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Preserving Memories
Technique And Tips
The Ultimate Preservation Solution
Preservation Copying In A Nutshell
No matter how well any paper or photographic item is stored eventually the item will degrade to the point where it is either prohibitively expensive to repair it or where repair is no longer possible. When this point is reached copying is the only practical way to preserve the material into the future. Although modern copying technology can preserve items otherwise destined to be lost, most copying technologies do not reproduce the original item with total accuracy. Small amounts of definition and clarity are lost each time an image is copied. This loss of clarity becomes more pronounced over several generations of copies, as you may have encountered when you’ve made a copy or a copy. It is not quite the same quality as the original. Digital technology is the only current way to create an exact duplicate of the original, however because digital technology is stored in electro-magnetic media, like VCR tape it is susceptible to the very rapid decay. Despite its limitations, copying is the only practical way for the layman to preserve many items.
- Paper items can be either photographed or copied using a photocopier. The image placed on paper by a photocopier is very stable, however, care should be taken to place the image on good-quality paper. Acid-free paper is a must. Paper marketed as photocopier paper and loaded into most commercial coin operated photocopiers is usually of poor quality.
- When photographic copies of documents or photographs are made care should be taken to select a photographer experienced in copy work. Copy photography is as much an art as a science and an experienced hand will obtain the best copy image.
- Contemporary color photographs of significant importance to a family should be copied about twenty-five years after they are taken in order to preserve their original color hues.
- Material that has been glued in scrapbooks is very difficult to copy. Usually the only solution is to destroy the scrapbook or the scrapbook page in order to make good copies of the items found within the volume.
The First Rule Of Genealogy
The first rule of genealogy is simple: Do not do what can’t be undone. We highly recommend you write that sentence 100 times and then paste it to your Family Heritage Journal. Joking aside, exactly what does this rule mean to you and me as amateur genealogists? Take a look at this list of don’ts.
- Do not cut or crop any old photos that don’t have a negative. Only cut or crop copies of a photograph.
- Do not write on a photograph in dark permanent or water-based ink. Water-based inks can bleed or run if wet harming the photograph.
- Do not laminate any documents or original photographs. You can’t undo lamination without harming or destroying paper or photograph. Make copies and laminate the copy.
- Do not write or make notes on any paper documents. Even pencil marking that can be erased might harm the document.
- Do not eat or drink near any documents, photographs or memorabilia. Accidents happen and the result can be permanent damage to your family treasures.
Maria Nerius is a Professional Crafter, Author, and Contributing Writer and Columnist to industry trade journal, Craftrends.
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