Hi all -- The subject of "genealogy scrapbooks" has come up on another list that I'm on. It occured to me that my two cents worth to the Macon Co. list might also prove helpful to others starting genealogy scrapbooks. I'm sure some of you will get this several times, and apologies for that -- I'm just doing my best to protect old photos, letters, clippings, etc. I started a genealogy scrapbook about six months ago, and did a good bit of research, to be sure that the photos, documents, etc. would be protected, and actually last for more generations. My brother-in-law, who is a museum curator, was a big help! I'd like to pass along what I learned, so that anyone else doing a genealogy scrapbook has something that will truly last through the generations. 1) Identifying the pictures. Photos should be identified on the back, and on the pages of the scrapbook. Reason: If the photo for some reason becomes "detached", the ancestors can still be identified. If the wrong type of ink is used, you could have problems. Many inks will fade, smear, or bleed over time. Worst-case scenario, is that the ink bleeds through from the back of the photograph onto the front of the photograph, thereby ruining your picture.The solution is to use a waterproof, acid-free, fade-proof and non-bleeding ink. It should conform to ASTM D-4236 standards. (It should say this on the pen). I found one called a Zig Writer, that cost about $2.50. There are other, more expensive types, and others about the same price, but look for the keywords mentioned above. 2) What if you already have old photos with questionable ink on the back, or old letters, newspaper clippings, etc. that are fading, in bad shape, and likely to get worse? There's a product called Archival Mist -- it's expensive, but worth it to protect your old memorabilia. Essentially, it neutralizes the non-acid free papers and stops the deterioration process. It won't restore them, but it will keep them from getting worse!! There might be other such products, but this is the only one that I'm aware of. 3) Be sure that the pages in your scrapbook are acid-free. Storage in any sort of a non-acid free "medium", (eg., box, plastic bags, scrapbook, etc.) not only will NOT protect old photos, clippings, etc. (or new ones!!), but will speed their deterioration. 4) Attach the photos with acid-free corners and archival quality (meaning acid-free) glue. Use a glue that will allow for easy removal in the future. (E.g., what if great-grandaughter Susie Creamcheese wants to make copies of great-grandma's photo for her children?) This way, you don't have to destroy the scrapbook to remove an item for copying, etc. 5) What if there is evidence of "bug damage", mold, mildew, etc? This is simple -- you freeze the item!! Yep, put it in your freezer for 24 hours, then remove it for 24 hours. Then, put it back in again for 24 hours -- this gets rid of any eggs, etc. that might have been missed the first time around. I'd threaten murder and mayhem to any family member opening the freezer, for any purpose, while the item is there -- all you need is for someone to spill an ice tray full of water all over grandpa's love letters to grandma. I've typically put items in plastic bags for freezing -- I'm not sure that my brother-in-law would approve, but it DOES protect the item immediately, and it's not long-term. Use your own judgement. Word of warning-- once frozen, many old papers will be extremely fragile -- they can actually shatter, if dropped. You want to remove them carefully, take them out of the plastic bag (you don't want 'em getting soggy!) and place them in a safe, out-of-the way place until "thawed". This usually doesn't take too long. 6) Where can you get these products? The pens and archival glue are available from any good art supply store. I've only seen the archival mist available through a catalog that I get. And, the acid-free scrapbooks, etc. proved problematic. The best source that I found is a catalog called Exposures. Lest it be considered advertising, I won't give the particulars here. If anyone is interested, email me and I'll tell you how to contact them. You might also check with your local museum, to see what suggestions they have. As I mentioned, my brother-in-law was a gold mine!!! Hope you all have wonderful scrapbooks!! Judy