Google Reverse Image Search

AN AMAZING GENEALOGY RESEARCH TOOL

I know most of us can’t get through the day without a quick google search. When it comes to research I use Google all the time. However, I never used Google in this way before and I am obsessed with the results.

Google Reverse Image Search has historically been used by journalists and photographers to verify when an original image was first published or shared.

Its a powerful way you can verify a date and prove when an image originated.

This tool proved to be a great asset to me when I was given a teapot. This item once belonged to my Great Grandmother Mary Francis Campbell (nee Jones). The teapot isn’t fancy, and it is kind of frail, but it is special to me because of who it once belonged to.

I searched the teapot all over and there wasn’t any identifying markers.

I was curious what kind of teapot it was and to verify its age. This information could help me place the time when my Great Grandmother procured it. Without identifying markers I was certain it wasn’t of any real value in a monetary way. It was worth more that money to me anyway.

But how can I find out any information on this teapot?

Here was where Google Reverse Image Search came to my rescue. Quite simply you go to https://images.google.com. Next you pick the Upload and Image Tab and choose the picture you want to search from your files. Google then searches your image on the web in place of text to search.

It’s like magic.

A grid of teapot images showed up on my screen. One in particular caught my eye. It was the same teapot as my Great Grandmothers in size, shape, handle and lid. Exactly the same except this teapot was green when while her teapot was red. Otherwise, I was shocked at the ease of finding out the information on my teapot though Google Reverse Image Search.

Then as I scrolled I found three others like mine before I found my exact one! I couldn’t believe it!

Intrigued, I uploaded a 1916 picture of an ancestors bar from St. Louis, MO to see if the Google Reverse Image Search could make matches for dates and possibly more. It pulled up so many similar and date images for comparison that I was floored.

This easy and free tool will definitely be used in my genealogy research in the future! talk about tricks and tips!

Google Reverse uploaded images are deleted every seven days. This made me feel more secure and excited to use this accessible tool.

This item will now be added to my binder where I keep simple details about the historical and meaningful items in my home. Check that post out here!