How to Store Family Genealogy Documents

Store genealogy documents in organized file folders both physically and on the computer.

Many hours are spent researching your family's history through documents. Copies of records are printed or saved on the computer as the research is conducted. When the research is finished, the problem becomes how to store those documents for easy retrieval and safe storage. Documents can be stored in albums, boxes, binders, file folders, flash drives, hard drives, and external hard drives. The organizational and storage system is up to the individual. Regardless of how you store your documents, ensure they are out of the heat and moist air and in archival or acid-free storage pieces.

Instructions

1. Create a space in your home to store genealogical documents. This space should be away from direct sunlight, clean, dark, cool and have low humidity.

2. Store documents in binders. Binders provide an organized storage solution for records using polypropylene sheet protectors. Insert one document per protector to file in the binder. Remove staples and paper clips before inserting the documents. Create a table of contents for the front of the binder so you know what the binder contains.

3. Store larger documents in archival-safe boxes. Label each box with the contents. Another option is to create a list to include inside the box and label the outside with a general topic label such as "Vital Records."

4. Store photographs, newspapers and other documents in archival-safe photo albums. These albums should have acid-free pages to prevent damage to the photographs and documents.

5. Scan or download genealogy documents and store on your computer's hard drive. Back up the documents to a flash drive or external hard drive in case of computer failure. Store the back up in your archival storage room or off site in a safety deposit box or relative's house. An off-site copy is good in case of a fire or flood.

Tips & Warnings

• Use archival safe supplies to create storage holders for your documents.

• Create a back up of computer files.

• Schedule monthly computer file back ups.

• Keep records off the floor in case of a flood.

• Make photocopies of newspaper articles to store rather than the original newspaper. The original newspaper will fade and crumble over time.

References

• Ancestry Lessons: Organizing Files
• Genealogy.com: Preserving Your Research
• Ancestry.com: Binders and Albums Genealogical Storage Issues