January 2012 Family Archivist

 Genealogy Gift Guide

2. Archival-quality file folders: Your genealogy friends will have plenty of room to note the contents of these Gaylord Bros. reinforced file folders with a one-inch tab, Tuttle says (see Shop ‘Til You Drop below for contact information). They’re available in letter- or legal-size; a package of 100 costs $36.05 to $39.85.

3. Polyester envelopes: These protect fragile family papers from damage caused by dust, dirt and handling. You want envelopes with a thickness of at least 3 mil. Tuttle recommends the Sealed Archival Polyester Enclosures from Hollinger Metal Edge, $17.25 for a package of 10.

4. Archival tools: Rounded ends on these Genuine Bone Folders ($8.50 and $12.50) from Conservation Resources International smooth creased paper and affix archival repair tape. Pointed ends score board for creating document enclosures. A microspatula like these from Gaylord Bros. ($13.59 and $7.90) removes staples and applies repair tape.

5. White cotton gloves: Give your cousin Gina gloves, such as these from FamilyArchives.com ($3.24 per pair) to protect her family heirlooms and photographs from dust, dirt and oils when handling.

6. Plastiklips: These plastic clips from University Products ($21.60 for 1,000) won’t rust like metal and don’t have sharp ends, so Mom can feel free to use them when organizing the family archive (Tuttle advises against using any clips on photos, though, because they can scratch the emulsion).

7. Book box: “This rare book box looks nice enough for a shelf that guests will see,” Jacobs says. Sizes vary, so it’s perfect for safely storing scrapbooks, old photo albums or a family Bible. Gaylord includes 25 sheets of unbuffered tissue to pad the book inside ($16.79 to $25.95).

mementos related to a person or event (for best visual effect, choose items with a variety of shapes, textures and sizes)

shadowbox frame

archival mat board

mounting materials (see Step 3)

optional embellishments

2. Cut mat board to the same size as the inner dimensions of your frame (see if the store where you purchase the board can cut it for you).

Archival Products

Conservation Resources International

FamilyArchives.com

Gaylord

Hollinger Metal Edge

University Products