2 minute read
Taking Care of Your Photographs
by Kelly Francis-Love, archivist at the Museum of South Texas History
The Margaret H. McAllen Memorial Archives at the . Museum of South Texas History is home to thousands of photographs. Staff members are responsible for making sure all photos are well taken care of.
How do they do that?
Each photo in the collection is assigned an identification number. It is then placed in an archive-quality polyester sleeve and an acid-free folder. The identification number and a brief description is written on the folder, and then the folders are stored in an archival box. Each box and each photo are documented on a finding aid, so they are easy to keep track of.
This process can be easily replicated at home. Archival quality storage supplies are readily available online or at art supply or craft stores. Look for products labeled acid-free, archival, or say that they have passed the P.A.T. (Photographic Activity Test).
Identification of your photos is a key step in the process. While you may know the people in the image now, future generations may not. Label the back of your photos with either pencil or a pen with archival ink. Use the “who, what, where, when” formula to identify people, places, and dates. Make sure to include full names.
Once you have curated your collection, use the following tips for storage—store at a low temperature and low relative humidity. If you are not comfortable, your photos are not either. Store photos up off the floor to keep them safe in case of flooding or water leaks. If you want to keep your photos in an album to be viewed frequently, avoid self-stick albums or any kind of glue. Glues contain substances that will cause photos to deteriorate over time. Do not bind with rubber bands, staples, or paper clips. These can also cause deterioration or scratches to the photos. Finally, do not display original images. If you have a favorite photo you would like to display, use a duplicate and keep the original in a safe environment. Light will break down images over time.
If you have questions about preserving your photos or have photos you would like to donate to the museum, please contact Archivist Kelly Francis-Love at
