Photographs are often the most cherished materials in family collections.

Simple precautions will insure these images will be passed on to future generation.

  Wear cotton gloves when handling photographs or negatives.

  Store prints and negatives separately.

  Store black & white photos and color photos separately.  

  Always label or index your photos. You may recognize the images, others may not. 

  Make reprints, photocopies, color copies, or scans and store the original photo.

  Avoid careless handling which will cause abrasions, tears, or breakage.

  Light damage (UV or Sun) is cumulative and irreversible.

  Keep photos in acid free/ archival quality containers (similar to paper).

  As much as possible, control the temperature and relative humidity of the storage area.

  Avoid damp basements or steamy attics.

Write on the back of photos with soft lead or stabilo pencil (no pen!!)

  Avoid adhesives on photographs such as self-adhesive tape & rubber cement. 

South Dakota State Historical Society

900 Governors Dr.,

Pierre SD  57501-2217  

phone 605-773-3458 fax 605-773-6041