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Augusta University

Historical Collections and Archives: Preserving Your Treasures

How can I preserve my memorabilia?

The basic factors to consider in regards to preservation of analog items, such as print photographs and documents, are:

  • Temperature and relative humidity - avoid extremes in temperatures and relative humidity by storing items in a climate controlled area and not in the attic or basement.
  • Light – protect items from natural or artificial light and store in acid-free boxes, folders, or *polyester sleeves.
  • Handling – handle items with care and with clean hands.
  • Copies – make hard and/or digital copies and distribute the copies geographically among family members.

For electronic items, be sure to routinely copy the items to CDs, DVDs, or external hard drives. Make more than one copy of the files and store in different locations. Be sure to migrate digital items when upgrading to newer formats.

*Avoid using plastic containers and sleeves that smell like a new shower curtain as these contain harmful gases (PVC) that will damage your items. Use storage folders or sleeves that contain polyethylene or polypropylene. 

See the attached PDF for more information.

Resources for more in-depth information

Online Resources:

Saving Your Stuff – American Library Association

Preserving Your Family Treasures – Library of Congress

Collections Care – Library of Congress

Digital Preservation: Personal Archiving – Library of Congress

Frequently Asked Questions about Preservation – Library of Congress

Caring for Your Treasures – American Institute for Conservation of Historical and Artistic Works (AIC)

How to Preserve Family Papers and Photographs – National Archives

Northeast Document Conservation Center – This website has helpful preservation tips and instruction

Personal Digital Archiving Strategies – MIT Libraries Institute Archives & Special Collections

Books:

How to Archive Family Photos: A Step-by-Step Guide to Organize and Share Your Photos Digitally by Denise May Levenick (Family Tree Books, 2015)

Your Digital Afterlife: When Facebook, Flickr and Twitter Are Your Estate, What's Your Legacy? Evan Carroll and John Romano (New Riders, 2010)