Do not begin by mixing every envelope into one box. Preserve the clues already present.
Handwriting, lab envelopes, sequence and physical proximity may contain the only surviving information about dates and people.
A practical method
- Photograph boxes and envelopes before moving anything
- Assign each container a simple code
- Separate formats without breaking original groups
- Record names, dates and places exactly as written
- Create a selection for scanning
- Link digital filenames to physical codes
What to avoid
- Writing directly on negatives
- Throwing away envelopes too early
- Cleaning everything before assessment
- Scanning without a naming system
- Separating strips from their context
Frequently asked questions
Is professional help necessary?
Professional help is valuable for large, fragile, mouldy or historically important archives.
What should happen first?
Create an inventory and priorities before ordering maximum-resolution scans of everything.
Where can I continue?
Use Archive Your Family Negatives.
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