Picture Past & Present

Find an image of a place in your community as it was in the past. This could be a photo or picture of:

  • A building like a school, church, or business
  • Your downtown or neighborhood
  • A view of the natural landscape
  • Another place you visit in your daily life

Don’t have any old photos of your own? Ask a family member if they have any pictures to share, or visit your local library or historical society. 

If the image has not been digitized, take a digital photo. Ask for permission to photograph and share the image if it is not your own.

Visit the place represented in this image and photograph or sketch what you see there today. 

Describe this place and the changes you see. Consider its meaning to you, and the following questions:

  • Do you have any memories attached to this place? Do friends or family have any stories to tell?
  • What can you learn about life in your community, past and present, from looking at these images?
  • What are the most significant changes that you see when comparing the two images?
  • What do you think will happen here in the future? What are your hopes for this place?
Sample Activities
Picture Past & Present