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Preserve Your Family Treasures

Explore these links to learn about caring for your heirlooms.

Textiles

When storing quilts, clothing, needlework, and other antique textiles, choose an area that has the most stable environment, such as the main living area in your home. Basements can be damp, causing mold and mildew. more

Furniture

All of us have some type of furniture in our homes, and many of us have older furniture that has been passed down through generations or purchased at antique stores and auctions. The main risk factors faced by furniture come from people and the environment. more

China & Glassware

Unlike most other heirlooms, glass and ceramics are not much affected by temperature, humidity, and light. Their biggest risk is from accidents caused by people handling them. Damage also can be caused by improper storage techniques. more

Documents & Photographs

Basic preservation practices will ensure that Kansas' valuable documentary resources -- family papers and photos, business records, videotapes, digital materials -- will be accessible to future generations of Kansans. more

 

For information on potentially hazardous materials, visit Stanford University's Environmental Health & Safety website.

We recommend these books for help with preserving your family treasures:

  • Caring For Your Collections, edited by Arthur W. Schultz, National Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Property (Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers, 1992).
  • Caring For Your Family Treasures, by Jane S. Long and Richard W. Long (Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers, 2000).
  • Handle With Care: Preserving Your Heirlooms, by Nancy Davis (Rochester Museum and Science Center, 1991).