In this January 2025 solo episode of her podcast, Maureen Taylor, the photo detective, shares news for users of Fileshadow.com. She also shares insights into her professional life, detailing her expertise in analyzing historical photographs to assist in dating them and incorporating them into family histories. She discusses a recent project involving a photograph from Providence, and how she used various historical resources to accurately date it, along with providing updates on the photo marketplace and tips for digital photo management.

• Maureen Taylor works with clients to help integrate historical photographs into their family histories, keeping up-to-date with the photo marketplace and new technologies.
• Discusses a case study involving a photograph of Market Square in Providence, using city directories and newspapers to date it to between 1845 and 1846.
• Notes the suspension of the digital photo organizer website Fileshadow, highlighting the importance of maintaining current contact information for digital services.
• Previews an upcoming podcast episode with Rick Voight about changes in the photo marketplace, including tips for managing and backing up digital photos.
• Shares insights from her consultative work with clients and students on various historical and photographic research projects.

Related Episodes:

Episode 254:  Solving Family Photo Mysteries: A Journey with The Photo Detective 

Episode 251: Through the Lens: Unveiling Family Stories

Links:

• Winslow Homer painting 
• Civil War era backdrops
• 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 preserving your photos? Check out Maureen’s Preserving Family Photographs ebook 
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out The Family Photo Detective ebook
• 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.com

Did 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

On this episode of The Photo Detective, I’m joined by Seth Rockman, author of Plantation Goods: A Material History of American Slavery. Seth’s groundbreaking research uncovers the economic and material ties that connected New England industries to the Southern plantation economy in the 19th century. From the labor of Rhode Island seamstresses to the cotton fields of Mississippi, his work reveals the intricate networks of production and exploitation that defined this era. Join us as we explore the stories of everyday objects and the lives they shaped across America’s divided landscape.

• New England’s Role in Plantation Economy: Exploring the economic links between Northern industry and Southern slavery.
• Material History Insights: How objects like wool pants and shoes reveal hidden narratives of exploitation and labor.
• Local and Global Perspectives: The intersection of Rhode Island industry with global commodity markets.
• Impact on Modern Ethical Dilemmas: Connecting 19th-century consumer choices to contemporary concerns like fair trade and sustainable labor.
• Rich Archival Discoveries: The pivotal role of family records and company account books in reconstructing forgotten histories.

Related Episodes: 

Episode 220: Dress Codes and Fashion Rules Through History with Richard Thompson Ford 

Episode 195: Imperfect History with Curator Sarah Weatherwax 

Links: 

• Seth Rockman
• Sign up for my newsletter.
• Watch my YouTube Channel.
• Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.
• Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.

About My Guest:

Seth Rockman is an associate professor of history at Brown University. He is the author of Scraping By: Wage Labor, Slavery, and Survival in Early Baltimore and coeditor of Slavery’s Capitalism: A New History of American Economic Development. Rockman serves on the faculty advisory board of Brown University’s Ruth J. Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice. 

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.com

Did 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

Loretta Napoleoni’s The Power of Knitting explores the universal significance of knitting through history, culture, and personal memoir. An economist by profession, Napoleoni combines research with heartfelt reflections, revealing knitting’s historical roles in revolutions, spycraft, and resilience. She highlights its meditative, brain-stimulating effects, debunks its dismissal as a mere domestic craft, and celebrates its community-building power.  Her engaging book resonates with seasoned knitters, historians, and curious readers alike, redefining the craft’s place in our lives.

• Explores knitting’s roles from ancient Egypt to modern revolutions, including its political and cultural impact.
• Highlights the therapeutic and cognitive benefits of knitting, akin to yoga for the brain.
• Shares compelling stories of knitting’s use in espionage and personal healing during crises.
• Examines knitting as a proletariat craft and its evolution in social perception.
•  Combines memoir, history, and science to showcase knitting’s role in survival and creativity.

Related Episodes:
Episode 241: Threads of Life: Unraveling the Rich Tapestry of Sewing with Author Clare Hunter

Episode 240: The Hidden Stories of Tattooing: Dr. Matt Lodder on Tattoos in Photography and Society

Links:

• Loretta Napoleoni
• Sign up for my newsletter.
• Watch my YouTube Channel.
• Need help preserving your photos? Check out Maureen’s Preserving Family Photographs ebook 
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out The Family Photo Detective ebook
• Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.

About My Guest:
Loretta Napoleoni is the bestselling author of Maonomics, Rogue Economics, Terror Incorporated and Insurgent Iraq. She is an expert on terrorist financing and money laundering, and advises several governments and international organizations on counter-terrorism and money laundering. As Chairman of the countering terrorism financing group for the Club de Madrid, Napoleoni brought heads of state from around the world together to create a new strategy for combating the financing of terror networks. Napoleoni is a regular media commentator for CNN, Sky and the BBC.

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

Welcome to the December 2024 solo episode of The Photo Detective with Maureen Taylor. In this episode, Maureen shares the story of Amy Barlow, who solved a photo mystery with Maureen’s guidance during a consultation. Amy’s photograph depicted a family standing in front of a store. Using resources like eBay, WorthPoint, city directories, Sanborn maps, and more, Amy unraveled the store’s history and connection to her family. Maureen highlights the personalized and collaborative nature of her consultations, where she provides guidance, homework, and insights into the historical, genealogical, and material contexts of family photographs. Maureen’s expertise bridges the gap between photos and family histories, from dating tintypes to identifying family snapshots. This episode is a reminder of the power of pictures in preserving and uncovering our personal pasts.

Related Episodes:

Episode 245 : The Enduring Legacy of Tintypes: From Civil War Soldiers to Contemporary Artists  

Episode 248: Genealogy Travel Tips: How to Plan an Effective Ancestral Research Trip 

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 preserving your photos? Check out Maureen’s Preserving Family Photographs ebook 
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out The Family Photo Detective ebook
• 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.com

Did 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

Kiki Smith, a professor from the theater department at Smith College, joins the “Photo Detective” podcast to discuss her unique journey with the Smith College Historic Clothing Collection. Initially joining the department temporarily, Smith found herself organizing a chaotic costume storage area into a vital educational and research resource. Her book “Real Clothes, Real Lives” documents 200 years of women’s everyday attire using items from this collection. With a focus on ordinary garments rather than high fashion, Smith emphasizes the stories and social history these clothes tell. Her efforts have transformed the collection into a recognized academic and historical resource, gaining attention for its unique focus and prompting further institutional support.

• Her book, “Real Clothes, Real Lives,” explores 200 years of women’s attire, focusing on garments from everyday life.
• Smith’s work highlights the importance of preserving ordinary clothing for educational and historical insights.
• The collection started modestly but grew through contributions and Smith’s persistent efforts to catalog and display the items.
• There is currently an exhibit of clothing from the collection at New York Historical 

Related Episodes:

Episode 181: Clothing Care at the New Canaan Historical Society 

Episode 135: Stitch by Stitch: Saving Historic Clothing a Piece at a Time with Conservator Maria Vasquez

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 preserving your photos? Check out Maureen’s Preserving Family Photographs ebook 
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out The Family Photo Detective ebook
• Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.

About My Guest:
Kiki Smith is the Director of the Smith College Historic Clothing Collection that was founded 42 years ago by a student and is based there in the basement of the Theatre Building near the Costume Shop. The collection now numbers over 4000 pieces.  Her book Real Clothes, Real Lives: 200 Years of What Women Wore (Rizzoli), published this September, documents garments and accessories that are what she calls “real” clothes worn by “real” women for all aspects of their lives.  

She is also a professional costume and set designer, working with theatre companies including Shakespeare & Co. in Lenox, Ma and the Talking Band in New York, and received an Obie Award for a production with that company.

About Maureen Taylor:

Maureen Taylor, The 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 podcast episode, we are thrilled to have Paul Frecker, an expert on 19th-century photography and the author of Cartomania: Photography and Celebrity in the 19th Century. Paul brings a unique perspective from his days as a dealer specializing in 19th-century photography, focusing on the intriguing format of Carte de Visite. His journey from collector to author reveals the passion and dedication that culminated in his comprehensive book. Paul discusses how Carte de Visite captured images and shaped celebrity culture and social norms of the era. The episode delves into the historical and cultural significance of these photographic artifacts, providing listeners with a fascinating look into the past through the lens of today.

Key Points Covered:

• The origin and cultural impact of Carte de Visite.
• The technological advancements in photography during the 19th century.
• The role of celebrity culture in popularizing Carte de Visite.
• Paul Frecker’s personal journey from collector to author.
• The legacy and historical value of Carte de Visite in modern times.

Related Episodes:

Episode 222: Discovering the World Through Lenses: Dr. Michael Pritchard and the History of Photography

Episode 217: Collecting Photography with Greg French of Greg French Early Photography 

Links:

• Paul Frecker
• 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 preserving your photos? Check out Maureen’s Preserving Family Photographs ebook 
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out The Family Photo Detective ebook
• Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.

About My Guest:
Paul Frecker is a British dealer in vintage photographs who specializes in cartes de visite. He is also a collector and a photo-historian; his book Cartomania: Photography & Celebrity in the Nineteenth Century, published earlier this year, was hailed as the definitive text on the subject for a generation to come. 

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.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

In this episode, Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective TM explores the power of a photo through a series of case studies. She introduces a new photo storytelling option for clients.

• The Power of a Photo
• Decoding the Context
• The Emotional Landscape
• Integrating Technology
• Case Study: Putting it into Practice. 

Related Episodes:

Episode 237: How Storied.com Transforms Family History into Captivating Stories 

Episode 185 Genealogy on TikTok with Gwyneth.Stories 

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 preserving your photos? Check out Maureen’s Preserving Family Photographs ebook 
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out The Family Photo Detective ebook
• 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.com

Did 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 today’s episode of The Photo Detective, guest Sharon Carmack introduces her groundbreaking book, Telling Her Story, a comprehensive guide to researching and writing about historical women. Sharon’s work, spanning 370 pages, is rich with resources, case studies, and examples that empower genealogists and family historians to uncover the hidden lives of women from the past. By using social history research, annotated essays, and speculative writing techniques, Carmack dispels the myth that women’s lives are impossible to document. Her book serves as a resourceful tool for anyone looking to explore and honor the stories of female ancestors.

• Includes strategies for using social history research and speculative writing.
• Provides case studies and examples of overlooked sources like court records and newspapers.
• Empowers genealogists to navigate and document the nuanced histories of women in their family trees.

Related Episodes:
Episode 105: Women in the Dark: Female Photographers in the U.S., 1850-1900

Episode 149: Rediscovered Photos of an American Medium with Sharon Carmack

Links:

• Warrencarmack.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 preserving your photos? Check out Maureen’s Preserving Family Photographs ebook 
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out The Family Photo Detective ebook
• Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.

About My Guest:
Sharon DeBartolo Carmack is a Certified Genealogist® with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction Writing, a Diploma in Irish Studies from the National University of Ireland–Galway, and a Diploma from the Spiritualists’ National Union in the UK. As part of the adjunct faculty at Salt Lake Community College, Sharon developed and teaches five online courses. She is also the author of twenty-four books and hundreds of articles, essays, columns, and reviews that have appeared in nearly every major genealogical journal and publication. Some of Sharon’s books include Tell It Short: A Guide to Writing Your Family History in Brief, You Can Write Your Family History, and most recently, In Search of Maria B. Hayden: The American Medium Who Brought Spiritualism to the U.K., available on Amazon.com.

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 historica

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

Erin Moulton discusses her book, “The Beginner’s Guide to Cemetery Sleuthing, Scavenger Hunt,” which is uniquely designed as a workbook. Moulton, a local history librarian at Derry Public Library, shares her journey from genealogy enthusiast to cemetery researcher. The book serves as a practical guide for collecting key details from cemeteries, which can then be further explored in archives for deeper genealogical research.

• Erin Moulton’s book is structured as a workbook to enhance the learning experience through hands-on activities.
• Techniques in the book include how to extract and interpret data from headstones, such as names, dates, and symbols.
• Moulton emphasizes the use of local historical resources to aid in locating graves and understanding the broader historical context.
• The podcast also touches on ethical considerations in cemetery research and the future of genealogical resources with digital archiving.

 Related Episodes:
Episode 203: Recipes on Gravestones with Rosie Grant 

Episode 246: Uncovering History with Kurt Deion: A Journey to Every Presidential Grave

Links:

• Erin Moulton’s website. 
• Sign up for my newsletter.
• Need help preserving your photos? Check out Maureen’s Preserving Family Photographs ebook 
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out The Family Photo Detective ebook
• Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.

About My Guest:
Erin E. Moulton writes books and tracks dead people. As a genealogical researcher, she has explored the lives of the departed for over 14 years. Erin is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the New Hampshire Historical Society, and the New Hampshire Society of Genealogists. She holds a B.A. from Emerson College, an M.F.A. from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University. She is an award-winning author of middle grade and young adult books.  You can find her online at www.erinemoulton.com.

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.com

Did 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

Exploring family history is a personal journey, often sparked by familial influences and nurtured through personal curiosity and research. My mother’s passion for family history was contagious, influencing my own exploration of our ancestry. This shared interest led us on numerous adventures, uncovering the stories and places connected to our lineage, from Quebec to New Hampshire.

Key Points:

• Personal Influence: My mom’s enthusiasm for family history played a pivotal role in my interest in the field.
• Ancestral Homeland Visits: Living close to Quebec allowed us to visit significant family locations and deepen our connection to our heritage.
• Utilizing Technology: I leveraged AI tools to enhance research effectiveness, proving beneficial despite some challenges.
• Travel Tips: Focused on specific areas and ancestors, I optimized my travel plans for genealogical research.

Related Episodes:

Episode 245: The Enduring Legacy of Tintypes: From Civil War Soldiers to Contemporary Artists

Episode 242: Uncovering the Past Through Postcards

Links:

• Maison de Nos Aïeux
• 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 preserving your photos? Check out Maureen’s Preserving Family Photographs ebook 
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out The Family Photo Detective ebook
• Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.

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.com

Did 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