One of the biggest enemies of paper is acid. It makes the paper weak and brittle and can lead to discoloration, wear and irreversible damage. Other factors that affect the lifespan of paper materials include the manufacturing process, paper components, and inks applied to the paper. It is important to create a secure environment for your paper documents to prevent these elements from destroying them. To protect and preserve your family and historical records, you can take steps to ensure their security and longevity, including securing these valuable records in an archivist-quality certificate or diploma framework. Photos: When it comes to stitching together and framing photos for the exhibition, Earle has only two important tips: use only archival footage for everything the photo touches and make sure the glass doesn`t hit the surface of the photo (emulsion), otherwise it could stick. Frame offers sell spacers to avoid this. You can also frame copies of your photos. Read on to learn more about the importance of document retention and our top tips for keeping old documents at home. Above all, never laminate an important document. The process is irreversible and can reduce the value of the document. You should only trust museum quality certificate frameworks to preserve the integrity of your precious family memories.
Digital prints from scanned photos or documents are easy to frame and enjoy without damaging the original. Use a flatbed scanner to get the best reading quality and scan in original size, 600 dpi, color. To preserve the imperfections of your original, reprint it unchanged in the same size on the same type of paper. Or use photo editing software to recover the image to make it new. The best way to preserve your paper artifacts and photos is to store them in acid-free archive folders and/or boxes in a cool place that is free from temperature and humidity fluctuations, pests, dust, and light. I recommend real archive storage containers made by archive providers such as Gaylord Archival and Hollinger for libraries and archives and available through Amazon (affiliate link) or in bulk from the manufacturer. For specific tips on archiving and storing photos, documents, and memorabilia, see my book How to Archive Family Keepsakes (Family Tree Books, 2012). This step-by-step guide provides tips for organizing, cleaning, and preserving family heirlooms, photos, and papers. Here are some tips for framing important documents: Frame and display the print in any frame and anywhere, knowing that you can reprint new copies if necessary. Or print the digital image on metal, wood or fabric for a completely different look. Online photo services like Shutterfly and Mixbook offer all kinds of gifts and display ideas. Filed Under: Conservation Tagged With: View, Documents, Family Photos Instead of keeping these documents in the binder, why not take advantage of them by exposing them? You can share your pleasure with your family and friends when they see it from a prominent place in your home.
It`s not a question of whether you have to hand over important documents – it`s about how many you have in the first place. From diplomas and literature to birth certificates and newspaper clippings, your family history has likely been colored on flattened pulp for generations. But the longer these papers stay in your home, the more likely they are to disintegrate or be damaged in some way. If you`re like us, you probably have the creeping suspicion that keeping a shoebox in the basement isn`t the best way to store all your old documents. So what is it? We decided to find out. Photo frames are not only used to display images, you can also highlight important and historical documents. It could be your grandfather`s discharge papers from the Civil War, a handwritten chart of the family tree (from three generations ago), love letters from your great-grandparents, the diploma you spent many sleepless nights for, or the signed note from your favorite celebrity. Most photo and document frames are made of inexpensive cardboard and wood, very acidic materials that accelerate wear and tear on paper and photos. Art framers who specialize in archival frames use high-quality, acid-free carpet panels and backs, as well as sealed wooden or metal frames.
Depending on the size, framing archives can be quite expensive. If you want to preserve and display your original memorabilia, simply frame the objects with archival documents, including UV light filter glass, and display them in a place outside of direct light, heat or moisture. Paper or photos should be fixed on the acid-free substrate with archival hinges, not with tape or glue. An acid-free carpet panel should be used to prevent the item from touching the glass or plexiglass. Fahey recommends paying special attention to framed artisanal samplers. These delicate objects are often attached to wooden frames with nails, which can damage the fabric (especially if they are rusty). To preserve such a treasure, you need to carefully remove the sampler from the frame and reassemble it. If the nails are particularly rusty or you are not sure about undertaking such a project, seek the help of a professional restorer. As I said, when it comes to preserving paper, dirt and oil are the enemy. Make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling a historical document. Oils in your skin can stain or weaken the paper, causing permanent damage to the document.
Be sure to wear gloves for valuable coins. This is the golden rule when it comes to protecting paper documents, regardless of their age or current condition. Sometimes the safest place for a document you want to keep is the clear view. At least the old adage “out of sight, out of mind” won`t apply. For example, if you decide to hang the weathered poster of your great-aunt`s first – and only – theatrical performance on your wall, seek the help of a professional frame builder. And we`re not talking about that helpful young man in the weft department of the local counter. Inquire until you find a professional framer experienced in preparing museum-quality materials for the exhibition. This way, he or she can use commercial tricks – like a special preservation jar to block ultraviolet light and an acid-free holder – to ensure your document fits into family history. How many old historical documents do you have in your home? Whether it`s birth certificates from former family members, important documents that record your family`s history, or historical records passed down from generation to generation, it`s important to know how to protect old paper documents from damage. The easiest way to preserve old documents is to use a quality framework.
Check out our selection of frames with UV filtered glass, perfect for document preservation, or visit our blog for more tips on protecting paper documents with the right storage and framing methods. How you maintain this visual connection to your family history depends on the type of photos you have. For sepia or black-and-white prints, Earle suggests scanning them and printing copies with a printer that uses pigment inks rather than dyes. Pigment-based inks are more resistant to light, moisture and temperature fluctuations than dyes and have a longer shelf life. Earle also recommends printing only on good, acid-free photo paper available at office supply stores. Whether you`re displaying your family history memorabilia as carefully preserved originals in archival frames or reproductions on wall posters, don`t forget to take notes on the back to identify the people and events shown and how you came into possession of the object. You can keep and use your memories, wear them or hang them on your walls. “If you don`t use it and you don`t like it, what`s the point?” asks Jacobs. These simple tips will make your screens worry-free. Paper: The needs of your family heirlooms, such as marriage certificates, letters, and books, are pretty simple, Jacobs says.
First of all, she advises folding or unrolling your documents to eliminate wrinkles that can weaken the fibers. How can I store photos and documents from the early 20th century and display them safely in my home? It may sound silly, but having an armed guard or two couldn`t hurt when it comes to keeping your grandparents` marriage certificate safe, right? Consider renting a safe deposit box from a bank. While the men in black are probably busier keeping all that money, you still get the same protection for your documents. Typically, metal cans are cheap (around $30 to $75 per year) and have the added benefit of being housed in a bank safe that is unlikely to be damaged by fire or burglar. Paper: Place paper documents in a primary attachment, such as an envelope or archive folder, and then in an archive retention box. Not only do folders provide solid support for your papers, but they also help keep everything organized.