Discovering, Preserving, and Celebrating the Culture > Preserving Paper

Tell us your story or share a family photograph.
—Learn more about the NMAAHC Memory Book

A copy of the judicial decision freeing Biddy Mason, 1854.

Discovering, Preserving, and Celebrating the Culture

Preserving Paper

Avoid extreme fluctuations in heat and humidity
Keep liquids away to prevent spills and stains
Keep hands clean to avoid stains
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 sure documents are supported from underneath when handling
Make a copy to use for research or display and keep the original in proper storage
Avoid laminating documents or any other process that is not easily reversible
Separate acidic papers such as newspaper from other documents
Do not use staples, tape or glue
Keep storage areas clean to avoid attracting insects and rodents

Source: Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute, Handling Paper Artifacts (see Resources for more information)

Preserving Books Preserving Furniture Preserving Photographs Preserving Clothing and Textiles

Saving African American Sacred Spaces

Prompted by the destruction by fire of Chicago's Pilgrim Baptist Church in January 2006, the museum has sought ways to alert the local community to the conservation issues endangering their heritage.

StoryCorps Griot

This year-long initiative will strive to gather and preserve the life stories of African American families by recording their oral histories.

Collaboration

Save Our African American Treasures requires a joint effort of collaboration and provides opportunities for all partners and audience members to benefit.