I have unexpected come into a precious inheritance, a collection of original documents and photographs going back into the early 1800s. Among these are letters, envelopes stamps, photographs on a metal base, and diplomas. The diplomas wedding certificates are quite large naturally, whereas the photographs are smaller. I would like to preserve these, some of these documents are in fantastic condition, and some are quite fragile. I am desperate to stop the deterioration of those that are fragile, and want to preserve those that are still in good condition. I am wondering what techniques others have used. I have thought about using those laminating devices you find everywhere? Are they useful for preservation purposes? I know, I probably have to worry about heat, and acids. I know that I could encase them in airtight frames with a noble gas, but that's quite a bit of work, if there are other methods. Also, I'm not sure the best way to preserve a photograph on a tintype. It's been a bit battered, it is no longer flat but is noticeably curved, the iron is completely eaten through in one very small spot, allowing a pinpoint of light through; there are several spots where the picture is gone, but the majority of the picture is intact. Noticeable rust is on parts of the back. I am fairly certain this is a picture of Captain George Dundas, a family member. He was captain of the Susquehanna, of which I have an original list of cabin passengers leaving Danzig and Bremen August 30th and Sept 5, 1920, respectively - her "maiden voyage" I believe (as the SS Susquehanna). Any tips on preserving such photos? Thanks, Brian

Brian, Too often I fall behind in reading (and paying attention to) incoming e-mails. On October 19, you asked about protecting older documents and records. I really have no answer for you. The only original, old document I might have of my ancestry should be my own birth certificate which is getting older and older by the day but from memory, I don't think I have the original, merely a County certified copy made for some necessity during World War II. However, I trust that you are heeding the thoughts and suggestions from Renate Ell's message. I can offer a suggestion but not an answer. What is the largest and most imporatnt library close to you? Can an archivist of that library be contacted so that you may receive suggestions and ideas from someone experienced in your problem? It is possible that a County Archivist also might have some ideas BUT from people whom I know or have met who held such a position usually they were using cardboard boxes with limited space and attempting to keep rodents away from the old record. Library? Finding the correct contact might be the only difficult part of your search. In addition to protecting the items, I imagine that you also want to know how to safely transfer the images to additional sources? Genealogical library? How close are you to the Western Reserve Historical Society in Cleveland, the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, the State Historical Society in Wisconsin at Madison, The Godfrey Memorial in Middletown....or....is < http://www.gwest.org/gen_libs.htm > still a live URL? Might NARA have any publications available to help? djweber djwdjw@ix.netcom.com ------------------------- ----- Original Message ----- From: <brian@amason.net> To: <DEU-BAD-ORTENAU@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, October 19, 2008 4:22 PM Subject: [Ortenau] OT: Document preservation >I have unexpected come into a precious inheritance, a collection of > original documents and photographs going back into the early 1800s. Among > these are letters, envelopes stamps, photographs on a metal base, and > diplomas. The diplomas wedding certificates are quite large naturally, > whereas the photographs are smaller. I would like to preserve these, some > of these documents are in fantastic condition, and some are quite fragile. > > I am desperate to stop the deterioration of those that are fragile, and > want to preserve those that are still in good condition. I am wondering > what techniques others have used. I have thought about using those > laminating devices you find everywhere? Are they useful for preservation > purposes? I know, I probably have to worry about heat, and acids. I know > that I could encase them in airtight frames with a noble gas, but that's > quite a bit of work, if there are other methods. > > Also, I'm not sure the best way to preserve a photograph on a tintype. > It's been a bit battered, it is no longer flat but is noticeably curved, > the iron is completely eaten through in one very small spot, allowing a > pinpoint of light through; there are several spots where the picture is > gone, but the majority of the picture is intact. Noticeable rust is on > parts of the back. I am fairly certain this is a picture of Captain George > Dundas, a family member. He was captain of the Susquehanna, of which I > have an original list of cabin passengers leaving Danzig and Bremen August > 30th and Sept 5, 1920, respectively - her "maiden voyage" I believe (as > the SS Susquehanna). Any tips on preserving such photos? > > Thanks, > > Brian