Preservation of Materials

Historic congregational materials need to be properly stored and identified. It is best not to allow the history materials to be kept by one person in his/her home; they are not readily accessible for others of the congregation to use. When there is a death or a need to move, those who handle the materials may not realize their value and could allow them to be destroyed.

Because of the short life expectancy of audio cassettes, they need to be refreshed and transferred onto new media products often. Photocopy newspaper clippings onto acid-free paper. Newsprint is very acidic because of the chemicals used in the paper's production. It will deteriorate quickly and fall apart.

Use no conservation treatment that cannot be undone if necessary. Use simple treatments to prepare materials for storage. Spread the paper documents out flat; remove the metal paper clips, the pressed leaves and the flowers, as well as the rubber bands and cellophane tape.

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