Historical family documents hold significant value, both emotionally and historically. Whether you’ve uncovered old letters, birth certificates, or family diaries, these treasures deserve careful attention to ensure they endure for generations. In this blog post, the experts from Las Vegas Family History share a guide to properly preserving and sharing your family’s history.
Assess & Organize the Collection
Start by assessing what you have. Take inventory of each document, noting its type, date, and condition. Organize items by category, such as personal correspondence, official records, or photographs. Use acid-free folders or archival boxes to store them during the sorting process. This helps protect fragile items while you decide their next steps.
Protect & Preserve
To ensure these documents survive the test of time, proper storage is critical. Avoid keeping them in areas prone to extreme temperature changes, humidity, or direct sunlight, such as basements or attics. Use archival-quality materials like acid-free paper, mylar sleeves, and document boxes to prevent deterioration. Handle documents with clean hands or cotton gloves to minimize oils and dirt transfer.
Digitize for Longevity
Digitizing historical family documents is an excellent way to preserve and share them. Use a high-quality scanner to create digital copies of each item. Save files in multiple formats, such as JPEG or TIFF for images and PDF for text documents. Store these files in several locations, including cloud storage, external drives, and physical USBs, to prevent loss.
Research & Contextualize
Take the time to learn about the people, places, and events tied to these documents. Research family history, local archives, or online genealogy resources for additional context. Annotating scanned files with detailed descriptions, including dates, names, and their significance, can help future generations better understand the stories behind the documents.
Share with Family
Historical documents are most meaningful when shared. Create a digital archive or a family history book using scanned copies. Host a family gathering to discuss your findings and distribute digital or physical copies of significant items. Sharing these documents strengthens family bonds and ensures the stories are passed down.
Consider Professional Assistance
If you come across exceptionally fragile or valuable documents, consult a professional conservator. They can provide restoration services or recommend advanced preservation methods. Additionally, local museums, libraries, or historical societies might be interested in collaborating to preserve or display your family’s history.
Donate to Archives or Societies
For documents of broader historical significance, consider donating them to a historical society, library, or archive. This ensures they are professionally preserved and made accessible to researchers. Be sure to make digital copies before donating, so your family retains a record of these items.
Photo Digitization & Family History Classes in Las Vegas, NV
By organizing, preserving, and sharing your family’s historical documents, you’re building a legacy that connects past, present, and future generations. These pieces of history are more than paper—they’re a testament to your family’s journey, resilience, and contribution to the larger story of humanity. At Las Vegas Family History, our knowledgeable volunteers provide assistance to help you store your documents in a safe, digital space. Visit Las Vegas Family History’s free classes on Thursday’s for help and family history resources.