Scrapbooks provide a glimpse into personal history through clippings, photos and ephemera, but preserving them can be challenging due to non-archival materials. To ensure effective preservation, consider the following tips:
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Measure Your Scrapbook or Album: When selecting a storage box, ensure it has 1/4-1/2" space around the scrapbook. Clamshell boxes are ideal for easy access.
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Check for Loose Items: Due to the potential failure of old adhesives, be vigilant for loose items. Safely store them in archival plastic sleeves, keeping them with their original pages.
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Interleave Pages: Insert acid- and lignin-free paper between pages to prevent acid migration. Buffered paper is suitable for most photographs, but if the scrapbook contains animal proteins, opt for unbuffered paper.
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Pad and Store: Wrap the scrapbook in archival tissue, place it in the box, and pad the edges to prevent sliding. For covers made from animal proteins, use unbuffered tissue.
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Storage Conditions: Choose an area with a steady temperature and humidity for storing the box. Avoid attics, basements, and garages to maintain optimal conditions for preservation.
