Keepsakes Must Be Kept Safely
Among the keepsakes of genealogists are photographs of ancestors and paper certificates, documents and newspaper clippings. However, if they are improperly stored, they will not last long enough to be a treasure of generations to come.
Attics and basements are the worst places to store keepsakes. Valuable photos should be kept where temperature, humidity and light levels are low. Color prints are best stored below 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% humidity, and in the dark. Avoid using plastic storage containers that may contain polyvinyl chloride.
Acid-neutral boxes and envelopes are available. If you use envelopes and sleeves to hold your photos and slides, be sure they are made of acid-neutral paper, or polyester, archival polyethylene, or triacetate plastic film.
Use photo albums with acid-neutral pages and avoid waxed pages. Adhesive tape, white glue, rubber cement, paper clips and mothballs or crystals can damage your photos. To label photos on the backside before storing or displaying--and all your photographs should be identified with names, dates and places--use a soft No. 1 pencil and press lightly.
Copy old photos first, then store the negatives in a dark place. Black-and-white negatives will last a long time if well cared for. However, color slides may last only 10 to 50 years, depending on care.
Use acid-free materials when mounting newspaper clippings and other paper items. Pastes made from flour and water, wheat or rice are less acidic and less damaging than most other pastes. However, they are subject to mildew and household pest damage, and may bubble or ripple the item. Linen tape can be used for mounting. Find an art supply store for these supplies. Before using anything on a valuable item, test each product for any initial staining or damage.
Photocopies of clippings can be mounted in scrapbooks, but the originals should be placed in a dark storage container.
The American Assn. for State and Local History (AASLH), 708 Berry Road, Nashville, Tenn. 37204, publishes books and technical leaflets on the collection, care and preservation of many items.
If you want to know specifically what your antiques, collectibles or keepsakes are worth and to document their value, you will need the services of a personal property appraiser. Appraisers of antique and collectible keepsakes should be specialists. Spend as much time finding a qualified appraiser as you would looking for a professional in any field.
Once you have obtained an appraisal, it should be dated, signed by the appraiser, along with the purpose of the appraisal and the qualities and disinterest of the appraiser noted. Keep the appraisal in your safety deposit box.