ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - A man in England uncovered a surprising connection to Albany while cleaning out his mother’s home — and a local Facebook group helped him learn more about his family’s history.

Ben Thompson says he came across an old photograph while sorting through his mother’s belongings. The image, taken around 1920 or 1921, shows his great-grandparents standing outside their home in Albany.

Curious about the location, Thompson shared the photo in the Vintage Albany, Georgia Facebook group, hoping someone might recognize the house.

Members of the group quickly stepped in to help.

After looking closely at the photo and comparing it with historic images and street views, the group identified the home as one that once stood on North Jefferson Street near Tift Avenue.

Thompson later learned that the home where the photo was taken had been demolished about 2 years earlier.

According to Thompson, the picture shows his great-grandfather, Frederick K. Freeman, who worked as an advertising manager at Rosenberg’s Department Store in Albany.

The family later moved to another home on Rawson Circle in Albany, which Thompson says is still standing today.

Family stories say the property once included a small farm with chickens and fruit trees before the area became more developed.

Thompson says the help from Albany residents online helped him better understand where his family once lived and how their story connects to the city.

Watch Ben Thompson’s full interview below:

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