Proper storage for old photos?

[gertdog]

My grandmother passed away last month, and a few days ago I received a large box of her old black-and-white photos- probably about 600 of them (I've been deemed the "family historian.") Right now they're all just jumbled in a carboard box, and I'd like to organize and store them properly. Some of these photos are in the neighborhood of 90 years old (a few even older); others date from the 1940s and 50s. What is the best way to store them?

For unlabeled photos that I'd like to add identifying info to, what is the best way to do so? Are there special labels or archival inks that won't do damage over time?

Thanks for any advice- I guess I *am* the family historian b/c I really want to make sure these are preserved!

[cangoss]

I can't answer the question about labeling, but for storage, you can order acid-free storage boxes and other equipment from a library and archive supply company called Gaylord

[muriel3002]

I also inherited the family pictures after my Grandfather died. My initial project was to scan them into the computer. This was extremely time consuming and my scanner died mid-project. My mother has since discovered how easy it is to scan and has taken the project off my hands. She has more time since she's retired... and I lost 2 large boxes of pictures as well.

The first project we did when I initially received the box was to go through and segregate all the landscape/scenery pictures, especially those with no people or only people's backs. We then looked through those and kept only a very few that family would know - like the view from the family cottage. Vacation scenery pictures all got pitched.

Next, there were so many duplicates! So, we went through the pictures and organized it by family member and found as many as 6 copies. Pitched all but one copy.

Hope this helps. This job can really be overwhelming, and you might want to go through the boxes of pictures with another family member, especially if you are pitching any of the photos out.

[hrk]

Stephanie-
There are many companies that sell photo labeling pencils that are safe for writing on the backs of pictures and you can pick one up at almost any craft store. Do not use pen as it will eventually either run into the picture or will rub off on other pictures stored together.
As for storing the photos, make sure you store them in an acid free photo box. If you have a scanner, it might be worthwhile to scan them into your computer since almost all old photos will continue to deteriorate over time since they are printed on acid based papers, even if they are stored in photo safe boxes.
Also try and talk to anyone who might know who is in the pictures now. I have a girlfriend who is trying to do a heritage album and it frustrates her so much that she has no idea who is in many of the pictures, yet they must have been important as her mother saved them.
HTH
Heather

[Lrimerman]

Yes, use photo-labeling pencils to mark on the back and store them in archival albums or storage boxes (or a combination).

Lisa

[SusanMac]

Scrapbook stores are another good source for pencils, labels, storage systems, etc. The ones in my area also hold workshops on this topic, so you should keep an eye out for that. I'm sure your library will also have some books on this. It's become a really popular topic in recent years.

[Food Fussy]

The first project we did when I initially received the box was to go through and segregate all the landscape/scenery pictures, especially those with no people or only people's backs. We then looked through those and kept only a very few that family would know - like the view from the family cottage. Vacation scenery pictures all got pitched.

Next, there were so many duplicates! So, we went through the pictures and organized it by family member and found as many as 6 copies. Pitched all but one copy.

If you have old pictures you don't want, you might consider donating them to the local historical society in the town where your grandmother lived. Any pictures of citizens or local scenery would be of value to them. If you have duplicates, maybe you could send them off to other family members, or even put them into albums to give as gifts?

[Gilgamesh37]

My parents are both in the professional photo business and their supplier of choice is Light Impressions.

Light Impressions

[gertdog]

Thanks all for the ideas and information! I think sorting through them and trying to get identifications is my first step, then I can figure out whether I'd like to put some into an album or store them all etc. I was thinking of scanning the best images and making a digital album to share with family.

I especially appreciate the suggestions for where to get supplies.