Recently, I was asked "Do you really need to use archival file folders, can't you just use regular file folders?".
Actually, I get this question all the time and I love answering it!
I work in an archive everyday at the Houston County, TN. Archives & Museum. We use tons of archival file folders when we are processing record. They are a staple archival material for our archives and should be a staple for every genealogist.
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| File of Records, Houston County, TN. Archives |
You have been entrusted with your family documents, photographs and ephemera. Think of all the people that came before you that had these records and have passed them down in the family and now they are your responsibility.
Placing our most precious family records in archival file folders is important for the preservation of those records and the information contained in those records.
Archival file folders are a great records preservation tool to house original records safely so they are not damaged. Regular file folders that are not archival contain acidic chemicals that will eventually damage your records.
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| Correspondence Records, Houston County, TN. Archives |
Archival filed folders come in different sizes to accommodate the different sizes of documents in our collections. The most frequently used sizes are letter size and legal size.
These can be purchased at any online archival materials store or on Amazon.
Letter Size Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/44EaUS1
Legal Size Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/4bCY20J
It is also important to get archival file folders that have a large tab for writing information about the documents inside the folder. I generally recommend genealogists get the archival file folders that have the 1-inch tab which provides ample room for writing dates and descriptions of what is in the folder.
Options of how to file the folders is entirely up to you. Using archival boxes, such as a Hollinger box (shown below), adds an additional layer of protection for your records. Putting the folders in filing cabinets is not ideal but is quite acceptable.
Archival Hollinger Box Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/4dDnntk
So, why use archival file folders? Because we want to preserve our family records so they survive for future generations to enjoy!
REMEMBER: IT'S NOT ALL ONLINE, CONTACT OR VISIT AN ARCHIVE TODAY!
*******
Legacy Quick Guide
Scrapbooks: A Genealogist's Gold Mine
PDF Version: http://legacy.familytreewebinars.com/?aid=1413
Letter Size Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/44EaUS1
Legal Size Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/4bCY20J
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| Example of 1" tab on archival file folder |
It is also important to get archival file folders that have a large tab for writing information about the documents inside the folder. I generally recommend genealogists get the archival file folders that have the 1-inch tab which provides ample room for writing dates and descriptions of what is in the folder.
Options of how to file the folders is entirely up to you. Using archival boxes, such as a Hollinger box (shown below), adds an additional layer of protection for your records. Putting the folders in filing cabinets is not ideal but is quite acceptable.
Archival Hollinger Box Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/4dDnntk
 |
| Example of Hollinger Box |
So, why use archival file folders? Because we want to preserve our family records so they survive for future generations to enjoy!
REMEMBER: IT'S NOT ALL ONLINE, CONTACT OR VISIT AN ARCHIVE TODAY!
*******
Legacy Quick Guide
Scrapbooks: A Genealogist's Gold Mine
PDF Version: http://legacy.familytreewebinars.com/?aid=1413
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