When it comes to family history, those books, papers and photographs we all keep stored away do more than just record the past. They connect us with our loved ones and ancestors, and often tell us as much about our present and future as they do about our history. Join the Delaware Public Archives to learn how to preserve these artifacts for future generations. On April 4, at 10:30 a.m., the archives will show you how to properly handle and store your family’s treasures to protect those irreplaceable memories and ensure long-term preservation. Archives staff member Sarah Denison, coordinator of the historical markers program, will present information on the preservation of paper documents and photographs and will address digital preservation and changing technology. Managing memories for the future requires careful action and consideration of cost and longevity. This program will highlight some of the cost-effective steps every home archivist can take to preserve their precious family records.
Before taking over the historic markers program, Denison worked as a processing archivist at DPA and worked on several collections, including the Small Manuscript Collection’s Civil War letters, Board of Education photographs, Sussex County Orphans Court Records, the Caley Postcard Collection, and the Vietnam Mailbag Collection. The Delaware Public Archives (DPA, www.archives.delaware.gov), an agency of the state of Delaware, is one of the oldest public archives programs in the United States. DPA serves the citizens of Delaware by identifying, collecting, and preserving public records of enduring historical and evidential value; ensuring access to public records for present and future generations; and advising and educating interested parties in the creation, management, use, and preservation of public records. The one-hour workshop is free to the public. No reservations are required. For more information, contact Tom Summers (302) 744-5047 or e-mail thomas.summers@state.de.us.
