Monteral Harrell preserves family history through photographs

Monteral Harrell shared her photograph collection
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Monteral is to be commended for preserving the Harrell family history through the extensive photo collection that she inherited from her father Raymond Harrell, Sr., when he passed away. Her goal is to preserve them in a safe, dry place. She contributed some of the photographs for the book "Images of America" African Americans in Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes. She knew I wouldn't take any of them or damage them, making it safe to share them with me. Assuring her that I would not take her pictures was paramount to me. People who have collections fear that one thing.  In most cases, they have a good reason for doing so because some people will take the picture without permission.

It amazed me to see all the old photos of the Harrell family that our Great Aunt Ella Harrell Keith originally kept. The images have been passed down through generations. They were a reminder of our family history, and of the people who came before us. The photos also told a story of life in a different time and place. 

Monteral is one of the few who share. There are family members who have a large collection and won't share their photographs, but the same people will ask you for a copy of your collection. Our stories and history can't be told if they're locked away in a closet box.  Nowadays, we can share pictures with family members via so many digital platforms. The reason I created this blog was to share family photographs and information about the individuals in them. Monteral is a true educator who understands how important it is to share knowledge and images to preserve our history.

Aunt Ella collected photographs from family, friends, and the community, according to our late first cousin, Jo-Ann Lewis Frazier. Her one request was for everyone to send her a picture. Aunt Ella used her pictures to document her family's history. Jo-Ann said Aunt Ella was a family historian in her own right. Aunt Ella's photographs were an invaluable part of our family's heritage. I am delighted that Monteral has inherited the collection and shared it with me so that it can be preserved.