12 Checks for a Public-Record Visual Story

Inside this gallery: 12 historical photographs, each with the year, the place, and the story behind the picture.

• Verifying the True Identity — the past. When analyzing a historical or public photograph, identifying the creator and the subjects depicted is a foundational step.
• Confirming the Current Date — the past. Establishing the exact dates associated with a photograph is a critical step in public record research.
• Consulting First-Party Records — the past. Official government archives provide invaluable resources for verifying historic visual records.
• Cross-Referencing the Facts — the past. A single photograph or caption is often enhanced by cross-referencing multiple historical collections.

Tap any photo above to jump in, or view the full story below.