Don't do anything that cannot be undone.
Do make mends reversible, not permanent. Preserve more than restore.
Do learn to live with some imperfections.
Don't subject items to extreme swings in temperature or humidity.
Do store items in main living areas, not attics or basements.
Don't display or store items where they will receive direct sunlight or heat.
Do display them in areas receiving indirect light and away from heat registers.
Don't handle objects carelessly by leaving fingerprints.
Do wash hands – or wear cotton gloves – before handing anything of historic or artistic value (Papers, photographs, furniture, fabrics, and metals) to project them from fingerprints, dust and dirt. Gloves are not recommended for slippery objects, such as glass and ceramics.
Don't leave items on display forever.
Do rotate items off display to prevent damage from sunlight, dust, dirt, and handling.
Don't use metal clips, rubber bands, pressure-sensitive "scotch" tapes, or plastics with PVC (polyvinyl cloride) to store materials.
Do use acid-free paper folders or envelopes or safe, neutral plastics such as Mylar™ or polypropylene.
Don't fold quilts, coverlets, etc. tightly.
Do fold loosely, padding the folds with acid-free tissue or clean cotton sheets and pillowcases. Store flat or rolled if possible.
Don't mend old fabrics with cotton/polyester thread.
Do use a thread compatible with the fabric of 100% cotton, silk or wool.
Don't store quilts, fabrics, paper items, photographs or metals in plastic bags from dry-cleaning or other stores.
Do store them using clean cotton sheets, acid-free tissue or paper, or acid-free, inert plastic (polypropylene). Use anti-tarnish pacific cloth for silver.
Don't use corrugated board, wood, or regular paper directly against an item when framing it. The acid in these materials will cause damage.
Do frame items using acid-free, archival quality mat board.
Don't place cups or plants on wooden surfaces or write directly on them. Don't place furniture directly in front of windows for long periods of time; sunlight will destroy the finish and bleach the wood.
Do use coasters and writing pads to protect wooden surfaces.
Copyright@ Nancy S. Powell
Supplies:
Light Impressions
P.O. Box 787
Brea, CA 92822-0787
800.828.6216
http://www.lightimpressionsdirect.com/
Gaylord Bros., Inc.
PO Box 4901
Syracuse, NY 13221-4901
800.448.6160
http://www.gaylord.com/archival_supplies.htm
Information:
Caring for your family archive:
http://www.archives.gov/preservation/family-archives/
Guide to Donating Your Personal or Family Papers to a Repository
http://www.archivists.org/publications/donating-familyrecs.asp
Internal Revenue Service
http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/
Publication 526, (Charitable Contributions, Publication 561, (Determining the value of donated property), Form 8283, (Non-cash charitable contributions)
Preparing, Protecting, Preserving Family Treasures
http://www.loc.gov/preserv/familytreasures/index.html
Resources for Private and Family Collections
http://www.nedcc.org/resources/resources.php