco Chanel, the two dive into the meaning of fashion and how it has shaped not only our history, but also our media, our photos, and so much more.Related Episodes:Episode 155: Ancestral Handbag History Episode 127: Toxic Dress and Criminal Dress Links:Heather RadkeSign up for my newsletter.Watch my YouTube Channel.Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.About My Guest:Heather Radke is a writer, teacher, and Contributing Editor and Reporter at Radiolab, the Peabody-award winning podcast from WNYC. Her critically-acclaimed first book, Butts: A Backstory, is now out in paperback.About Maureen Taylor:Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective TM helps clients with photo related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at Maureentaylor.comDid you enjoy this episode? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations. Support the Show.

This week on the podcast, Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective, is joined by Amelia Soth. Amelia is a Wisconsin-based writer who has been writing the column “Cabinet of Curiosities” for JSTOR, which focuses on historical oddities.Maureen and Amelia discuss her process in writing and finding these stories and how the nuanced parts of history can often lead to great discoveries.Related Episodes:Episode 150: Victorian Mourning CuriositiesEpisode 61: Mourning Jewelry: Fact and Fiction Links:Cabinet of Curiosities on JSTORSign up for my newsletter.Watch my YouTube Channel.Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.About My Guest:Amelia Soth is a Wisconsin-based writer who is fascinated by (as Dr. Francis Young puts it) “the great tension of being a historian: [the fact that] people in the past were simultaneously both just like us and quite unlike us.” She also writes and edits for Mouse Magazine.About Maureen Taylor:Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo-related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at Maureentaylor.comDid you enjoy this episode? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations. Support the Show.