Protect individual items by placing inside an oversize archival folder or plastic sleeve. Avoid stacking too many items in the box to avoid abrasion from sheets rubbing together. Large, shallow archival boxes and large acid-free folders are a good choice for archiving land deeds, wills, or maps. I use the middle 5-inch wide cases because the larger box can become quite heavy when full. The small 2-inch is useful for small collections. Typical box widths are 2-inch, 5-inch, and 7-inch. Select the length, legal or letter, to accommodate your papers housed inside acid-free folders. Box color does not affect archival quality and may be useful to separate family collections. Archival materials are heavier than average cardboard, and large documents cases can become very heavy when filled with acid-free file folders and documents.ĭocument cases are made in varying colors, length, and width. These sturdy acid-free boxes are perfect for home archives and can be stored on a closet shelf or inside a cupboard.Ĭonsider weight as well as size when selecting containers. File folders can be easily organized and stored vertically inside the box and retrieved for researchers. Flip-top Document CaseĪrchival document cases are designed to be portable file cabinets for selected document collections. Organize materials further with acid-free vertical hanging folders. Store folders vertically inside an acid-free document case or a metal filing cabinet. Folders are available in letter or legal size with full edge or third cut tabs for labeling. The heavy-weight board provides protection from handling, light, dust, and minor liquid spills. Acid-free File FoldersĪrchival acid-free file folders are a document’s first line of defense against environmental hazards. Any plastic containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is not recommended.įind more information on archival terminology at Gaylord Archival. Polyester, polyethylene, and polypropylene are chemically inert plastics and acceptable for sleeves and enclosures. It is used mostly with plastic storage sleeves and containers. Photographic Activity Test (PAT) is a standardized test to determine how photo storage materials interact with photographs. The most common buffering agents are calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. Lignin-free or low-lignin items are free or limited amounts of lignin, an organic substance that can cause acid to form in storage containers over time.īuffered archival paper has been treated to neutralize the potential build-up of acid over time. These products have a pH of 7.0 or more and have been made from non-wood pulp products or been treated to neutralize any acid. You may have seen color photos stored in plastic photo pages or “magnetic albums” of the 1970’s that show this color fading from the acidic materials.Īcid-free, true “archival” products are free of wood-pulp and other organic materials that can damage paper, photos, and artifacts. Acidic paper quickly yellows and becomes brittle in light and heat.Īcid migration occurs when high-acid materials come into contact with other items and cause brown stains or a change in colors. Newsprint and other cheap paper is made from wood-pulp or other organic fiber and has a high “acid” content measuring a pH of less than 7.0. Make these terms part of your Archivist’s Toolbox to help you easily select the best containers to store your family materials.Īcid refers to the pH of a product, often paper or heavy-weight paperboard. Archival Terms to KnowĪrchivists use a basic vocabulary to describe the preservation-quality supplies used in their work. Use our guide and expert tips to help you select and use the proper archival materials for photos, newspapers, artifacts and more. Extend your genealogy toolbox to include basic archival supplies and know-how, and you will be ready to confidently care for the next family treasure that comes your way. With the right tools and supplies at hand, organizing and preserving family treasures doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. Soon, more pictures, documents, and artifacts are likely to come our way. Word spreads like wildfire when relatives learn we are happy to take the old photo albums and loose papers cluttering their garage. Many genealogists quickly discover they have become family archivists as well as family researchers. Family Tree Templates and Relationship Charts.Best Genealogy Websites for Asia and the Pacific. Best Geography and Historical Map Websites.Best African American Genealogy Websites.Best US and Canadian Genealogy Websites.Surnames: Family Search Tips and Surname Origins.Preserving Old Photos of Your Family History.How to Find Your Ancestor’s US Military Records.
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