Saving Our History One Photo At Time

Have you ever wondered how our ancestors looked, what they wore, or where they lived? Our history is a treasure trove of fascinating stories and knowledge that can provide invaluable insights into our past. One of the most powerful ways to preserve and share these stories is through photography. By capturing and preserving historical photos, we can document our history and ensure that future generations have a glimpse into the past.

Photos have a way of evoking emotions and creating connections with the people and events they represent. They have the power to transport us back in time, allowing us to experience those moments as if we were there ourselves. Whether it's a black and white image from the early 1900s or a vibrant snapshot from the 1960s, each photo holds a unique story waiting to be discovered.

However, preserving historical photos is not always as simple as stashing them away in albums or boxes. Time and environmental factors can take a toll on these delicate artifacts, causing them to fade or deteriorate over time. That's where we, as custodians of history, have a responsibility to step in and save these valuable pieces of our heritage.

Port Colborne Ontario Book 2 in Colour Photos: Saving Our History One Photo at a Time

by Barbara Raue (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6210 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	88 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Paperback	:	35 pages
Item Weight	:	5.1 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.08 x 11 inches

FREE

Why Is It Important To Save Historical Photos?

Historical photos provide us with a window into the past, offering valuable insights into the lives and experiences of our ancestors. They allow us to understand how people dressed, how cities evolved, and how communities grew. These images offer a tangible connection to our roots, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.

Beyond personal connections, historical photos play a crucial role in supporting research and education. They provide visual evidence that complements written accounts, allowing historians and researchers to piece together a more complete narrative of the past. Photos bring history to life and make it accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Furthermore, historical photos are a testament to the resilience and strength of communities. They highlight the struggles and triumphs of past generations, reminding us of the progress we have made and the challenges we have overcome. By preserving these photos, we ensure that the stories and experiences of our predecessors are not forgotten.

How Can We Save Our Historical Photos?

Preserving historical photos requires a combination of proper storage and digital archiving. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your photos stand the test of time:

Handle with Care

When handling historical photos, it is important to treat them with gentle care. Wear cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils or dirt onto the fragile surfaces. Support the photos from below when lifting them to prevent further damage.

Store in Acid-Free Materials

Avoid using standard plastic sleeves or albums for long-term storage. These materials may contain acidic compounds that can deteriorate the images over time. Instead, opt for acid-free enclosures and archival-quality boxes or albums that provide a protective environment.

Keep Away from Light and Heat

Exposure to light and heat can cause irreversible damage to photos. Store them in a cool, dark, and dry environment to slow down the aging process. Avoid displaying them in direct sunlight or near sources of heat like radiators or fireplaces.

Digitize Your Photos

Digitizing your historical photos is essential for long-term preservation and easy access. High-resolution scanning or photography can capture every detail of the image, allowing you to create backups and share them digitally. Consider using the services of a professional archivist or investing in a good-quality scanner for optimal results.

Share and Document

Once you have digitized your photos, don't forget to share and document them. Add relevant information such as dates, names, and locations to create a comprehensive record. Share these images and stories with local libraries, historical societies, or online platforms dedicated to preserving historical content.

Saving our history one photo at a time is a collective effort that requires our attention and care. By recognizing the value of historical photos and taking the necessary steps to preserve them, we ensure that our stories are not lost to time. These photos provide a vital link between generations, fostering connections, sparking curiosity, and preserving our shared heritage.

Let us celebrate and cherish these historical artifacts, as they are the keys to unlocking the secrets of our past and leaving a lasting legacy for the future.

Port Colborne Ontario Book 2 in Colour Photos: Saving Our History One Photo at a Time

by Barbara Raue (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6210 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	88 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Paperback	:	35 pages
Item Weight	:	5.1 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.08 x 11 inches

FREE

Port Colborne is a city on Lake Erie, at the southern end of the Welland Canal. The original settlement, known as Gravelly Bay after the shallow, bedrock-floored bay upon which it sits, dates from 1832 and was renamed after Sir John Colborne, a British war hero and the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada at the time of the opening of the southern terminus of the First Welland Canal in 1833 when it was extended to reach Lake Erie.During the 1880s, American tourists from the southern states began building vacation homes on the lakeshore of the western edge of the town. Before long, an entire gated community of vacationers from the south called Port Colborne their home during the summer months. Today, the picturesque street of Tennessee Avenue is still home to many of these original vacation homes and buildings, as well as the original stone and wrought iron resort gates. The street boasts some immaculately maintained examples of late 19th and early 20th century Southern architecture.The Welland Canal was originally established as a solution to summer water shortages that plagued a grist mill operation near St. Catharines. William Hamilton Merritt, the mill owner, diverted water from the Welland River into Twelve Mile Creek. He wanted to make the channel deep enough to allow boats to pass through a series of locks down the escarpment into Twelve Mile Creek and on to Lake Ontario.The International Nickel Company (now Vale) has been one of the city's main employers since the opening of a refinery in 1918. Taking advantage of inexpensive hydroelectricity from generating stations at nearby Niagara Falls, the refinery produced electro-refined nickel for the war effort, and continues in operation today.Port Colborne was one of the hardest hit communities during the blizzard of 1977. Thousands of people were stranded when the city was paralyzed during the storm.Maritime commerce, including supplying goods to the camps for the laborers who worked on the first canal, ship repair and the provisioning trade, was, and still is, an important part of Port Colborne’s economy. Port Colborne was a heavily industrial city throughout most of the early twentieth century. A grain elevator, two modern flour mills, a Vale nickel refinery, a cement plant and a blast furnace were major employers. Several of these operations have closed over the past thirty years, while others employ a lot less residents due to modernization and cutbacks.Port Colborne has been successful in attracting agro-business operations which process corn into products such as sweeteners and citric acid. The economy has gradually shifted towards tourism and recreation, taking advantage of the scenic beauty of the lakeshore.The Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum, located near the centre of town, is a resource for local history and archival research. In addition to a collection of historic buildings and artifacts, it opened up the "Marie Semley Research Wing" to foster research into local history; it was named to commemorate the long-standing efforts of a local resident who devoted hours to the museum.