Bringing Memories Into Focus with Rick Voight
What if restoring an old family photograph could do more than sharpen the image? What if it could spark a memory, strengthen cognition, and help someone reconnect with their past? In this episode of the Branching Out Genealogy Podcast, we explore this powerful idea with Rick Voight, co-founder and CEO of Vivid-Pix.
From photo restoration to reminiscence therapy, Rick’s work sits at the crossroads of genealogy, technology, and aging—and his insights made this one of our most meaningful conversations yet.
How Vivid-Pix Went From Restoring Photos to Memory Care
Rick’s story begins in the traditional photography world: Kodak, HP, and early digital imaging innovations. A chance project fixing underwater photos eventually led to the creation of Vivid-Pix, a company now known worldwide for helping families restore faded, damaged, or discolored images.
But this work eventually evolved into something much more profound: using photos to support memory care, especially for individuals living with dementia.
The Science Behind Photo Reminiscence Therapy (pRT)
One of the central topics in our conversation was how powerful images can be as memory triggers. According to Rick:
- Looking at a meaningful photo stimulates neurogenesis (the creation of new neurons).
- Engaging with personal images supports neuroplasticity, helping the brain stay active.
- Reminiscing strengthens emotional connections between caregivers and loved ones.
- Family history itself is a form of novel learning, which benefits long-term brain health.
It’s genealogy, memory science, and storytelling—all woven together!
Tools for Memory Preservation
Vivid-Pix has expanded far beyond simple software. Rick walked us through two of their newest tools:
Memory Station
A simple, guided system that lets societies and institutions:
- Scan photos, documents, and keepsakes
- Restore and enhance images
- Record voice memories
- Combine everything into a shareable MP4 story
Memory Stations are used in libraries, museums, archives, genealogy societies, senior living facilities, and community centers nationwide.
Memory Cards
A new product designed to help caregivers and individuals living with dementia. Each card features:
- A restored photo on the front
- A brief context or story on the back
They’re a simple yet powerful way to create connection—even when caregiver turnover is high.
Bridging the Genealogy & Aging Communities
Rick’s mission goes beyond products. Through partnerships with organizations such as the National Genealogical Society, FamilySearch, PocketRN, Certus Institute, and the National Institute for Dementia Education, Vivid-Pix is helping create meaningful programs that bring together genealogy and aging communities.
This includes:
- The Aging & Family History Symposium
- Community memory-capturing events
- Training for caregivers in reminiscence therapy
- Outreach with libraries and museums across the country
These initiatives are expanding access to memory preservation and encouraging genealogists to connect with broader audiences.
Tech Tip & Teatime
No episode would be complete without a few extras:
- Tech Tip: Tami shared her favorite shortcut to reopen accidentally-closed browser tabs, a lifesaver for researchers with 37,496 open tabs!
- Tea Time: We discussed the news that Ancestry’s Irish division recently lost access to millions of Scottish records, and we dished about how Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce can claim a touch of “royalty” in their lineages (as many of us can!).
Final Thoughts
Our conversation with Rick Voight reminded us that genealogy is more than charts and documents; it is deeply human. Photos connect us. Stories connect us. And sometimes, a single image can become a doorway into a memory thought long forgotten.
If you’d like to explore Vivid-Pix’s educational resources, Memory Monday videos, Memory Station tools, or upcoming events, visit the Vivid-Pix website.
Be sure to catch the full episode for even more insights, stories, and inspiration!
Please be sure to like and subscribe wherever you listen to – or watch – podcasts, and follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more genealogy goodness!
Do you have a question or an idea for a future episode? Email us or leave a comment—we’d love to hear from you!
RESOURCES & LINKS
- Boston University Genealogy Studies Program
- RootsMagic
- RootsTech 2026 Registration
- Vivid-Pix
- ConferenceKeeper
This episode is sponsored by Vivid-Pix. All product opinions are our own.
Great episode and such an important topic! Thanks for bringing us “Branching Out!”