Storing Our Ephemera for the Next Generation

The GG Archives Has Established a Practice of Preserving Our Historically Valuable Ephemera in Archival Safe Sheet Protectors and Storing Them in Archival Boxes. A Flood in 2012 Compromised All Our High-Res Images. Still, All Of Our Ephemera survived like Nothing Ever Happened. As a testament to our preservation efforts, we have an image of the RMS Aquitania Salon Passenger List from 25 August 1921, which is over 100 years old, showcasing the historical significance of our preservation work. | GGA Image ID # 23102050f6

Since we began curating our various ephemeral collections, our policy has been to Place ephemera from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s into archival-safe sheet protectors. An archival box is an excellent way to slow down the aging process and provide significant protection. While it will not completely stop aging, as paper deterioration is inevitable, it will drastically extend the lifespan of your documents. 

How archival storage slows down aging

Neutralizes Acidity

Much of the paper produced during the late 1800s through the mid-1900s was made from wood pulp, which is naturally high in acidic lignin. As lignin breaks down, it releases acids that cause paper to turn yellow, become brittle, and weaken, a process known as "acid hydrolysis". Archival quality materials are acid-free, and many are buffered with an alkaline reserve to neutralize these acids and prevent future deterioration actively.

Filters Harmful Light

Light, especially ultraviolet (UV) light, can cause ink to fade and paper to become discolored and brittle. Archival boxes block light entirely, and archival sleeves offer some UV protection, shielding your ephemera from this damaging exposure.

Buffers Environmental Changes

Extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity can accelerate deterioration, causing paper to become brittle or promoting mold and mildew growth. The combination of a sheet protector and box creates a stable, protective micro-environment that insulates the item from these external changes.

Provides Physical Support

Old paper can be very fragile and prone to tearing. The sheet protector and box provide structural support, preventing damage from handling, bending, and abrasion.

Protects From Pollutants

Airborne pollutants, dust, and dirt can settle on and harm documents over time. Protective enclosures create a physical barrier that keeps these contaminants away from the ephemera.

Key benefits of using this method

Longevity

Significantly extends the life of your precious documents, allowing them to be preserved for many more years.

Safe Handling

The sheet protector allows you to view ephemera without physically touching the original, which minimizes the risk of damage from the oils on your hands or tears from general use.

Organization

Archival boxes and sleeves allow you to systematically store and label your ephemera, making it easier to find and access specific items without shuffling through and risking damage to the collection.

Prevents Cross-Contamination

Storing documents in individual sleeves and boxes prevents any migrating acid from one item (like a newspaper clipping) from damaging others.

The Archival Storage Box Where The 1921 Aquitania Passenger List Has Lived for Decades. | GGA Image ID # 2310497df0