How to Preserve Family Letters, Antiques & Heirlooms (A4)

Having the opportunity to care for prized heirlooms and family letters is a great joy but also a big responsibility. Whether you’re preserving your own family history or that of your community, how do you make sure you save it for the next generation? This class will briefly recap how to handle those heirlooms and where to display them in your house or historic building, as discussed in classes A2 and A3 of this series (not a prerequisite). It will then delve into cleaning techniques, proper storage or display of materials, and when to call the conservator rather than repair any damage yourself. Practice makes perfect, so bring an item that fits into a shoe box to try out the techniques we learn in class.

Topics Covered:

• When to clean and how to clean based on composition
• What materials to use to store or display your heirlooms and family letters
• Do-it-yourself repairs versus calling the experts

Program Benefits:

• Learn how to clean without hurting your heirlooms
• Prevent mold, rust, and pest damage to your heirlooms and family letters
• Learn when to call the experts, and when you can do it yourself