What They Saw, What They Knew: 50 Breathtaking Historical Images From Eyes Long Closed

If anyone knows about handling and working with old photographs, it's Denise Levenick. She's a writer and researcher working with family photos, papers, and memorabilia. Levenick is also the founder of The Family Curator. We're thrilled when she agrees to share some of her knowledge with Bored Panda during a super interesting interview.

"I began writing about family archiving on my blog, which led to magazine writing and eventually authoring two books on preserving and digitizing family heirlooms, How to Archive Family Keepsakes, and How to Archive Family Photos," Levenick tells us.

"I've also taught courses on family archiving and digitizing at national genealogy institutes and presented lectures, seminars, and webinars worldwide. Currently, I am working on a personal family history focused on the life of my maternal grandmother."

Levenick tells us her passion for old photos, heirlooms and keepsakes was sparked as a child, and runs deep. "I was captivated by family history as a young girl when my grandmother shared old news clippings and photographs about her early life," she revealed.

"She worked as a Harvey House waitress with the railroads and as a hotel maid to support her young daughter. After her death, I inherited a trunk filled with her letters and photos. Everything inside told a story about her life and family."

Of course, we had to ask Levenick about the best way to store old, precious photos. "All photos should be stored in a clean and dry location, with moderate temperature and humidity. The best place is usually inside your home, away from light and heat," she revealed, adding that a closet shelf or metal filing cabinet are good locations.

"Keep old photos inside an acid-free box or file folders, stored on their edge so the photos don’t rub against each other," cautions the expert. "Plastic boxes are not always photo safe and can trap mildew causing moisture."

Just because you have a ton of old photos, doesn't mean you need to keep them all. Sometimes, it's okay to let go of a few. "Some people are eager to clear the 'clutter' and are tempted to throw away old family keepsakes. But old photos are a window to our ancestors' lives, and documents like letters and diaries can put flesh on the bones of family stories," says Levenick.

"Photos and photo albums are the number one heirloom that people do want to save. Keep the photos of family, friends, homes, autos, pets, events. Sort vacation photos and save the people pictures; toss the repetitive landscapes," advises the expert. "It's good to keep images that show progress as a kind of 'Then and Now' reference, but you probably don't need to save dozens of cactus images. If you are short on space, scan photos and pass on the originals to a cousin."

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words, and in the case of old photographs, they may reveal more than we realize. "Family history mysteries have been solved by studying old photos. Fashion, hairstyles, studio props, jewelry, and backgrounds all hold clues to when the photo was taken and the identity of the subjects," says Levenick.

"An old photo of a family in front of their home might show a street address number that can help identify the time period of the family’s residence," she adds. "Use family photos to show relative ages of the children, or to note when spouses enter or leave the family group."

Levenick says it’s important to preserve family heirlooms with the story of the keepsake. Without a story, it’s just "stuff," she says. "Your son may not recognize your grandmother's wedding ring when he sees it in your jewelry box; it’s up to you to share the story."

"As the world becomes more and more digital, artifacts such as handwritten letters, printed photographs, and greeting cards are becoming rarer," cautions the expert archivist. "Something as small as a simple handwritten thank-you note is evidence of penmanship and thoughtfulness."

Levenick is all about the genuine old-school... Memory keeps our ancestors with us and their stories make us stronger, she says. "Instead of purchasing new décor with a vintage vibe, use the real thing!" the expert tells us.

We ask her for some creative examples of how to use old photos and heirlooms, instead of just throwing them into a box. "Digitize old photos and have the images enlarged and printed on canvas-wrap wall art or pillows for your sofa," suggests Levenick. "Group a collection of inherited cameras as interesting objects for your shelves. Join the movement to 'Bring Back the Brooch' and share your grandmother's vintage jewelry with younger family members who might want to hear more about the original owner."

Before we let her go, we're curious to know about Levenick's personal old treasures. "One of my favorite heirlooms is a vintage Singer Featherweight sewing machine owned by my Aunt Frances," she tells us. "She kept the little machine in like-new condition and left it for me with a sweet note from one quilter to another! I feel as though we're sewing together whenever I use her machine."