How It Works

The Still Mill journey.

How we turn unknown into known — through collaboration between contributors, identifiers, and the collective knowledge of families and communities.

1. Step 1

   Contributor

   A contributor uploads a historical photograph with any known information — names, dates, places, or family notes.

2. Step 2

   Collection

   The photograph is organized within a collection — by family, location, school, church, or event — for easy discovery.

3. Step 3

   Identifier

   Community members can browse, comment where permitted, and suggest an identity as a lead. Approved Identifiers open a formal case and conduct the structured research. Identifier access requires administrator approval or invitation and an active Identifier subscription.

4. Step 4

   Evidence

   Approved Identifiers build structured evidence — census records, letters, related photographs — which the community can discuss. A suggested identity never becomes official on its own.

5. Step 5

   Known

   The identity is confirmed and documented with supporting evidence, moving the photograph from unknown to known.

6. Step 6

   Documented

   The photograph, its evidence, and its research history are documented together so the story can be shared with family and community.