Caring for Private and Family Photo Collections
Source: Northeast Document Conservation Center
The link: Caring for Private and Family Collections
This article represents a summary of the Northeast Document Conservation Center’s, “Caring for Private and Family Collections“.
There it is – that box of photos or an old decaying album. You may feel all those faces looking at you and the weight of familial responsibility bearing down on you. There may be more pressing matters, after all, these treasures probably have been sitting unattended… for a while. Not good.
The original article from the Northeast Document Conservation Center offers expert, thoughtful insights into the treatment of photos, news clippings, framed photographs, etc. Environment control, handling advice, and enclosure selections are all covered – What to avoid and how to safely organize and maintain for future family enjoyment.
Executor Summary: Caring for Private and Family Photo Collections
Personal and family paper collections—letters, diaries, photos, prints, and keepsakes—naturally degrade over time, but simple storage and handling choices can greatly extend their lifespan. The strongest protection is a stable environment: cool, dry, well-ventilated, and low-light. Aim for about 70°F and relative humidity under 55%. Living spaces usually stay near these conditions, while attics and basements are risky due to heat swings, moisture, poor airflow, and pests. Store collections away from outer walls, heat sources, direct sunlight, fluorescent lights, and any nearby plumbing or potential leaks. Keep items at least a few inches off the floor and maintain regular dusting/vacuuming to deter insects or rodents.
Protective enclosures provide added support and shield materials from dust and pollutants. Use preservation-quality paper folders, boxes, and mats that are acid-free, lignin-free, and generally buffered to neutralize acids over time. Some materials—such as certain photographs, inks, paints, and blueprints—are sensitive to buffering; separate these from buffered enclosures with unbuffered tissue. If plastic sleeves are preferred for visibility, choose stable plastics only: polyester (e.g., Melinex), polyethylene, or polypropylene without plasticizers. Photo enclosures should pass the Photographic Activity Test (PAT).
Specific handling tips: store documents flat in folders rather than envelopes; avoid repeated folding/unfolding or counter-folding along creases; frame valuable items with archival mats and UV-filtering glazing; photocopy fragile news clippings onto stable paper and store originals separately; use PAT-safe albums with photo corners for photographs; and remove staples or paperclips carefully using stiff plastic under the fastener to protect the sheet.
With modest effort and awareness of common risks, families can preserve meaningful collections at little cost.
NEDCC (Northeast Document Conservation Center) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) founded in 1973, the first U.S. lab focused on paper-based conservation. It provides conservation for paper, books, photos, plus digital imaging, audio reformatting, and preservation. Known for expert staff, cross-department collaboration, secure in-house work, and national leadership in preservation training.
Caring for Your Collection, Where to Begin? – A Primer to Approach Collections
Caring for Private and Family Collections: Handout [PDF]
A great resource for families as well as local libraries and historical societies.