PHOTO EXPERTS:Need some help with photo condition issues

[Deertick]

I have a bunch of original photos that I obtained from the photographer 40+ years ago. He worked for the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Evening Bulletin. His name was John (Jack) Culross and most are from the mid 40's. I used to have the negatives, but I tossed them about a decade ago as they started to deteriorate.

Each photo is rolled, as he stored them in a large roll top desk that had many cubbyholes. Some are on standard glossy photo paper, others are on a heavy matte poster board type of paper. Most are oversized. Some have creases and/or tears. Only one bears a stamp with the date and newspaper name, but I'm sure some were published and these were his personal copies.

A few questions:
1) Is there any way to 'unroll' them? I asked a framer and he said no.
2) What is the best way to repair the tears so they don't get worse?
3) I have tried to identify subjects / specific events with some success. Is there a good resource to make this easier?

Below are some examples.
Thanks for any help!