October 13, 2005
By Robbie Nisenfeld

Placentia pioneer George Key left behind quite a collection of old photos when he passed away in 1989. Now another George has found a way to try and share it with the world.

Stephanie George, collections curator at the Center for Oral and Public History, received a $4,990 County of Orange contract to complete a photo digitization project at the George Key Ranch Historical Park in Placentia.

The ranch, where Key and his family once lived, is now a public museum that houses thousands of historic photos dating back to as early as the mid-1800s. The photos include images of early area buildings, including businesses and packing houses, as well as farm equipment, agriculture and Placentia founding families.

“History that isn’t used is history that is lost,” George said. “And how do you use it? You share it. What digitization allows is an accurate copy that can be used for research and for the public to see, and that’s the point.You don’t want this to be under lock and key. You want to get it out there for people to use.”

George, who received her bachelor’s degree in American studies from CSUF in 2001, said her project will focus on close to 400 pictures in the Key family photo albums. She hopes to have it completed by Christmas, and said when the project is done, the public will be able to visit the ranch and search through the photos electronically. She is hoping to eventually upload the photos to a Web site for global access and digitize the remaining photos in future years with additional funding.

“This isn’t just an exercise in George Key’s family tree,” George said. “It tells us a lot about people’s values and the social context when these photos were taken.”

Key was just two years old when his family moved to what was once a 20-acre ranch in 1898. The property now occupies only 2.2 acres but still has working orange groves. Key’s house, completed in 1908, is one of the oldest standing home in Placentia.

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