Take a Closer Look: Observing and Interpreting Historical Images

A primary source image contains information that can be gleaned by observing carefully. The first step is to note everything you can see in the picture. The next step is to use this evidence to draw some tentative conclusions, connecting these to what you already know. Then test these conclusions and find answers to any questions you have through additional research.

Step 1: Observation

Exterior of W.C. Marsh & Co., auctioneers,
506 Main Street, Bridgeport. 1886
Photo CD: 0530 File: Img0002.pcd
Click on the image for a larger view.

Step 2: Analyzing and interpreting what you see
What do your observations tell you about
When was the picture taken?
What is the setting? [City? Country? What kind of neighborhood?]
What is the relationship between the people in the photograph?
What was the purpose of the photograph? [Who took this photograph, and why?]

Step 3: Find out more
Consult other sources with relevant information
Where might you find more information? (CHO Web site and database? Textbook? Library?) Use the clues in the photograph to find this image and its record in the CHO database.
Are there clues in the photograph that help you identify additional sources and find information in/through them?
Are your analysis and interpretation consistent with what these sources say?
What questions do you have that may be answered with further research?
Take a closer look at other CHO images using the Photo Observation and Analysis Worksheet and doing the “Picture the Past” activity.