Family Tree Magazine Podcast

Episode Title: Preserving and Organizing Family Photos – An Interview With Maureen Taylor
Host: Lisa Louise Cook (Family Tree Editors)
Guest: Maureen Taylor, "The Photo Detective"
Date: February 1, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode centers around the often-daunting task of preserving and organizing family photos, with genealogy expert Maureen Taylor guiding listeners through her seven-step process. Drawing from her article "Photographic Memory" in Family Tree Magazine, Taylor shares practical wisdom and encouragement on managing both physical and digital family photo collections while ensuring they’re preserved for future generations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Challenge of Organizing Family Photos

• Many people struggle with boxes of old paper photos in various conditions, often feeling overwhelmed about what to keep or toss. The initial step requires making tough decisions about what’s worth keeping.
  • “We all go on vacation... in two years, if you haven’t labeled those, are you going to know which beach it is?” —Maureen Taylor [02:36]

2. Step 1: Weeding Out Photos

• Start by weeding out unnecessary photos, like double prints or images with little genealogical value.
• Consider gifting photos to others who may appreciate them (e.g., candid wedding shots to the bride).
• Evaluate the future genealogical worth of images: prioritize those with identifiable people, important locations, or events.
  • “It is freeing because there’s what, less weight in your life emotionally and physically.” —Maureen Taylor [03:49]
• Old local scenes may be valuable to historical societies.

3. Step 2: Scanning Prints & Labeling

• After weeding, label your physical images, then digitize them. Labeling is essential for both physical and digital versions.
• Don’t feel obligated to digitize every single photo; prioritize meaningful images to reduce workload.
  • “A digitization project does not need to be the whole thing... having the end in mind, which is your kids and your grandkids...” —Lisa Louise Cook [06:25]
• Scanning photos provides security against loss due to disasters like wildfires.
• Weeding digital collections is just as important—delete blurry or redundant shots.

4. Step 3: Choosing a Digital Photo Organizer

• Try out different digital organizers by uploading a small batch of photos (15–30) before making a full commitment.
• Recommended tools include MemoryWeb (noted for back-and-front linking), Forever, and others. Ensure the tool fits your workflow and is sustainable.
• Most organizers allow exporting photos.
• Look for features such as legacy contacts (e.g., Forever’s “legacy program”), mobile and desktop access, and audio story attachments.
  • “Find one that works for you with your budget and the number of photos that you have.” —Maureen Taylor [07:16]

5. Step 4: Gather Preservation Supplies

• Don’t throw physical photos away after scanning! Physical preservation remains vital.
• Invest in acid-free, lignin-free storage containers, and consider polyester sleeves, especially for older, more precious photos.
• Products from companies like Gaylord are recommended.
  • “Absolutely not. You need a few simple supplies to store your photos.” —Maureen Taylor [11:56]
• Always keep the original, especially older photographs, for future re-scanning or technology updates.

6. Step 5: Choosing the Best Storage Space

• Avoid storing photos in garages, basements, or attics due to temperature/humidity fluctuations or risk of flooding.
• Ideally, use a windowless closet or custom cabinets in a climate-controlled area. Keep away from water pipes or fireplaces.
  • “I look for a windowless closet in my house...I had cabinets built into my office for the storage of my family photos.” —Maureen Taylor [14:29]

7. Step 6: Preparing for Disaster

• Disaster preparedness (natural or otherwise) means having backup plans for your photos—both digital and physical.
• Temporary use of plastic tubs is acceptable during imminent threats, but not for long-term storage.
• Have local conservator contacts on hand and know key home information (e.g., water shutoff) for emergencies.
• Store digital copies in multiple places (e.g., fire safe box, external hard drives, cloud storage, etc.)
  • “I have multiple backups. I have like three backups.” —Maureen Taylor [18:50]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Weeding Photos:

  • “You have to think in terms of, you know, what’s that photo gonna be worth to you genealogically in 50 years?” —Maureen Taylor [02:36]

• On Digitizing:

  • “If those people don’t have their photos scanned and stored in a cloud-based system... those images are gone.” —Maureen Taylor [05:12]

• On Photo Organizers:

  • “Try them out first to see if they’re compatible with the way that you think and you work, because they’re all just a little bit different.” —Maureen Taylor [07:16]

• On Disaster Backups:

  • “You can just grab [a hard drive] and put it in your car and go.” —Maureen Taylor [17:18]

• On Multiple Backups:

  • “I have multiple backups. I have like three backups. ...Multiples.” —Maureen Taylor [18:50]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:52] Weeding your photo collection — making first cuts, gifting, and donating.
• [04:42] Scanning and labeling—creating digital backups.
• [07:05] Selecting a digital photo organizer and tips for onboarding.
• [11:43] Gathering proper preservation supplies and the importance of keeping originals.
• [14:29] Choosing optimal storage spaces within your home.
• [16:12] Disaster preparedness advice and the importance of multiple backups.
• [19:13] Maureen’s encouragement and closing advice.

Final Encouragement

“It will take time, it will take patience. But when you’re done, that sense of accomplishment... for the next generation will be amazing. And don’t get discouraged. It is possible.”
—Maureen Taylor [19:13]

Additional Resources

• Maureen Taylor: maureentaylor.com | @thephotodetective on all social media
• Read the “Photographic Memory” Article: January/February 2025 issue, Family Tree Magazine
• Recommended Preservation Supplier: Gaylord Archival (gaylord.com)

This episode offers a practical, step-by-step guide for anyone seeking to bring order and security to their family photo legacy, with expert insights, actionable tips, and reassuring encouragement that this task, while time-consuming, is both achievable and rewarding.