How to be an at-home archivist

By Karen Martin, TVHS Archivist

While you are at home are you going through and organizing those old family photos, baptism certificates, school report cards, newspaper clippings, etc.? What about that treasured stuffed animal or doll, baby clothes, baseball cards, scrapbook, etc.? Here are some resources to help you learn how to preserve those special items and suppliers of archival products.

Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) https://www.nedcc.org/

Specializes in treating and digitizing collections made of paper or parchment, such as works of art, photographs, books, documents, maps, and manuscripts. Also provides audio preservation services for rare recordings on magnetic and digital audio tape, lacquer discs, and wax cylinders.

Free resources for cultural heritage institutions as well as private and family collectors: https://www.nedcc.org/free-resources/overview

Caring for Private and Family Collections: https://www.nedcc.org/free-resources/preserving-private-and-family-collections/caring-for-private-and-family-collections At the bottom of the page Learn More has links to the National Archives, Library of Congress, etc.

Suppliers of Preservation Products

(Although these companies are temporarily closed, under the current health & safety guidelines of their state, create a wish list for when they resume operations)

Gaylord Archival https://www.gaylord.com/

Your Story™ A curated collection of products and resources https://www.gaylord.com/personal-preservation-family

Resources for personal preservation projects, such as family history, collectibles, etc. https://www.gaylord.com/resources-personal

University Products https://www.universityproducts.com/

How to Tips and Videos

https://www.universityproducts.com/how-to

Hollinger Metal Edge https://www.hollingermetaledge.com/

Guide to Products:

https://www.hollingermetaledge.com/product-guide.html?cart=158507534932207188

Check out the “Resources” tab for links to Quilter’s and Quilt Collector’s Tip Sheet, Five Best Products for the Private Collector or Family Archivist, and Document and Photographic Storage.