Preserve Your Own Family Treasures
Should you save everything? When is it time to donate your collection to a museum?
Family keepsakes often have more sentimental than monetary value, but sometimes a collection becomes too valuable to properly insure or conserve at a private residence. Whether your collection should be shared with the world or kept for future generations of your own family, knowledge of basic preservation guidelines can help your cherished treasures last longer.
Private collections are often stored in basements, garages or attics where they are susceptible to a variety of perils including erratic climate, daylight, improper storage containers, pests and incorrect handling. If possible, store your collections at a constant temperature near 70 degrees with consistent humidity levels, around 55%, and adequate ventilation. Use acid-free boxes and avoid plastic containers because they can trap moisture, causing mold growth. Limit exposure to direct light if possible. It may be time to donate your treasures when you do not have enough space or proper climate conditions.
Consider the best home for your collection. Items telling important local history stories about communities, businesses or families would be best placed in the most relevant county or city historical society. Rare collections of state or national significance would better serve the public at larger institutions such as the state historical society. One option is to make a copy of significant family photographs, journals or letters and donate the original. When you are deciding what to save, think of the story each item has to tell and how it could be important to your family or the larger community.
As the historian of Washington County, our historical society’s mission is to preserve and interpret our county’s past. For more information about how to preserve your private collections, call us here at the museum, (503) 645-5353. We can also put you in touch with local conservators and appraisers.
