Museum Collections & Library Archives
Institutions like the Smithsonian or local historical societies have online databases
Bonus: Reverse image search — upload your photo to Google Images.
Step 3: Ask Family Members While You Still Can
This is the most powerful step of all.
Talk to relatives while they’re still around to remember.
“Have you seen this before?”
“Did Grandma use this when I was little?”
“Was this part of her wedding set? Her nursing kit?”
Stories matter more than appraisals.
That “strange spoon” might be the one she stirred your baby formula with.
Step 4: Research the Time Period & Lifestyle
Knowing when your grandma lived in the house (or when the item looks like it’s from) helps narrow things down.
Common Eras & Their Tools: 1920s–1940s
Buttonhooks, hair crimpers, kerosene testers, butter molds 1950s–1960s
Fondue sets, TV dinner trays, rotary phone parts, fabric pinking shears 1970s–1980s
Cassette cases, rotary calculators, avocado-green kitchen gadgets
Context clues help: Was she a homemaker? Nurse? Teacher? Gardener?
Each role came with its own toolkit.
Step 5: Visit Local Experts
Sometimes, human knowledge beats algorithms.
Try:
Antique shops – Owners often recognize obscure items
Historical societies – Especially if the object ties to local industry
Museums – Curators may offer free identification days
Thrift stores with knowledgeable staff – Some tag vintage finds accuratel
