Proper maintenance of old paper and photographs?

Question

I inherited old photographs and letters from my relatives. A few letters are 150 years old. I would like to store them properly so that they do not become damaged. They are currently in cardboard boxes under the stairs.

Would scanning an old photo damage it?
Should I leave old letters folded up?
Recommendations for special products to keep these letters and photos in good shape?

Thanks

Answer 1

I would first start by getting out of cardboard boxes under the stairs.... Get yourself a set of gloves.... White acid free cotton is helpful you can get them from a camera retail store... They are reuseable/washable. Also, from a craft or paper supply store get some acid free tissue paper to put between the photos and letters.... You can scan the letters and photos and have them put on to CD/DVD just in case something happened you would atleast have a record of what you had if not the originals.... You can store the photo's/letters in a plastic storage bin with a sealed/watertight lid... Or even a ziploc freezer bag as long as the photo's/letters were between acid free paper.. .Most one hour photo place have acid free envelopes you can ask for some.... I would unfold the letters and store flat the creasing may make them brittle over time.. Good luck

Answer 2

Scanning will not hurt the old pics. In fact I'd scan and then use that file to print copies for handling. If framing the originals make sure the pics are on acid free backing/mat and under UV filter glass/plastic. A good photography shop or framing store should be able to assist with materials or advice. They can also retouch or repair damage to the photos very inexpensively.

I believe you should keep the papers folded unless you unfold for permanent storage in acid free paper envelopes or neutral plastic sleeves. A museum or records archive can advise on your particular items including proper storage where proper temperature and humidity is key. If the letters are unfolded I would carefully scan them as well.