Heritage Album

How to start archiving family records and documents?

My mum has box loads of documents from my grandparents, and their parents. There are lots of photographs, letters and other bits that are interesting as a family history. However, if these are just left in the boxes they will deteriorate, and in time just get chucked which would be a real shame. How can these documents best be archived so they can be used in the future? They need to be sorted - but how? and how to preserve them? is cross-referencing worth it? Any ideas or help would be received gratefully

Public Comments

1. I went through that also, only my mom was not here to help so first try to find out who all the people are and put their names and places on the back of the photos, (it's a good practice to get into for your self by the way). If she don't know ask relatives who might know. The same for all papers, wills,births,School items and so on even phone and water bills some time help a great deal. Then all photos can be put into archival folders,albums,and such to preserve them. I also scan my and save on to a CD. I scan copies of census,death records and such also. So I can preserve the originals. Then I would get a genealogy program for your computer and put all that you can into it. I have two one is my family origins and Family Tree maker they are what most people have. So you can inter change things with others via gedcom files. It takes time but believe me it is so very much worth it. Look for the obituary notices also. Try to get all the information on all sides and lines of the family as possible. I've been at it for 40 years and the first many years were done by hand writing everything down, it is much easier now. Good luck
2. Here's what I did with mine. I bought 3 ring binders and acid free page protectors. Then I went thru and set up family notebooks by last name. It makes it easier to do research for me. If I need to go somewhere I can just take that notebook with me. I also scanned the documents and burned them to a cd so that I could share them with other family members. This makes it easier then scanning each time. I just burn them a cd and mail it to them. Saves them loads of money having to pay for the documents. You just need to find what works for you. I know you'll take all of our suggestions and put a great one together for yourself. Just make sure you use acid free page protectors for pics and documents.
3. It is absolutely worth to cross-referencing, but do not work doubled. But not in the boxes, put it in the computer. Use for an example Microsoft Excel. Fill in name i one cell, last name in next cell etc. Now you can sort every column in your way.
4. You need acid free wallets and box's, any good stationers should have them or be able to tell you how to get them. Keep them out of direct sun light and in a stable environment. scan them on to your computer so that you don't have to handle them too much, If you do need to handle them hold them by the sides and make sure your hands are clean and grease free.