How to Archive Family Records

Your old letters, diaries, Bibles and photographs are your family's history,
and time is their enemy. Paper is biodegradable--a process you
want to impede if your grandchildren are going to enjoy these documents.
Fortunately, thanks to the popularity of scrapbooking, materials
to safeguard these documents are easy to find.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Store important papers and books in acid-free, archival-safe boxes or binders. If you use binders, put each document in a polypropylene sheet protector so that you can handle it safely. Make sure any notes and papers you store with the documents are also acid-free. Acids in regular paper and cardboard cause paper to deteriorate.

2. Store newspaper clippings separately from other types of documents as they are highly acidic. Put them in polypropylene protectors laid flat in archival boxes. Make copies of or scan in newspaper clippings because newsprint deteriorates quickly.

3. Store photographs in acid-free, archival-quality boxes in a dark, dry, cool place. They can also be put in albums as long as they are also acid-free and of archival quality.

4. Make a master list of what is in each box so that you don't have to open them (and handle the documents) to find out.

Tips & Warnings

• Handle old papers as little as possible.
• Clearly label and number your boxes and binders.
• See 232 Organize Important Documents.
• ArchivalMethods.com is one source for archival storage and presentation products.