Heirloom keepsakes require special care to keep them from deteriorating, says Elaine Keating (below), coordinator of historic sites at Lisle Station Park in Lisle. Keating teaches a class several times a year on proper preservation of antique articles. Here are some of her tips:
– Do not store items on unpainted wood shelves or between non-acid-free pieces of paper, which give off an acid that makes fibers deteriorate.
– Store items at least 6 inches from the floor; keep away from direct light, dirt and insects.
– Avoid temperature fluctuations. It is better to store an item in a place that stays cool or warm than to subject it to severe temperature changes.
– Do not use transparent or masking tapes, pins, staples or paper clips.
– Try not to fold clothing or quilts. Clothing can be hung and covered with unbleached muslin bags. Quilts can be rolled on acid-free tubes.
– To clean, use white gloves (but avoid wiping that can cause scratches) and a small vacuum.
– Make photocopies of old photographs and letters and combine them in a book that people can handle repeatedly. For easy reading, type the words of handwritten letters between the lines of the photocopy.
– Use such storage items as acid-free boxes and tissue paper, archival plastic photo sleeves and linen tape. If soap must be used, choose a conservation soap. Keating gives sources for these in her class, but other local history museums can provide that as well, she said.
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Information on heirloom preservation classes is listed in Lisle Park District brochures, or Keating can arrange special classes for interested groups. For information, call Lisle Station Park at 630-968-0499.
