Paper

Do not underestimate the power of nature. Acidity, light, and widely fluctuating temperature and humidity are the greatest threats to your family papers. Plan ahead. If you are creating a family tree or oral history, use safe, durable, acid-free materials.

Use and Display

• Do not laminate special papers; the process can be harmful and cannot be easily undone.
• Consult a conservator before using any commercial deacidification products.
• Avoid folding and unfolding papers; it weakens them. Place oversized items flat on larger pieces of acid-free mat board (also see Matting & Framing).

Storage

• Store paper items in darkness and ration their time in the light – especially their moments in the sun.
• Store loose papers unfolded in acid-free paper or stable plastic folders. Put fragile or torn documents in individual folders and keep the folders in acid-free (not wooden) boxes. Archival does not mean the same thing as acid-free.
• Highly acidic materials like newspaper clippings often become yellow and brittle quickly. Separate them from other papers and photocopy or scan and print the clippings onto acid-free paper.
• Bugs love glue and paper. Keep an eye out for creatures feasting on your precious papers.

Care

• Never use staples, rubber bands, tape, or glue on important papers.
• Consult a conservator if you find evidence of dirt or mold on prized papers.