How to Return Family Artifacts

While browsing a garage sale or going through your parent's attic, you stumble upon an old photograph, letter, or other artifact that does not belong to your family.  Of course you don't want such a treasure to be lost and so you feel a desire to return it to the right family.  How do you go about it?

Online Message Boards

Some of the best places to start are genealogy surname message boards.  For example, if there is a name on the back of the photograph, you could look at http://genforum.genealogy.com and http://boards.ancestry.com for the message board that corresponds to the surname.  Once there, post as much information as you have--names, dates, location, description, etc. about the family artifact.  Because these are common places for genealogists to look when researching their family tree, you may be able to find a descendant or relative of the original owner.

Mailing Lists

At Rootsweb.com, there are thousands of mailing lists that reach tens or even hundreds of thousands of people.  Again, look for a mailing list that corresponds to the surname or location.  Give as much description as you can and wait for a response.

Family Associations/Organizations

Do a Google search of the surname and "genealogy" and see if there are any family association websites that are related.  You can also try the Directory of Family Associations. 

Local Historical Society

Most areas have a local historical society where you could take the artifact.  They may be able to give you more information about the photograph or artifact (e.g. how old it is, where it originated, etc.) that would be helpful in tracking down the family.  If all else fails, the historical society may be interested in preserving the photograph or artifact in their archives.

Online Marketplaces

If you can't find the owner and you're not feeling altruistic enough to donate it to the historical society, consider selling it on eBay.  Though some people might disagree with this method, you can be assured that if someone is willing to buy it, he/she will likely preserve it as well.  Better than getting thrown out after the garage sale or sitting in an attic!