How to Conserve Photos for Future Generations

Have you ever come across a pile of pictures and wished you could remember what family event was taking place or better yet who is that standing beside Great Grandpa Bill? Here are some tips to end the photo madness.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Photographs
• Photo safe pen
• Acid free multi pocket album pages
• 3 Ring Binder or a photo album
• Fire Proof Box

1. 
    

   As soon as you develop your film or print your digital pictures, grab a photo safe pen and write on the back of the picture the full names of everyone in the picture, including any maiden names so future generations can easily trace back the family tree. You will also want to write down significant details such as Uncle Frank’ s 50th Birthday, Jimmy’s 1st Soccer game, as well as the full date, if your camera does not embed the date in the picture for you.

2. 
    

   Next you will want to store the photos in multi pocket album pages made of either Mylar or Polypropylene, not non-archival PVC plastics. You can then place the pages into a 3 ring binder or a photo album.

3. 
    

   Always have back ups for your photo back ups. If you display a picture always display a duplicate and not the original photo. Make multiple back ups of your photo’s and negatives. Never store them all in the same location and remember to keep them in a fire proof box.

4. 
    

   Periodically you will need to update the formats in which you save your photos, in an effort to keep up with the ever changing technology. It would be a great disappointment to not be able to access your files later.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t want to scan all of those old prints, use your camera instead. Take a digital picture of your picture.
• Save yourself the headaches, be diligent about archiving your photos.
• Wear cotton gloves to protect the photos from oils on your fingers.
• Assure all materials used are photo safe and acid free.

Resources

• Archival Supplies
• Tips for Preserving Photos

[Maranatha80]

on 5/6/2009 Very good advice. I have pics of my mom who passed a few years ago just in a big envelope. I really need to organize and preserve them. 5*'s

[3-Point]

on 3/20/2009 This is great info. I've started collected old family folders of grandparents and great-grands. I can definitely use your advice. 5*

[hardworker]

on 3/4/2009 great info. this will be awesome for my big collection of photos. 5* and recommendation.

[geeknerdiness]

on 2/18/2009 I have a TON of old family photos handed down to me. Unfortunately, I don't know who is in the photos or any other details about the pictures. After reading this article, it's good to know what to do to conserve photos, so younger generations can understand some of their heritage. Great tips! 5*