Family Historian User Group

I have a number of old documents that I am in the process of scanning, What would be the best way to look at and protect the originals. I was thinking A3 sleeves and a backing sheet of some-sort. I also have some parish news booklets too. All advise appreciated.

RoyP

Make sure you purchase "Archival" standard folders, to ensure the plastics have no nasty chemicals to damage the paper.

My History do a good range, but Museum/Library suppliers are also a good bet.

I purchased 'Archival' quality A3 sleeves and binders from My History to store them in and I am confident my documents are well preserved. I also got specially sized sleeves and binders for storing certificates in. The binders need to be stored flat, in a damp free environment and in the dark, and my binders are in a large drawer in my study. The only real risk is fire, but I haven't invested in what would have to be a large fire proof safe. I also use acid free paper for printing items I wish to store. I am pleased with what My History provided.

And following on from the above comments, never be tempted to laminate original documents. The sleeves are not of archival quality and can never be removed

If you have a fragile document, talk to one of the conservators at your local Record Office before taking any action.

Not forgetting that sellotape should NEVER, EVER be used.

Many thanks for all your input regarding the document storage. I will purchase said acid free sleeves etc. I do have a few odd size documents that will not fit nicely into a sleeve. is there a way of ..... to use the word STICK them to a card base and not cause damage.... or is the 'hold' it there by friction, the only alternative

You could try rolling them, and store them in an appropriate largish sized tube.

I know that stamp collector use sticky mounts, is anything like this advisable.

Roy,
Serious stamp collectors stopped using them, because even they caused damage to the back of the stamps, especially Mint ones.
Personally, I wouldnt risk sticking anything on any of my original documents!

If you have copies (digital and printed out) please ask yourself if any of the original documents should be deposited at the local records office. They will be preserved and conserved - if you need to you can restrict access. I’ve lodged some things with mine and was welcomed with open arms (including things I didn’t think they would be interested in), and means I can get to them without the worry of conserving them myself. They commented that they wished others had done the same. I wish a 3rd cousin had deposited documents he showed me. Whilst I’ve got brief notes (too brief in hindsight), he wouldn’t let me copy them and he couldn’t be bothered - after a combination of a house fire, his demise and uninterested children these have all been destroyed, and it’s what prompted me to talk to my local records office.