Preserving Family Photographs

Many patrons call to inquire about how to properly store their family photographs. These helpful tips below will guide you through a few simple things you can do to better store your photos. These tips are good suggestions for other items as well, such as textiles, documents, and other heirlooms.

Common Sense Storage

  •     NO ball point pen identifications (either side)
  •     Use pencil or Staedtler Pigment liner sketch pen (acid free)
  •     NO self-adhesive tape (This causes discoloration and may rip photos- see photo below)
  •     NO staples or paper clips (These cause rust discoloration and bend documents)
  •     NO rubber bands (Over time, rubber bands break down and may ruin photos)

CareofArchives_Tape
These Civil War letters were donated in this condition to the Massillon Museum. The ripped document had been previously repaired with tape. It is best to use archival document repair tape, available online at Gaylord.

CareofArchives_RubberBands

These decaying rubber bands left residue and pieces of rubber attached to the photographs they were on.

IDEAL STORAGE SPECIFICATIONS
The specifications below are the ideal situation. Peoples’ homes are not typically equipped with humidity and temperature controlled storage. So do the best you can. Do not store in the basement (too moist and causes mold or water damage in a flood) or in the attic (too hot and will damage your photos). If you hang a photo on the wall, don’t place it in a sunny area. The sunlight will cause your photo to fade quickly.

  •     CLEANLINESS: Exclude dust but not air flow
  •     TEMPERATURE: Approximately 70 degrees- minimal fluctuation
  •     HUMIDITY: 40%-60% with minimal fluctuation. Humidity causes water damage and mold
  •     LIGHT: Avoid light- especially fluorescent and sunlight that may cause fading

CareofArchives_Negatives

This negative was stored in either damp conditions or heat. The surface of the negative has shrunk, distorting the faces of the people in the image.

STORAGE CONTAINERS

  •     NO corrugated cardboard boxes or department store boxes (High lignin and acid content causes discoloration)
  •     NO untreated wooden containers
  •     NO newspaper wrapping (High lignin content in newspapers causes discoloration)
  •     NO airtight plastic bags, plastic containers, or laminating (This locks in dust, mold, and moisture)

Never do anything that can’t be undone. As technology advances, don’t take the original photos for granted. If your computer crashes one day, you’ll still have your original! When in doubt, consult a professional.

Archival supplies are easy to find. Don’t be fooled by the store “Archivers,” as not all of their items are acid free. The Massillon Museum uses Gaylord for archival supplies. If you have questions, their helpful staff can guide you to the right item.

Click here to download a PDF of this information

If you have a question about the preservation of your family’s heirlooms, call the Mandy Altimus Pond at the Massillon Museum at 330-833-4061, x113.