? about presevering old letters

[lisajl]

Hello!

I have a question for all you scrapbook people out here.
I do some scrapbooking, but not a lot. I know there are special plastic type envelopes that you can put in your scrapbooks.
Can anyone tell me if they are safe for other things? I don't know anything about it!!!

My DH's father gave us a box of family stuff and inside were two letters from my DH's G-G Grandfather that served in the civil war.
One is dated Dec 25, 1865 and the next March 1866--when he was on his way home to his wife.

I checked in with our local framing place (I have used them before for other documents), not sure I want to frame these. I would like to have quick access for other family members to see them, but not touch them.
I want to preserve them for my children and their children.

Thanks for any help you can send my way!
Lisa

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

bumping, I'm not sure what there is out there but I'm sure someone does.

I would think as long as the envelopes are acid, PVC, and lignin free they should be ok.

I wold also suggest scanning the documents once so you will have copies, eventually the handwriting will fade.

What a neat find!

Oh you may want to talk to your local museum or library, they might be able to help you too.

 

[lisajl]

Thank you! Yes, they are already scanned in my computer. I did not want to take a chance on losing them forever.

Thanks again!
Lisa

 

[ddavis860]

Archival Spray is something that you can use on newspsper clippings and that kind of stuff. It neutralizes the acids in the paper and inks. It is super expensive, but in this case you might want to invest...

Checking with a museum is a great idea. What a cool find!!

 

[Faerie]

There are 50% coupons for Mike's this weekend - it will bring the archival spray to under $25

 

[Downrivermama]

Before you use the Archival spray, you might want to consult with someone who does archival document preservation. I think you could find someone in the yellow pages or internet. I would be concerned that the spray might make the writting fade.

BMB has a good point to copy it, or scan them. I have my g-g-g-f diary he kept from 1865 to 1885 in an old ledger book. I can read the copies better than the original. I haven't gotten around to have my document looked at yet, so it's just a sugestion. It's still in good shape, but the ends of the pages are a bit brittle.

 

[lisajl]

Before you use the Archival spray, you might want to consult with someone who does archival document preservation. I think you could find someone in the yellow pages or internet. I would be concerned that the spray might make the writting fade.

BMB has a good point to copy it, or scan them. I have my g-g-g-f diary he kept from 1865 to 1885 in an old ledger book. I can read the copies better than the original. I haven't gotten around to have my document looked at yet, so it's just a sugestion. It's still in good shape, but the ends of the pages are a bit brittle.

Wow! That's great to have that diary!

I did not go get the archival spray. I just don't trust myself with it and if I lost these letters because of my stupidty...I would be upset!
I will see when our historical society is open and check with them.
I appreciate everyones responses. To preserve them is my goal.

Lisa