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All of the photos are exceptionally well preserved, and many are from the late 1800's. This lady attended college at a time when few women did, and was one of the first females in her profession, and there are many newspaper photos and articles as well. She also traveled all over the world and so there are boxes of scrapbooks and photos of her travels.
Two places that might take the item is the college, if it still exists or merged into another entity, as most have libraries and archivists that can handle that type of stuff. The other is the trade association of her profession, many of which have historical societies or can point you to them.
Awwww. I've thought about what would happen to all my photo albums I've diligently updated over the past 33 years. I like looking through them, but no one will care about them once I'm gone. I also have loose photos of my Mom's of people I don't recognize at all -- mostly from the '40's and '50's. My Mom's now gone, but I hate the thought of throwing them out. Obviously, they were important people in her life at some point.
Thanks for all the tips. I will definitely call the state historical society, I am hoping they can use them or direct me to someone who can.
These items are in close to perfect condition. I am amazed at how well preserved the letters and photos are from over a hundred years ago. I found one letter written in pencil that is 90 years old and still looks perfect.
I remember as a child watching my mother cutting up the old family photos not realizing then what a loss that was.
Don't ask.
If a photo isn't identified in some way the portrait becomes a puzzle. If you or your relatives can identify the picture, time, subject, location, it is a great help. Numbering the photo or referencing its designation on a DVD and then providing an index is great. The index can also be included as a JPG on the computer disk. Information written lightly on the photos backs is very helpful.
Modern paper is acid based self degrading pulp, but old stationery usually had a high rag, cotton, content and is much more stable.
ancestry.com can probably help on the relative side of things. Definitely don't throw them out, those records may even be valuable to people who ARE taking the time to track down family history. Yes local museums and historical societies, the Library etc. SOMEONE around there knows what to do with them.
I find it very sad that what to do with these cherished photos and memorabilia is an issue at all. I would keep them for my children. But, since you don't seem to be interested in that others have posted some nice suggestions.
Is the college she attended still in existence? Perhaps donate the pictures to that college as an alumni collection.
Or Charity: Donate Collectibles to Charity - Collectable Donations - Antique Furniture
Last edited by JanND; 02-08-2013 at 03:27 AM..
Reason: added text
I find it very sad that what to do with these cherished photos and memorabilia is an issue at all. I would keep them for my children. But, since you don't seem to be interested in that others have posted some nice suggestions.
Is the college she attended still in existence? Perhaps donate the pictures to that college as an alumni collection.
Or Charity: Donate Collectibles to Charity - Collectable Donations - Antique Furniture
After going through all the boxes my parents picked out the things they want to keep. They are keeping some of the photo albums, letters and several of the framed portraits.
They picked out two boxes of items to donate to the local museum.
I am keeping some of the letters and photos.
I picked out some photos and albums for my cousin, but he can't keep many things in his small apartment. My other cousin has no interest in any of the photos or anything else.
That still leaves nine large boxes of photos, letters and other items. For now these boxes are in my garage while we decide what to do with them. My parents are downsizing and don't have room for the boxes.
They picked out two boxes of items to donate to the local museum...That still leaves nine large boxes of photos, letters and other items. For now these boxes are in my garage while we decide what to do with them. My parents are downsizing and don't have room for the boxes.
Oh dear, I have to step in here! I've worked as a historical museum curator and genealogy specialist since 1984, so PLEASE believe me when I suggest the following:
Archivists and curators are TRAINED in what is called "Surveying" collections. This means, we know what to collect, why, and how. So please, DON'T "pick out items to donate"! Please call the University and/or the historical societies you think might be interested, and an Archivist or Curator will COME TO WHERE THE ITEMS ARE LOCATED to conduct a survey of the whole collection, and will collect whatever is appropriate for their institution. They may well take ALL of the boxes, then conduct interviews with your family members to gain useful information about your relative, her life, and your family. Or they might possibly not take anything - unidentified photos can be problematic. But by doing your own selection you could be damaging the historic integrity (value) of the collection. Your aunt's collection could well form the basis for someone's PhD dissertation several years from now!
A local historical society or museum or archives is more likely to collect the materials you have than a state level historical society or museum. Larger organizations today rarely have the staff to pursue new small collections (9 boxes is small). It's sad - we wish we could be out there collecting, but as a general rule we just can't. Universities often have more available staff time and money, so the advice about contacting the University archives is very good. But county historical societies are getting better and better.
And a sad but necessary plug - consider a monetary donation along with your donation of historic materials. Archival materials and historic artifacts cost a lot of money to store, process, exhibit, and make available.
Many thanks to you for taking the time to find out the best thing to do!
Support for local history societies is a great idea. After 100 years of wanted to forget how hard life really was many communities are now asking if anyone has local history. A donation at the same time would be appropriate.
My uncle had 8mm video when he was posted on the DEW line when the RCMP boat St. Roch traversed the N.W. passage. UBC had an ad looking for just such data.
My aunt did a fantastic family history book and everyone added photos. My grandpa's memoirs were finally translated and I added lazer photos of his WWI and homesteading activities.
I'm currently mailing originals to family members after I've scanned them.
Last edited by thedwightguy; 02-12-2013 at 08:24 AM..
Reason: modify after reading original post
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