Forwarded FYI: Please pass on to appropriate mailing lists... R/S MAK WI ASC +++ >From a current newsletter at Ancestry.com. For further information, contact the Newberry library, which is just north of the Loop and quite easy to get to. The phone number is listed below. +++ CHICAGO�Old photographs, yellowed letters, thumb-worn Bibles, reels of old movies, and delicate lace christening dresses�family treasures or forgotten trash? Sentimental tokens such as these, collected throughout the years, are often stashed away in attics or buried deep in basements, waiting to be rediscovered by succeeding generations. But care must be taken to preserve such family heirlooms, or all that may be left for posterity is crumbling pages and moth-eaten material. On 10 October, at 6 p.m., the Newberry Library's Friends of Genealogy (FOG) membership group will present "Ask the Experts: Protecting Your Family's History," featuring a panel of experts who will discuss general conservation principles for preserving a myriad assortment of family treasures. Dan Cochrane, a professional conservator, will talk about preserving photographs. Stephanie Orphan, Archives Director at the Museum of Broadcast Communications, will address audio/visual materials. Susan Russick, Director of Conservation at the Newberry Library, will discuss books and paper-based materials. Joel Thompson, an Assistant Conservator at the Chicago Historical Society, will lecture on textile and three-dimensional objects. "Ideal conservation standards are difficult to achieve in the home, primarily because of the problem of controlling humidity," said Susan Russick. "Temperature, humidity, light, pollutants, pests, and even vibrations can accelerate deterioration. I recommend that people focus their preservation efforts on providing appropriate housings, such as boxes, folders, and frames." Admission is $10, or free for FOG members. For reservations, please call (312) 255-3510. The Friends of Genealogy (FOG), a membership group supporting the Newberry Library's genealogy collections, was founded in 1997 for those interested in genealogical pursuits. FOG is dedicated to providing its members with educational information, events, and various networking forums and interest groups, and to enhancing the Newberry's Family and Community History collection and services through fundraising and volunteering. For more information, call Heidi Mucha at (312) 255-3556 or e-mail mailto:muchah@newberry.org. For more information on the Friends of Genealogy, see: http:www.newberry.org/nl/genealogy/L3gfriends.html __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Make international calls for as low as $.04/minute with Yahoo! Messenger http://phonecard.yahoo.com/