| Preservation of genealogical findings Written by Louise St-Denis Formerly, our ancestors were passing the traditions and history from one generation to another. But nowadays, mostly because of our fast paced lives, families are losing their tradition and history. It is our responsibility to try to keep documents, pictures and mementos for the generations to come. Preserving your genealogical research findings is very important for its survival. Using those documents will allow future generations to know more about their family’s history and tradition. 1) What is preservation’s biggest enemy ? lighting temperature and humidity insects and vermine misuse catastrophes2) Does the paper have a role in the conservation? Ordinary paper contains some acid. So, if possible it would be better to use paper, folders, envelopes, and boxes without any corrosive products: acid, lignine and alun colophane. 3) Which items should I keep? Paper documents of any kind: letters, certificates, postal cards, cuttings from magazines and newspapers; official reports and certificates: birth, marriage, death, burial; personal belongings and achievements : academic report, medical, religious reports; army honors, books, photography, bibles, diaries, etc. 4) What to do with damaged documents? Start by unfolding the document (if it is folded) and make sure it stays flat. Afterwards, gently clean the document and seal it to protect from more misuse. Newspaper clippings are really difficult to conserve in mint condition. To that end, make a copy or seal them in a low-acidity environment. 5) How am I supposed to seal my documents? There are three types of plastic materiel appropriate for conservation: polyester polyethylene polypropyleneKeep in mind that plastics are worthless against light. That is why you must keep the sealed documents in boxes or envelopes safely in the dark. 6) What kind of box should I use? Use a resistant box strong enough to support the contents and reinforce the corners. Seal the box hermetically and label its contents. 7) Should I clean my documents? Rigid document can usually be cleaned. However, if you have any doubt, bring your document to a professional. Should you choose to clean it yourself, wear clean cotton gloves and gently use a groom-stick to take out the imperfections. To take out the acid in the paper you must use a ph-meter pen. 8) Why should I take out the acid from the paper? Simply to avoid deterioration! To do that, test the document and then spray one side of the paper to treat it. Make sure you read carefully the manufacturers instructions before use. Never take out the acid out of a picture, simply prevent the downsides of acidity. 9) What do I do if my documents are torn or cracked? Do not use a normal tape, use an adhesive that is made especially for archives. If it is a picture, consult a specialist. Make sure you have another sealed copy of your document someplace else. Never laminate documents. 10) How to assemble the documents? Documents that are assembled with staples, paper clips or elastic bands will be permanently marked. If you need to detach the documents do it gently and by hand. Use an untreated cotton band. 11) How should we seal the documents? Take two polyester papers of the same dimensions. Clean the polyester film, insert the document between the sheets and apply weight on it. Afterwards, put use adhesive on all four corners to make sure it will stay closed. Use a roll to remove the bubbles. Finally, make sure the corners are round. 12) How do I take care of my pictures? Do not keep pictures in envelopes of poor quality. Do not repair the pictures, make copies. To do this use a pigma fountain or Stabylo pencil. Never apply adhesive to the verso of the picture. If you want to frame your picture use a product without acids, ex. Creative Memories. 13) How do I store my books? Place them straight and vertical. Install the stopper at mid-height. For the heaviest books, place them vertically on the shelf. Never pack lots of books together. Take the books out by the middle. Always store your books in a clean and dust-free environment. 14) How do I offer findings as gifts? Construct any king of genealogical table. Write a book about your family’s history. Prepare a film about your family. Or, organize a family reunion, it is a perfect way to gain and share information about your ancestors and to share stories with future generations. |
