Saving Our History One Photo At A Time: Preserving Our Past for the Future

Photographs hold incredible power. With just a single snapshot, they can transport us through time, allowing us to relive cherished memories or catch a glimpse of the past. They are windows into our history, offering us a unique perspective on the world that once was. However, as time goes by, these precious photographs may become faded, damaged, or lost forever. That's why it's crucial for each one of us to take responsibility for preserving our history, one photo at a time.

Why Are Photos So Important?

Photos are not just fragments of the past; they are a testament to our shared human experience. They capture not only the significant moments but also the small, everyday details that shaped our lives. From family gatherings and birthday parties to historic events and cultural celebrations, each photo is a piece of the puzzle that brings the past to life. Moreover, photos provide a visual connection between generations, allowing us to bridge the gap between past and present.

The Consequences of Neglect

Unfortunately, the passage of time can take a toll on our photographs. Exposure to light, humidity, and improper storage conditions can cause irreversible damage, fading vibrant colors and erasing precious details. Additionally, neglecting to properly label and organize our photos can lead to confusion and loss, where individual stories become disconnected from the overarching narrative of our history.

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

Preserving Our History

Preserving our history starts with taking proactive steps to protect our photographs. Here are several techniques and practices that can help us safeguard these invaluable pieces of our past:

Digitization

Digitizing your photos is a highly effective way to preserve and protect them. By scanning each photograph, you create a digital copy that can be stored securely on various devices, such as external hard drives or cloud storage platforms. In doing so, you not only ensure the longevity of the original photo but also have the convenience of accessing and sharing these memories with others at any time.

Proper Storage

Proper storage conditions are crucial for preserving the quality of your photographs. Keep them in acid-free, archival-quality boxes or albums, ensuring they are protected from dust, light, and extreme humidity. It's important to handle your photos with clean, dry hands to prevent smudging or leaving behind oils that can cause long-term damage.

Labeling and Organization

Labeling your photographs with essential information, such as names, dates, and locations, adds context and meaning to each image. This practice ensures that future generations understand the significance of these visual artifacts and how they fit into the broader historical narrative. Organize your photos by creating a system that makes sense to you, whether it's by timeline, event, or theme.

Preservation Software

Utilize preservation software specifically designed to safeguard your digital photo collection. These programs can automatically back up your photos, detect duplicates, and even restore damaged images by removing scratches, dust, or unwanted artifacts. Take advantage of these technological advancements to enhance the durability and longevity of your photographs.

Sharing Our History

Preserving our history also means sharing these important memories with others. Photos have the power to strengthen bonds between family members, bridge generational gaps, and foster a sense of community. By organizing family reunions, creating digital albums, or collaborating with local historical societies, we can actively contribute to the preservation and appreciation of our shared heritage.

The Time to Act is Now

Every moment we delay in taking steps to preserve our photos is a moment that we risk losing a piece of our history forever. Our photographs connect us to our roots, allowing us to understand and appreciate the legacy we have inherited. By committing to save our history one photo at a time, we ensure that future generations can catch a glimpse of the past and understand their place in the ongoing story of humanity.

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.