Conservation, Preservation, and Storage Supplies, Tools and Products
One of the most important thing we can do as family historians is to store our precious photos, documents, and artifacts in the safest ways possible. Most commonly-used storage supplies are actually detrimental to the preservation of those artifacts. That’s why it’s important to use archival-quality boxes, sleeves, folders, and other supplies. More expensive than an old shoebox, but likely to help your precious items last at least another 100 years.
Some of the products you are likely to need include:
- Archival polyester sleeve (L-sleeve) for photos and documents
- Acid-free and lignin-free paper (we should all keep a ream on hand)
- Acid-free and lignin-free folders (plus acid- and lignin-free inserts)
- Acid-free and lignin-free tissue paper
- Acid-free and lignin-free archival boxes
- Artifact and textile storage containers and materials
- Archival-quality DVDs
- Cotton gloves for handling old photos, documents, and textiles
- Micro-spatula for removing old photos from albums
Helpful infographic overview of why archival quality is necessary.
Amazon
Mega online shopping site, Amazon offers a seemingly infinite array of supplies and materials, often at competitive prices. Search for archival supplies.
Gaylord Archival
Gaylord Archival is a leading and trusted provider of preservation & exhibit solutions to institutions & individuals. They have been serving archives, museums, and libraries since 1896 and offer a wide range of quality supplies at affordable prices.
Their website now has a Family History Section that offers both products for the amateur/personal/family historian as well as how-to information.
Gaylord Archival Family Archives Document Preservation (starter) Kit is $37.07.
Hollinger Archival
The famed Hollinger metal edged archival boxes originated at this company, another leading and trusted provider of archival materials for archives, museums, and libraries since 1945 and they also offer a wide range of supplies including display accessories and a wide range of artifact storage items. Affordable prices and great quality.
Light Impressions Direct
Especially known for film storage products, this company, another leader, also offers a wide range of products.
Long-Term Disc Storage
M-Disc DVD 1,000-year storage