Preservation Guidelines

The following preservation tips, combined with the Family History Box will help ensure your precious memories and documents are available for generations to come.

Do's & Don'ts of preservation

Don'ts

• Don't store anything in direct sunlight or bright light, ideally store in the dark.

• Don't use self-adhesive photograph albums.

• Don't use newspaper to wrap documents or line boxes.

• Don't use ordinary envelopes, files, tissue paper or standard cardboard boxes.

• Don't use pens or felt tip markers on or near your artifacts.

• Don't use standard polythene or plastic bags, PVC, plastic envelopes and files. There are some plastics (polyester) which may be

• used, but you need to be certain what is safe.

• Don't use frames that have poor quality mountboard or are backed with wood.

• Never under any circumstances use any standard form of pressure sensitive tape or adhesive tape.

• Never laminate a photo or document to preserve it. Also never use standard glue.

• Don't use rubber bands, staples, pins, or metal clips.

• Don't store in areas high in humidity such as conservatories, near airing cupboards or places where condensation forms or near

• any heat sources.

• Don't store anything in damp areas like cellars, sheds or garages.

• Don't store boxes against external walls as these have high temperature fluctuations.

• Avoid folding items or excessive handling.

• Do not overfill box as this will harm the contents and it will be unsafe to handle the weight.

• Do not allow the box or its contents to get wet.

Do's

• Try and store to as constant temperature as possible such as 13-18˚C and the relative humidity should not exceed 50% for a prolonged period.

• Keep originals in original and permanent formats.

• Always handle photographic media gently and with great care to avoid finger marks on images

• Try to ensure that you store your box in an area or room where air can circulate.

• Ensure that you store your box in a pest and insect free area.

• Always us "Archival quality materials" (paper, adhesives, tape or embellishments) for your collection or for the decoration of your pages, box or collection.

• Remove any dust and mould carefully before storing.

• If possible use a de-humidifier in humid conditions.

For more in-depth information on the care and conservation of a range of different materials or objects, see the excellent articles at www.conservationregister.com