Resurfacing a Family Heirloom: A 1953 Wedding Photo Unearthed by the Sterling Heights Public Library
Old picture discovered at the library dated back to 1953, featuring an unknown family.
Step into the world of social media, where everyone's got their share of wedding snaps—but not everyone did, decades ago. That's why the discovery of a long-lost, 1953 wedding photo hidden within a donated book by the Sterling Heights Public Library in Michigan is a tale worth telling.
The snap captures a wedding couple and two apparent friends or witnesses, and the only identifier etched on the back? "Frank and Josephine Ruggirello, Nana-Nono."
In a quest to unveil the mystery behind the couple, the library took to Facebook. With thousands of followers, perhaps someone would recognize the family? Lo and behold, folks chimed in, and before long, the trail led to a granddaughter of the newlyweds, Sarah Ruggirello.
Social Media Avengers to the Rescue
"An old chum I hadn't spoken to in years tagged me in this post, and there it was – the Sterling Heights Public Library's post," Sarah shared with WXYZ-TV. "She asked, 'Hey, are these your family members?'"
For Sarah, the discovery was a priceless gem, as neither she nor her father had ever seen the photo before. Her grandparents, Frank and Josephine Ruggirello, tied the knot on September 26, 1953. Frank bade farewell in 2020, while Josephine said her goodbyes two years prior. The Ruggirellos enjoyed a remarkable 67-year union.
Intriguingly, even a descendant of the other couple featured in the photo commented on the library's post. Apparently, his father often used photos as bookmarks. It was his donation that sealed the book's fate in the library's collection, and the photo's destiny to be found. Moreover, the photograph showcases not only the wedding couple but also the grandparents affectionately known as "Nana and Nono."
Sarah Ruggirello now proudly displays her new family treasure, a poignant reminder of her grandparents' heartwarming love story.
United We Stand: Libraries and Social Media's Collaborative Hunt
When libraries unearth personal items like a 1953 wedding photo in a donated book, they often band together with social media for surveillance. Here's how they typically track down the families:
- Mission Morez-ified: Libraries share engaging posts containing details about the item found, combined with any available information or clues. For example, the sterling Heights Public Library exuberantly posted a "Lost & Found Love Story!" on Facebook, hoping someone would recognize the people or the last name in the photo[1][4].
- Clitter Files: Libraries share the identifying information of the item, such as names or dates written on it, as part of their post. In this instance, the photo had "Frank and Josephine Ruggirello — Nana Nono" on the back[4].
- Call to Action: Libraries encourage their followers to share the post and tag anyone suspected of knowing the family. This boosts visibility and reach, potentially aiding identification[1][4].
- Catch and Release: Once someone claims the item, libraries verify the claim and make arrangements to return the item. In the end, Sarah Ruggirello recognized her grandparents in the photo thanks to a friend tagging her in the library's post[1][4].
United We Stand — The Power of Community and Technology
- Global Awareness: Social media platforms offer libraries a quick, broad reach.
- Public Involvement: By involving the public in the hunt, libraries foster a sense of responsibility and connection.
- Swift Communication: Social media enables efficient communication between the library and potential family members.
In the case of the rediscovered 1953 wedding photo, social media played a pivotal role in reuniting the Ruggirellos with an invaluable piece of their history.
Travel, Memories, Michigan, Photography, Found Object
[1] ntv.de
[4] akr
- The Sterling Heights Public Library's use of social media platforms, such as sharing the photo's details, names, and tags, demonstrated how technology and community collaboration can successfully trace the origins of a long-lost family artifact, like a 1953 wedding photo.
- Embracing modern lifestyles, home-and-garden enthusiasts might find inspiration in the rarity and rediscovery of a cherished family heirloom such as the 1953 wedding photo, igniting a renewed interest in preserving their own vintage items and family stories.
