Old photos are delicate, and require proper storage if you hope to have them around for generations to come.
They do say that a picture is worth a thousand words, and that is definitely the case when doing genealogy research. Photos can make your ancestors come alive.
With each generation you find farther into the past, the available number of photos is going to be drastically reduced. Any photos you do find are going to be precious as well as fragile.
That treasure-trove of photos that you found in your great aunt's attic may need some tender loving care if you hope to have them last long enough for you to pass down to your children.
Old photos should be stored in plastic sleeves, specifically polyester, polyethylene or polypropylene. If you prefer to use your photos in a scrapbook, use acid-free paper and acid-free photo corners. Or you could also keep them loose in a plastic box, or one made with acid-free cardboard. Adding slips of acid-free paper between the photos will keep them from sticking to one another.
These various acid-free products can be found in many photo supply stores or scrapbooking supply stores. Or online at places such as Light Impressions or ArchivalUSA.
The acid in regular paper is very damaging to photos over time, so don't overlook this detail. Anything that comes in contact with your pictures should be acid-free, also called "archival quality".
Under no circumstances should you use those older 'magnetic' photo albums with the sticky pages and plastic film overlay sheet. They will irreparably damage your photos. The adhesive will eat away at the back of the photo, eventually destroying it. Even after only a short period of time, your photographs will be permanently attached to the pages. Watch for a future article on how to remove photos from these nasty albums.
Don't store your photos in parts of your house that get overly warm or moist, like your attic, garage or basement.
If you plan on displaying your cherished photos, you must use a mat to keep the photo from coming in direct contact with the glass of the frame. The mat will allow for air circulation and keep the photo from sticking to the glass. Again, use acid-free products for backing and matting your photographs. Hang your photo display out of direct sunlight as well.
