How do I archive old family letters?

Once the letters are encapsulated, put them in archival file folders and then into filing cabinets or you can place them in three-ring binders. Family letters are a unique, one-of-a-kind one record collection. The information in them is priceless and should be preserved.

How do I store old family documents?

Store documents flat in a cool, dry, and dark area. Papers should always be stored in acid-free, alkaline materials (like boxes, folders, or mats) or in polyester film folders. Never keep your documents in a damp or humid areas, such as basements, attics, or bathrooms.

What should be included in a family archive?

Place two photo albums of the same size in an archival box, wrapping each album in a sheet of acid-free tissue paper or a clean cotton pillowcase before placing in the box. Store political campaign buttons or jewelry in plastic photo pages with four pockets to a page. Archival bags and boxes come in a variety of sizes.

What can I do with historical family documents?

Patrons can also upload digital files of their family photos and historic documents directly at FamilySearch.org. FamilySearch is a world leader in historic record preservation and access, connecting growing generations of families through family history products and services.

How do you preserve 100 year old letters?

Store letters flat. Sometimes, exposure to natural humidity in the room will help the paper relax enough that you can open the pages for scanning and placing in acid-free folders. Place old letters in acid-free archival file folders placed upright in a metal filing cabinet or archival document box inside your home.

Should you keep old letters?

If you’re going to keep your old letters, you should ask yourself honestly why you’re doing it. “Old love letters seem to serve a purpose to remind a person why they were attractive or desired by a past person. They’re beautiful and sentimental but there is no value but to remind you about a highlight in your life.

What is the best way to keep old photos?

Experts say that the best way to preserve old photos is to store them in archival boxes, handle them sparingly and never expose them to light.

How do I view family documents?

Displaying Family Papers and Photographs

1. Use ultraviolet filtering glass or acrylic in the frame.
2. Avoid daylight and fluorescent lighting because they contain a higher proportion of ultraviolet light, which is more damaging than visible light.

Should you keep old love letters from exes?

What is the best way to archive old letters?

Consider placing your letters and documents in acid-free envelopes, archival crystal clear bags, or three-ring page protectors, all of which will keep delicate papers from being exposed to harmful dust, moisture and household pollutants.

Is it OK to keep old love letters?

Should I keep old Christmas cards?

It is okay to keep special cards. However, not all cards are meant to be kept forever or are equal in sentimental value. A hand-made creation with a heartfelt note is different than a generic store card with just a signature at the bottom. Too often people feel obligated to keep every card out of guilt or tradition.

Is it important to preserve old family letters?

Those old letters in your genealogy records collection should be preserved for future generations. Whether you have 100 letters or just one, they are important to your family history and add to your family story. Some you may have in your collection could include war letters.

What kind of letters are good for genealogy?

Love letters are a great resource for genealogy information and to learn how your ancestors met and fell in love. Some of my favorite letters are migration letters, those letters written by family members who migrated to different parts of the US or from one country to another.

What did my grandmother’s sister write in a letter?

A hand-copied and much-worn letter from my grandmother’s sister revealed the family’s ordeal during a deadly Galveston hurricane in the early 1900s. This first-person account is a rich source of historical detail that would have been lost if not for the reading and widespread sharing of this letter.

How are letters organized in a family tree?

Many genealogists have piles of letters, shoe boxes full of letters or stacks of letters held together with a rubber band or ribbon. Getting these organized will help you manage your genealogy records, and during the process, you will probably find information that you never knew before. –Arrange your letters in chronological order.

Where can I find the letters of my ancestors?

Even if you have no access to the letters penned by your ancestors you may want to search for letters written to and from friends, neighbors and community members where your ancestor lived.

Can you use a letter for family history?

Gena is a genealogist and author of the book “ From the Family Kitchen. ” Have you ever used a letter in your family history research? Letters from friends and family as well as those from businesses and organizations can provide information for your genealogy that can’t be found in standard genealogical resources.

Love letters are a great resource for genealogy information and to learn how your ancestors met and fell in love. Some of my favorite letters are migration letters, those letters written by family members who migrated to different parts of the US or from one country to another.

Where do I store my old family letters?

In the meantime, I’ve carefully storing those letters, opened flat with the envelopes intact. Each letter is placed inside acid-free, archival file folders which are then stored inside an archival box in my family history closet. The box protects the fragile paper from light, dust, and small changes in temperature and humidity.