Submitted by: Lynn Why is this item important to you?: It is the scrapbook compiled by my grandmother, Marjory Beadle Irving, when she was in high school at Detroit Central High. She graduated in 1916 and went on to Wellesley College. She was an avid scrapbook historian, and the scrapbook she made for me on the Irving family started my interest in genealogy. I wonder if a Museum like the Detroit Historical Society would have an interest in it for their collection, as it and one other scrapbook tell the History of Detroit Central High during the early part of the 20th century in Detroit's heyday. Expert Advice (Chloe Jones): We have examined the scrapbook belonging to your grandmother; it seems to be in great condition. This is likely due to the way that it has been stored, removed from direct sunlight, and off of the floor away from any possible environmental hazards (i.e., flooding, mold, excessive heat). However, we recommend that this particular item be stored in an acid-free archival enclosure. They can be purchased to size through retailers such as Gaylord Archival or Hollinger Metal Edge (these retailers are just examples and are not an endorsement over any other archival supplies company). Storing this item in an acid-free enclosure can help preserve and protect the fragile suede cover, binding and pages from mold and from pests that it may encounter in a closet. It will also protect the item from mold or pests introduced from other archival materials that it is being stored with. Another environmental factor to consider is humidity levels. Higher humidity can expediate deterioration of sensitive materials. While your scrapbook appears to be in great condition, we recommend that you limit handling the material to keep it that way. We recommend washing your hands before handling the book in order to prevent any damage to the material from oils or substances on the hands – we also do not recommend that you wear gloves while handling the material. Cumbersome gloves do not allow you to feel the page, which can lead to more damage or breakage of fragile pages. It is also advisable to lay the book flat on a clean, even surface when examining the pages.We recommend that you consider digitizing/imaging each page of this scrapbook, due to the corrosive nature of adhesives, including glue and tape. These adhesives can deteriorate, and cause damage to the original materials, such as photographs, newspaper clippings, and the pages of the scrapbook themselves. The material should be digitized to at least 400 dpi resolution to preserve the images, in the event that the originals are further damaged. By backing-up high-resolution files, you will be able to preserve the content of the material for yourself and future generations. There are many regional organizations across the United States that may assist you in professionally digitizing the scrapbook, depending on where you are located.
Submitted by: Virginia Why is this item important to you?: This school workbook belonged to an ancestor of my husband and has been passed down over a number of generations. Expert Advice (Chloe Jones): We have examined the school workbook belonging to your husband’s ancestor; it seems to be in excellent condition. This is likely due to the way that it has been stored, removed from direct sunlight, and off of the floor away from any possible environmental hazards (i.e., flooding, mold, excessive heat). However, we recommend that this particular item be stored in an acid-free archival enclosure, rather than in a metal file box with other papers or materials. These enclosures can be purchased to size through retailers such as Gaylord Archival or Hollinger Metal Edge (these retailers are just examples and are not an endorsement over any other archival supplies company). Storing this item in an acid-free enclosure can help preserve and protect the cover and binding, as well as the pages and ink. It will also protect the item from mold or pests introduced from other archival materials that it is being stored with. Additionally, if the item is stored laying flat, it can be better for preservation than if it was in a file cabinet resting on its binding or stored vertically. Another environmental factor to consider is humidity levels. Higher humidity can expediate deterioration of sensitive materials. While your workbook appears to be in great condition, we recommend that you limit handling the material to keep it that way. We recommend washing your hands before handling the book in order to prevent any damage to the material from oils or substances on the hands – we also do not recommend that you wear gloves while handling the material. Cumbersome gloves do not allow you to feel the page, which can lead to more damage or breakage of fragile pages. It is also advisable to lay the book flat on a clean, even surface when examining the pages. In order to preserve this workbook long-term, the material should be digitized to at least 400 dpi resolution to preserve the pages, in the event that the workbook is damaged. By backing-up high-resolution files, you will be able to preserve the content of the material for yourself and future generations. There are many regional organizations across the United States that may assist you in professionally digitizing the scrapbook, depending on where you are located.
Submitted by: Patty Why is this item important to you?: It is part of a history project Expert Advice (Todd Pattison): You have submitted a late 20th century machine-made paper document with printing ink. The document appears to have some staining or water damage near the top, is discolored and has tears along the edges. Recommendations: I would encourage you get high-quality scan or photograph made of the document, including the back if there is any information on the verso. You may want to have some conservation treatment done prior to reformatting in order to improve the appearance and handling, as the tears make the paper more fragile. There is a Find a Conservator page on the AIC website that allows you to search for a conservator by specialty and location; you would want a paper conservator. A conservator should be able to mend tears and can test the paper and inks to see if washing would be a possibility to reduce the staining. Storage and handling: You mention that the item is currently housed flat, but it could really use the protection of an acid-free, buffered folder. The folder would protect it from light damage and from dust. If the foldered object was not going to be stored in a box you would want a stiffer folder or even a portfolio to better protect it. Good storage conditions with stable temperature and humidity will also be important to prolong the life of the paper as higher temperatures and humidity will speed up the chemical reactions that will result in the deterioration of the paper. You should avoid handling the document in its current fragile condition. If you do need to handle it, you should wash your hands with soap and water but not wear gloves. Gloves will lower the feeling in your fingers so it would be more likely that you would cause further damage, especially wear gloves could catch on the corners or torn areas of the paper.
