How to Preserve and Care for Your Historical Collection
Taking care of your archival collection by applying standards and recommendations that professionals use can be very rewarding. It just requires some knowledge, a few archival storage materials, and time. With these simple suggestions, thoughtful history lovers can ensure their documents will stand the test of time. This article will illustrate the various resources that you may have in your home (photographs, documents, books) and what you can do to preserve them for future use and reference.
There is an overwhelming amount of material on preservation and conservation of historical textual materials. As well, the City of Ottawa Archives regularly runs workshops and lectures related to this subject; keep updated by visiting Events and Programs regularly.
[accordion clicktoclose=true tag=h2][accordion-item title=”Photographs” state=closed]Photographs are often a person’s most prized possession. Photos mark significant occasions, places and people, illustrating a family’s history.
Some of the hazards to photographs:
- High temperatures and high relative humidity encourage a perfect environment for mold and mildew.
- Bright light from the sun or other light sources can cause fading and quicken deterioration.
- Insects and other pests: they enjoy certain elements in your photographs and might snack on them.
- Your albums, scrapbooks, or boxes you store your photographs may be releasing chemicals, damaging your photos over time. Albums which have self-adhesive pages are also very harmful to the durability and longevity of your photos.
- Manipulating your photos with your bare hands will transmit oil and dirt when handling photographic prints, slides, and negatives.
Tips and Suggestions:
- Handle photographs with cotton or latex gloves, and hold carefully around the edges.
- Photographs should be transferred to acid-free envelopes, albums, or folders to protect them from bright light, dirt, and other hazards. Mylar sleeves are clear storage packages, a good choice for prints.
- Negatives should be stored separately from photos and slides.
- Store the photographs loosely in acid-free envelopes or folders, and place them in acid-free boxes. Store the boxes in a cool, dry place (ideally a closet – avoid basements or attics).
- Always label photos lightly on the back with a soft pencil, not a pen. Do not use fountain or regular ink pens.
- Display copies of photographs and store originals.
[/accordion-item][accordion-item title=”Documents” state=closed]Textual documents like certificates, letters, diaries, and newspaper clippings hold a wealth of information on your personal and family history.
Some of the hazards to textual documents:
- Extreme fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity can cause mold and mildew, and brittleness of paper.
- Improper handling, such as folding paper and holding weak documents without a strong support beneath it.
- Insects and other pests.
- Direct light from the sun or other light sources can cause fading and quicken deterioration.
Tips and Suggestions:
- When handling paper, provide support beneath it by using acid-free mat board.
- Store papers at a constant moderate temperature and relative humidity. Avoid basements and attics.
- Store loose papers flat and unfolded in acid-free paper or folders, and then place in acid-free boxes.
- Photocopy or remove newspaper clippings from other material; newspaper is very acidic. If you must be keep the original copy, place within acid-free paper or folders.
[/accordion-item][accordion-item title=”Books” state=closed]Books can provide wisdom, amusement, and reflection through their writings. Preserving books, especially rare ones will improve their historical value.
Some of the hazards to books:
- Extreme fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity can cause mold and mildew, and brittleness of paper.
- Insects and other pests.
- Exposure to constant, direct light from the sun or other light sources can cause fading and quicken deterioration of pages, bindings and jackets.
- Incorrect storage, display and handling.
Tips and Suggestions:
- Store books at a constant moderate temperature and relative humidity. Avoid basements and attics.
- Keep your books standing upright, with another book or similar size or bookend on each side. There should be a few inches of space to circulate air behind them on the shelf. Do not pack them too tightly. Store oversized books lying flat.
- Keep books away from bright exposure to light.
- Dust and inspect books for pests annually. Clean away dust by vacuuming on low, covering the suction with a piece of cheesecloth attached with a rubber band.
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