How to Preserve Archival Materials

Old papers, photographs and documents are a precious legacy from the past. Since they are on paper, they need special care. Preserving your archival materials ensures that they will be available for future generations.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Archival folders and/or boxes
• Special lead-free pencils
• White cotton gloves
• Soft brushes
• Dark, low-humidity storage place

1. Carefully handle your materials wearing the cotton gloves. Separate the items according to the system you have chosen to catalog them. It could be by year, content or some other arrangement.

2. Put each item into its own folder or group items together in folders. Identify each item by writing descriptive information on the folder. Avoid writing directly on the items. Use the special pencil. Write down everything you know, including date, names of people in photos and a description. Assume that anything not written down will be forgotten in the future.

3. When items are curled, gently flatten them without tearing. When items are stuck together, don’t pull them apart. Just store them together.

4. The acid content in paper will cause it to yellow and eventually crumble. Old newspaper articles need special attention.

5. Store the folders in archival boxes that can be labeled for identification. The best place to keep them is in a dark closet in a room that doesn’t get too hot or too cold.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have items that are not paper, such as commemorative gifts, store them in the archival boxes.
• Be on the lookout for damage from insects such as silverfish. There’s not much you can do except to keep the items separate from other ones.
• Never use adhesive tape on archival materials.
• Don’t let newspaper come into contact with other items.
• If the paper has mold on it, try to gently brush it off. Keep the moldy item way from other items.

Resources

• Source for archival supplies
• Understand archiving materials