Purchasing Archival Materials
- KaoLee Vang
- Mar 24
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 4
One of the best advice I received from professional archivists and conservators is to live with the items in your archive. While not everything you have may be too fragile to "live" with you may be interested in storing your items to help save them.
There are some great resources that go into depth of proper storage but here is a list to help you get started.
Living with your archive
Key things to remember when you decide to display and decorate with items from your archive. Somethings were meant to be used. Hang the quilt, wrap yourself in that blanket, wear the hat. Many items were created originally and was used in everyday life and should continue to but just more gently as they age and are in good condition. Here are key things to remember when you decide to display and decorate with items from your archive.
Avoid direct sunlight and bright lights
Avoid high humidity for most things, some humidity is always needed (especially natural fibers)
Avoid unnecessary and extra oils and heat that could damage items
Photographs and documents should be framed. If you want to spend extra you can frame items in archival/museum quality glass or materials.
Storage materials and where to buy
Here is a list of companies I used to purchase storage boxes, liners, sleeves, dividers, and writing utensils. They have so much more for your needs. I used a number of places so I could shop around for prices and bulk items I needed.
Gaylord Archival
Huge selection of archival materials
Archival Method
Great resource guides and tips, where I got the bulk of my supplies, had a large array of kits that fit my needs for the price (and in bulk)
Hollinger
Great place for storage products, used for textile and garment storage supplies
University Products
Similar to the other suppliers, great materials
DickBlick Art Supply
Archival friendly sleeve protectors, art boxes, tapes, pencils, and pens. More options online
Michaels Craft Supplies
Archival pens and pencils
One of my favorite helps that I used to get me started for the resource guide from Archival Methods. They break it down to the essentials and link items from their website that you can use.
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