Hello DJ, from my experience, there are some dos and don'ts when it comes to protection of old documents: first the don'ts: never, ever laminate old documents. Remove all staples, paper clips and Scotch tape (contains acids). And obviously stay away from sunlight. the dos: make backups, scan or photograph your documents. Also, there are indelible sheet protectors available. These are a little bit more expensive than the usual ones, but I think for your old documents it should be worth it. If you do use a sheet protector, you should always insert a paper sheet between photo/document and protector. Another possibility is to store your documents in an archive box. These boxes are acid free and alkaline buffered. I don't know where to get these sheet protectors and archive boxes in North America, but I got mine from a company in Germany specialized on archive supplies. If you have to write on your documents, use a pencil. But keep in mind, paper does not last forever, the paper they use today will probably last for 100 - 150 years, depending on the quality. Kind regards, Rudolf djweber schrieb: > <div class="moz-text-flowed" style="font-family: -moz-fixed">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 > > > </div> >