Tips for Preserving Photographs

• Protect photos from light by placing them in acid free folders, sleeves and boxes
• Keep liquids away to prevent spills and stains
• Keep hands clean to avoid stains
• Do not use staples, paperclips, tape or glue
• Protect it from light by placing it in acid free folders and boxes
• Do not store in wooden drawers or cardboard boxes. Store documents flat instead of rolled or folded
• Make a copy to use for research or display and keep the original in proper storage
• Keep storage areas clean to avoid attracting insects and rodents
• Be aware that many commercially available photo albums contain acidic paper, harmful plastics and adhesives. Avoid laminated photo albums
• Avoid buffered tissue paper and plastic sleeves that contain polyvinylchloride (PVC)

Source: Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute, Handling Paper Artifacts.