A Thanksgiving Family Photo Project: Restore Old Photos Together

Holidays are the one time many families are all in the same room, including the older relatives who know who's in every photo. That makes Thanksgiving (or any family holiday) the perfect moment for a photo project. It's also a good antidote to everyone looking at their phones: this time, the phone brings everyone together.

Before the day

• Ask everyone to bring 5–10 old photos, or photos of their prints on their phones.
• Restore a few in advance so you can show what's possible.
• Set up a shared album where everyone can add photos (see sharing restored photos with family).
• Charge an iPad or a phone and bring a stand if you have one.

At the table (or after dinner)

1. Capture prints near a window or under a soft lamp (see scanning photos with iPhone).
2. Restore live: in Refixo, tap Restore and pass the device around while people drag the before/after slider. Watching a faded photo come back to life is a great moment to share.
3. Colorize a black and white photo of the oldest generation and ask the elders whether the colors are right.
4. Ask questions: who, where, when, what happened (see interviewing grandparents about old photos).
5. Record names and stories in captions as you go (see labeling old photos).

Kid-friendly roles

• Photographer: captures the prints.
• Restorer: runs the restorations.
• Reporter: asks grandparents questions and records answers.
• Archivist: types names into captions.

Old Thanksgiving photos

Look for photos of past holiday meals: the same table across the decades makes a lovely series. Restore faded 1970s and 80s prints (see fixing faded photos) and put them in order.

After the holiday

• Share the restored photos with everyone.
• Pick the best for a Christmas gift (see Christmas gift idea: restored family photos).
• Back up the new archive (see how to back up family photos).
• Take a new group photo; it'll be someone's "old photo" one day.

A simple setup checklist

• A table near a window or a bright, soft lamp.
• A dark cloth to lay photos on.
• A phone or iPad with Refixo installed and charged.
• A notebook (or a notes app) for names and stories.
• Sleeves or envelopes to return prints to safely after capture.

Frequently asked questions

What's a fun family activity for Thanksgiving?

Bring old family photos, restore them together on a phone or iPad, and record the stories behind them.

Do I need a scanner?

No. A phone in good light is enough to capture prints for restoration.

How do I get older relatives involved?

Show them restored photos of themselves when young and ask about the day. Most people love telling those stories.

What should we do with the photos afterwards?

Share them in a family album, back them up and consider prints as holiday gifts.