Who is The Past Matters?
The Past Matters®LLC is a research and consulting services firm that assists individuals and organizations with researching, organizing, and managing their genealogy, artifact, and photo history projects.
The Past Matters® is co-owned by the husband and wife team of Robert Craig Wallace and Karen Wallace Steely. Craig and Karen have lived in the Pacific Northwest for more than 20 years, and currently reside in Vancouver, Washington.
We have been in business since 2005. The Past Matters® LLC is a limited liability company registered in the state of Washington. Karen Wallace Steely is the Registered Agent. Whether your project is large or small, The Past Matters® can help you achieve your research objectives.
What We Do
We research old photographs, we teach others how to date and identify old photographs, and we share old photographs through our website and photo blog.
We Can Help
Dating and identifying old photographs requires expertise in history of photography and clothing as well as genealogical services. At The Past Matters®, we have that expertise.
Latest Work
Recent speaking engagements include the Lower Columbia Genealogical Society and the Milwaukee Stake Family History Conference.
Contact Us
Ask a question, schedule a seminar or workshop, request help with a photo, or enquire about one of our Rescued Photos.
Expertise
Karen Wallace Steely is the principal researcher for The Past Matters®. She brings the following experience to her work:
A Passion for Excellence
We are passionate about uncovering the history in old photographs. The joy we find in this work comes from helping others uncover their history through photographs as much as from researching our own.
Karen Wallace Steely
Karen Wallace Steely is the principal researcher for The Past Matters® and began researching her own family when she was a teenager. Karen’s experience in history, genealogy, historic clothing, and photography combine to make her uniquely qualified to assist others.
Robert Craig Wallace
Robert Craig Wallace provides on-location photographic services for The Past Matters®. Craig has training and experience in traditional 35mm photography as well as digital photography. He is able to provide high-quality, on-location tombstone, house and building photos.