Diplomas and certificates mark major milstones in our lives, from graduations and apprenticeships to professional licenses and training. Yet these documents are also some of the most fragile items in our family archives. Follow the tips below to help preserve these important documents while still displaying and sharing them safely.
Think Outside the Frame
When it comes to preserving diplomas and certificates, ask yourself if the documents are modern, vintage or antique. Do they relate to a significant life moment to be remembered, or a less-important “temporary save”? You may want to use more-expensive archival framing for major achievements, but DIY solutions for sports and club honors.
Study Printing Material
Diplomas were traditionally hand-lettered on thin sheepskin (vellum), then rolled and tied with a ribbon for the graduation ceremony. The practice was gradually phased out due to rising costs, dwindling suppliers, and sheepskin’s tendency to shrink. Colleges now print on high-quality parchment paper, then place diplomas themselves in a leatherette-type.
Authentic sheepskin diplomas should be handled with care, kept dry and flat, and stored away from excessive moisture and heat. Avoid rolling to minimize shrinkage and wrinkling, and seek professional help for archival framing.
Frame the Document Promptly
It’s important to frame diplomas and certificates quickly before they begin to degrade from high-acid cardboard backing or folders. Universities often offer frame sized to match their diplomas, but make sure store bought frames (and any other materials used for framing, for that matter) are archival-safe.
DIY frames should include at least six layers. From front to back:
- Wooden or metal frame
- UV glass or acrylic glazing
- Beveled archival mat (to provide space between the glass or glazing and the document)
- The document itself (attached with art-hinges)
- Acid-free backing board
- Acid-free paper backing
Alternate and inexpensive framing option
Frame a copy instead of the original for a simple, inexpensive solution that lets you view the achievement without compromising the original. Consider using drop-in-style frames that allow easy access for adding new honors.
Keep Diplomas Away From Environmental Dangers
Windows, lamps, heat sources, damp areas or direct sunlight should all be avoided. An interior wall or hallway are often good choices, either for hanging or for storing in acid-free folders among your other research items. Avoid excessively handling the diploma or bringing non-archival-safe materials in contact with it. Remember the Archival Golden Rule: Do no harm.
Digitize and Print
In addition to displaying a copy of the diploma for preservation purposes, also make a high-quality scan before framing a diploma, then store it with your important papers. Place a copy inside an acid-free envelope or archival plastic sleeve. If you choose to display the framed original, affix the sleeved copy to the backside of the framed document. This will be helpful if you need to show proof of your achievement.
You can also create a digital image scrapbook of various certificates, diplomas, achievements and honors. Sites such as Shutterfly and Snapfish make it wasy to design and print photobooks.
A version of this article was published in the May/June 2026 issue of Family Tree Magazine.
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