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

In this episode of the podcast, Katherine Manthorne returns to discuss her book “Women in the Dark: Female Photographers 1840 to 1900.” The conversation explores the overlooked contributions of female photographers during the early days of photography, highlighting their innovative approaches and resilience in a male-dominated field. Manthorne shares insights into her research process, which began at flea markets and led to the discovery of numerous female photographers through their photo cards and studio stamps. The discussion also touches on the societal conditions that allowed women to enter the field of photography, the unique challenges they faced, and the significant yet unrecognized roles they played in the industry.

Key Points:

• Women entered photography as it was a new field without established gender hierarchies, providing them with opportunities for financial independence and creative expression.
• Many women photographers were not recognized during their lifetimes, and their contributions are only now being rediscovered.
• The podcast highlights specific stories of female photographers who managed studios, worked in retouching, and even ventured into landscape photography, a challenging feat at the time.

Related Episodes:

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

Episode 91: Suffragists and Suffragettes: Fashion and the Vote

Links:

• Katherine Manthorne 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 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:
Katherine Manthorne writes about landscape art across the Americas and the contribution of women to 19th century art and culture. Currently an art history professor at the Graduate Center, City University of New York, she has been a visiting professor in Venice, Copenhagen, and Berlin. Her publications include Home on the Hudson Women and Men Painting Landscape, 1825-1875 and Restless Enterprise: The Art and LIfe of Eliza Pratt Greatorex

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 Journ

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

Kurt Deion, author of Presidential Grave Hunter, shares his lifelong journey of visiting every U.S. president and vice president’s grave. Sparked by early interests in presidential history and inspired by books and family trips, Kurt’s unique quest began in childhood. His book combines memoir and historical facts, recounting adventures and discoveries at burial sites. Besides graves, Kurt has explored presidential libraries, capturing memories through photographs. He continues his historical pursuits, researching and visiting various historical figures, reflecting his deep passion for public and presidential history.

• Kurt’s fascination with presidential history began at age seven, spurred by the book So You Want to Be President?.
• Kurt has visited the graves of all U.S. presidents and vice presidents, documenting these visits in his book.
• He emphasizes the importance of photographs for documenting and sharing historical sites.
• Kurt continues to explore and document other historical figures, expanding beyond presidential history.

Related Episodes:
Episode 148: Early Photographs on Headstones with Elliot Conte

Episode 203: Recipes on Gravestones with Rosie Grant

Links:

• Kurt’s Historic Sites
• 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:
Kurt Deion is a public historian, author, guest speaker, and presidential expert for RoadsideAmerica.com. He holds an M.A. in history. At age 14 he launched kurtshistoricsites.com as a means to both document his travels and to encourage others to visit gravesites and engage in hands-on history. His website and his cemetery pilgrimages were the subject of a 2015 interview on the C-SPAN show “Q&A.”

He currently works as an education specialist at Historic Congressional Cemetery and since 2023 has been a White House Historical Association next-gen leader.

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

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

Join Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective, in a solo episode where she delves into the fascinating world of tintypes. This episode covers everything from their historical emergence in 1856 to their resurgence via modern itinerant artists. Discover why tintypes remained popular through the 19th century and explore their unique characteristics, including their affordability, durability, and the fact they are made on iron, not tin. Maureen also shares insights on identifying and preserving these precious pieces of history.

Episode Highlights:

1. History and Popularity: Explore the origins of tintypes in 1856, their peak during the 1860s-1870s, and their enduring charm, attributed to their accessibility and affordability.
2. Modern-Day Revival: Learn about the resurgence of tintypes through modern itinerant artists who travel with vans equipped to produce these photographs at events, preserving the traditional methods.
3. Preservation Tips: Maureen provides expert advice on how to preserve tintypes, emphasizing the importance of proper storage and handling to prevent damage from environmental factors like humidity and sunlight.

Related Episodes:

Episode 116: America and the Tintype with Steven Kasher

Bonus Episode: Tintypes Made for Movies and Television

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 this episode of The Photo Detective, host Maureen Taylor speaks with Amanda Meeks, the Community and Partnerships Manager at Permanent.org. They discuss the recent developments at Permanent.org, focusing on the Legacy Lab, a new program designed to help users create and publish public archives. The Legacy Lab includes an email course that breaks down the archiving process into manageable tasks, emphasizing legacy planning and the importance of preserving history. They also touch on the Byte for Byte program, which offers storage grants for community archiving projects, and the new gifting feature for storage.

Key Points

• Legacy Lab: An email-based course helping users create public archives; includes steps for storytelling, metadata, and legacy planning.
• Byte for Byte Program: Grants 100 GB storage to community archivists and organizations, reviewed biannually.
• Public vs. Private Archives: Users can choose to keep archives private or share them publicly; public archives support Permanent.org’s mission.
• New Features: Storage gifting and collaborative archives with designated payer accounts.
• Copyright Considerations: Users are encouraged to share materials they own the copyright for; measures in place to handle copyright issues.

Related Episodes:

Episode 184: Byte4Byte: Permanent.org’s Grant Program for Non-Profits

Episode 95: How to Save Your Family Archive on Permanent.org

Links:

• 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:
Amanda Meeks is Permanent.org’s community and partnerships manager prior to that, she worked in academic libraries.

She’s a professionally trained librarian and an artist as well as an end-of-life doula. One of her primary responsibilities is managing the Byte4byte grant program.

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 this episode, Hannah Carlson, author of “Pockets: An Intimate History of How We Keep Things Close,” discusses the historical and social significance of pockets. Inspired by a personal experience where she had no pockets during an emergency, Carlson explores how pockets have evolved from medieval times to modern days, highlighting their gender disparity. She delves into how pockets in women’s clothing were often inadequate or non-existent, contrasting with men’s standardized pocketed garments. Carlson also examines pockets in historical contexts, like women’s sports and military uniforms, and how pockets have influenced and reflected societal norms and gender roles.

Key Points

• Historical Evolution: Pockets have evolved from medieval pocket slits to modern integral pockets in clothing, with men often having more practical pockets than women.
• Gender Disparity: Women’s clothing historically lacked pockets, reflecting societal views on femininity and practicality, and influencing how women carried their belongings.
• Pockets and Society: Pockets were banned in some eras due to their association with concealed weapons, and they influenced how people moved and interacted with the world.
• Modern Pockets: Despite advancements, women today still face issues with inadequate pockets, often expressed through social media and fashion movements.

Related Episodes:
Episode 220: Dress Codes and Fashion Rule Through History with Richard Thompson Ford

Episode 215: The Story Behind Twentieth Century Skirts with Dr. Kimblerly Chrisman Campbell

Links:

• 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.

About My Guest:
Hannah Carlson teaches dress history and material culture at the Rhode Island School of Design. After training as a conservator of costume and textiles at the Fashion Institute of Technology, she received a PhD in material culture from Boston University. She is the author of Pockets: An Intimate History of How We Keep Things Close and has contributed articles to Commonplace: The Journal of Early American Life; Dress: The Journal of the Costume Institute of America; Design Observer; and MacGuffin: The Life of Things.

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

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