How can I preserve my mothers delicate birth certificate of 80 years old? She just passed away recently.?

Answer 1

Have it professionally preserved.

If you want to do it yourself.....laminate it.

Answer 2

There is no way to know what to do without professional analysis of the certificate itself. Often acid based inks and even acid based binders were used in the making of the paper itself. IF this is the case, then no storage method will preserve the document unless the acidity is neutralized (this is NOT an amateur task - requires detailed chemical analysis of the document).

With some papers, just sunlight (or certain spectra's of electric lighting) can ultimate destroy the document. In almost all cases, the polutants in the air can do it, so as a minimum you want to at least keep it sealed from air if you do nothing else - but remember, it doesn't do any good to just seal it, as you are sealing it WITH existing air that contains polutants.

To keep it for a longer period of time, a lot of suggestions above are very good. But if you truely want to preserve it, you will have to go to an expert on document preservation. There are so many potential critical variables that no amateur really has a chance of doing it right.

Answer 3

I would handle it with great care. First scan the item and save it on a computer or disc so you will always have a copy of it. This is the copy to use for every day viewing and use of the document.
1. Purchased a document book from any memorabilia sight. These are hard cover books with a place inside to place the document for protection. The outside covers are designed to reduce heat and to block light, both of which can cause damage. The inside is a hard non-flexible see through plastic case which holds the document and is sealed to keep air out and allows for viewing of both sides of a document without removing it or opening the plastic casing.
2. Store the book in a safe place with low humidity and a climate controlled place is even more desirable.

Answer 4

Take it to an office supply or print store and have it LAMINATED. This means they put it between 2 layers of thin, clear plastic and then seal around the open edges. It will preserve it and keep it from further damage such as stains, etc. This process is what they do with drivers' licenses, etc.

Answer 5

These old papers are so very delicate, I think it is good to preserve them in acid free paper. Like the black paper you can buy at a scrap book or photo shop. Also, you can have a picture taken of it, to preserve it for decades. I would check with a photo shop or a restorer in this field. The photo shop should be able to assist you.

Answer 6

The best way to preserve this is to store it in a place away from light and air. You can have is sealed in a container of a special frame that is light and air resistant, and would cost you about $100.00. To find out the closest company you should contact your local Museum.

Answer 7

I would put in into a special photo album. I would also get another copy of it as well so you will always know what it says originally. As long as you have your mom's social security number and date of birth The Hall of Records can issue out another copy. They charge a fee of anywhere between $25-$35 dollars. I had my dad's done because he is deceased as well. Sometimes they can become so fragile that if you pick it up, it might begin tearing. So try to take care of it as soon as possible and God Bless you and your family.

Answer 8

I'm so sorry about your mother. You can have her birth certificate framed in an vacuum sealed frame. That way, air cannot cause any more damage to it. You can take it to a framing shop, and they will be able to do it for you, and make it a very attractive heirloom.

Answer 9

I don't think you can reverse the lamination process and you might want to keep the certificate as it is. I think putting it behind a piece of glass and keeping it somewhere where daylight won't fade it would be the best solution.

Answer 10

All paper and cards - put in a cardboard box and then put that cardboard box in a bigger cardboard box. It protects the items from light and the cardboard absorbs moisture. I have postcards from the 1914 - 18 war infairly good condition. I also have documents from the Victorian era - in perfect condition.

Answer 11

I'm unsure, but try contacting a museum or a library and see who or what they recommend for document preservation. They will be able to point you in the right direction.