Preservation For Family Photos & Paper Memorabilia
Compiled by Maria Nerius, Craft Concierge, author of Creating Your Family Heritage Scrapbook: From Ancestors to Grandchildren, Your Complete Resource and Idea Book for Creating a Treasured Heirloom

Rules of Genealogy
Preserving the Family Tree

The first rule of genealogy is simple: Do not do what can’t be undone.  I highly recommend you write that sentence 100 times and then paste it to your Family Heritage Journal.  Joking aside, exactly what does this rule mean to you and me as amateur genealogists?  Take a look at this list of don’ts.

• Do not cut or crop any old photos that don’t have a negative.  Only cut or crop copies of a photograph.

• Do not write on a photograph in dark permanent or water-based ink.  Water-based inks can bleed or run if wet harming the photograph.

• Do not laminate any documents or original photographs.  You can’t undo lamination without harming or destroying paper or photograph.  Make copies and laminate the copy.

• Do not write or make notes on any paper documents.  Even pencil marking that can be erased might harm the document. 

• Do not eat or drink near any documents, photographs or memorabilia.  Accidents happen and the result can be permanent damage to your family treasures.

Keeping Track, Keeping A Record

• Keep a log of all photos/events that you have a copy or negative of.  If there is more than one family historian, make sure everyone has a copy of the photo logs.  You may have photos of ancestors that you don’t even know are still in the family’s possession.

• Keep an inventory of all family heirlooms.  Try to keep a recorded history of all family heirlooms too.  A recorded history will let future generations know that a family quilt was sewn by Aunt Isabella in 1965 to celebrate the birth of her daughter, Helena and that the fabric came from the pajamas of her older siblings.

• Create a family timeline.  Starting with the oldest known ancestor come forward in time noting family events and world events.  Learn more about genealogy and take every opportunity to find out more about your family from all family members and friends.