Return to top Preserving original home movie formatsīefore you start digging out the old projector, you need to be aware of film-preservation issues. I fill in the table as I play a movie in another window on my computer. To catalog my movies with descriptions, I created a table in Microsoft Word with columns for reel number, starting time in movie, date, place and subject.

And don’t forget to use the footage to help jog their memory - your relatives may not recall some details or situations until they receive a visual clue. Interview family members to find out what they know about the films, including their memories about making the movies.

Start sorting them in chronological order while they’re still in the boxes to see if you can construct a timeline of films and events. Basically, you’re looking for information that will help you place the images in your family history. If not, try to identify the date of the film based on the information written on the side of the box or by product and format. Family Tree Templates and Relationship Chartsįind out if the boxes or cans are labeled with subjects, dates, names or places.Best UK, Irish and Commonwealth Genealogy Websites.Best African American Genealogy Websites.Surnames: Family Search Tips and Surname Origins.Preserving Old Photos of Your Family History.How to Find Your Ancestor’s US Military Records.

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