Learning how to preserve old letters means caring for the paper and also for the context that makes it important. A letter with no name, date or origin may still be beautiful, but it can lose part of the story the family would like to understand. Start by identifying the material without altering the original.
Handle with care
Prepare a clean, dry surface, keep food away and support the document when moving it. Do not use tape, glue or cleaning products to repair tears. If the paper is brittle, mouldy or stuck to another material, get professional advice before touching it.
The Canadian Conservation Institute’s guidance on documents helps you choose handling and storage practices.
Choose a stable spot
Avoid leaving the collection near heat sources, strong light or moisture. A basement, attic or garage in Canada can see different conditions throughout the year; prefer an indoor space where you can keep an eye on the material.
Separate fragile documents and choose suitable storage with conservation advice. Do not laminate the only original to make it easier to pass around at a family gathering: make a reproduction instead.
Digitize without mistaking a copy for permanent preservation
Photograph or scan when you can do so without damaging the original. Give the file an understandable name, check that it is legible and keep copies in different places. Digital files can also be lost, corrupted or become inaccessible.
For other materials, see how to organize old family photos and how to digitize family videos.
Record the letter’s story
Note the sender, recipient, place, date and who explained the context. If the document is in French, English or another family language, keep the image of the original together with any reviewed transcription or translation.
A letter may contain intimate information about people who are still alive. Agree on access before copying it for a group or including it in a book. Caring for the words goes hand in hand with caring for the paper.