A lot of us don’t know where to begin with preserving our family photos, letters or documents.  Perhaps you just don’t have time to tackle it now, but want to ensure it’s safely stored until you can come back to it.  We can offer you simple ways to store your treasures and Archival Starter Kits to help you get started.  
 

PRESERVATION STRATEGIES

Below are basic guidelines for document preservation.  Keep documents stored in a clean, cool, dark stable environment (like a closet shelf).  This essentials supply list provides materials for the preservation of photographs and documents. Also see Encapsulation tips for do-it-yourselfers.

THREE-RING BINDER AND POLYPROPYLENE SHEET PROTECTORS:

Fill a loose leaf binder with polypropylene sheet protectors and keep it close at hand.  Slip important papers inside a protector immediately upon receipt.  Include letters, newspaper clippings, report cards, certificates, awards, essays, wedding invitations, or any paper document.  Contents may be viewed at any time, and will be protected from air and dirt.  Do not confuse this with lamination.  Never laminate an important picture or document.  Studies indicate acetic paper deteriorates more rapidly when encapsulated.

ACID-FREE PAPER AND ARCHIVAL PHOTO MOUNTING CORNERS:

For photo preservation, buy acid-free, lignin-free paper (card stock or 20#) and archival photo corners.  Simply mount photos on the paper and slip into polypropylene protectors.  Albums made of stable materials are adequate for storing photographs.  However, the plastic sheet protectors give the photos maximum protection, especially if children are looking at them.  Never attach photos or important documents with pressure-sensitive tape, rubber cement or damaging glues.  Use the archival photo corners for mounting. 

Between two sheets of acid-free paper, layer fragile or important documents before inserting them into sheet protectors. 

 PIGMA PEN AND #2 PENCIL: 

A #2 pencil or Pigma pen is needed for writing on photographs.  Take a moment to jot down who, what and when on every photo.  When labeling the photo always write on the reverse side near the edge.  NEVER write on the back of a photo with a felt tipped or ball point pen.  The ink can bleed through and stain the photo.

 FOLDING FILE:

An accordion-folding file provides a good place to store less important papers, e.g., school work.  This does not provide an archival environment, but will keep papers organized and safe until you decide which merit preservation. 

If you have very little interest and almost no time, buy a ream of 20# buffered acid-free paper and an acid-free box for storage, layering important pictures/documents between the sheets of paper.  Keep the lid on the box and store it where you can conveniently add items.  Memorabilia will be safe until you or someone in your family becomes interested in organizing the collection.  (Buy acid-free storage boxes where they carry photo and/or scrapbook supplies.) 

Caution: If you have pictures, photos, books, or other valuable documents that are in poor condition, which you want to preserve, it would be advisable to consult a professional conservator.  Get the name of a conservator in your area through contacting The American Institute of Conservation.  Visit their website by clicking on the following link: http://aic.stanford.edu/public/select.html.
 

THE  FAMILY  PLACE - "Where Memories Live"