Introduction
Newspaper clippings serve as valuable keepsakes, offering a tangible connection to the past. Whether it’s a headline that captured a historic moment, a personal feature about a family member, or a news story that holds sentimental value, storing these clippings properly is essential for ensuring their longevity. Over time, newspapers deteriorate due to their high acid content and exposure to light, air, and moisture. Without appropriate preservation techniques, these pieces of history can fade, discolor, and become brittle. In this blog post, we will explore the different methods for storing newspaper clippings effectively and maintaining their condition for years to come.
Understanding The Fragility Of Newspaper Clippings
Newspapers are printed on inexpensive paper that contains lignin, a substance that naturally occurs in wood. Lignin, while essential in wood, contributes to the breakdown of paper when it is exposed to light and air. As lignin degrades, it produces acids that cause the newspaper to yellow and become brittle over time. The more exposure the paper has to environmental factors such as humidity and UV light, the faster the deterioration occurs.
Given this natural fragility, it’s important to understand the challenges that come with preserving newspaper clippings. The first step in ensuring proper storage is recognizing the need to protect them from the very elements that accelerate their breakdown. Acid-free materials, controlled environments, and gentle handling are key to keeping your clippings in the best possible condition.
Preparing Newspaper Clippings For Storage
This process begins by gently cleaning the clippings and removing any dirt, dust, or residue that may have accumulated. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove particles, ensuring that you handle the clippings as delicately as possible to avoid causing tears or creases.
If your clipping is particularly old or fragile, you may want to consider flattening it out before storage. Newspaper clippings often develop folds or creases due to handling, which can weaken the paper over time. To flatten a clipping, carefully place it between two sheets of acid-free paper and apply a light, evenly distributed weight, such as a book, to press it flat over a period of a few days.
For very fragile or brittle clippings, consider photocopying the article onto acid-free, archival-quality paper. While this doesn’t replace the original, it provides a backup that can be referenced without risking further damage to the clipping itself. The photocopy will also remain stable over time, unlike the original newspaper paper, which continues to degrade.
Selecting The Right Storage Materials
Choosing the right materials for storing your newspaper clippings is critical to their preservation. Acid-free and lignin-free storage options are the gold standard for protecting paper items, as they prevent the transfer of acids from the storage materials to the clippings. There are several types of archival storage materials available, each designed to suit different needs.
One of the most popular methods for storing newspaper clippings is using acid-free folders or envelopes. These folders come in a variety of sizes and can accommodate both small and large clippings. Placing the clippings inside these folders prevents direct contact with environmental factors and provides a safe, secure space for storage. For added protection, you can insert a sheet of acid-free tissue paper between the pages to minimize friction and prevent ink transfer.
If you have a large collection of clippings, using acid-free archival boxes can provide an effective way to organize and store them. These boxes are made from acid-free materials and are designed to keep light, air, and moisture away from the contents. Organize the clippings by date, subject, or event, and label the boxes accordingly for easy access. When using boxes, it’s important not to overstuff them, as this can cause creasing or folding of the clippings.
For those who prefer to display their clippings or keep them readily accessible, acid-free photo albums with clear, archival-quality plastic sleeves can be an excellent option. These albums protect the clippings from light and air exposure while allowing you to view them without handling them directly. Ensure that the plastic sleeves are made from archival-quality polyester or polypropylene, as these materials are stable and won’t release harmful chemicals that can damage the paper.
Controlling The Storage Environment
The environment in which you store your newspaper clippings plays a significant role in their preservation. Temperature, humidity, and light exposure all have a profound impact on the condition of the paper, and controlling these factors can significantly slow down the deterioration process.
The ideal environment for storing newspaper clippings is a cool, dry space with stable temperature and humidity levels. The recommended temperature for paper storage is between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with relative humidity levels between 30% and 40%. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause the paper to expand and contract, leading to warping, cracking, and increased brittleness.
Avoid storing newspaper clippings in areas that are prone to temperature and humidity changes, such as attics, basements, or garages. These spaces often experience extreme conditions that can quickly degrade paper items. Instead, choose a closet, cabinet, or dedicated storage room in your home that remains relatively stable throughout the year.
Light, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light, is another major threat to the preservation of newspaper clippings. UV light can cause ink to fade and paper to yellow at an accelerated rate. For this reason, it’s essential to store clippings in a dark or low-light environment. If you choose to display clippings, do so using UV-protective glass in frames, and avoid placing them in direct sunlight.
Protecting Newspaper Clippings From Physical Damage
Handling is one of the most common causes of damage to newspaper clippings. Each time a clipping is touched, there is a risk of creasing, tearing, or transferring oils from the skin onto the paper. To minimize the chances of physical damage, always handle clippings with clean, dry hands. If possible, wear cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils or dirt from your fingers to the delicate paper.
When removing clippings from storage, do so carefully and avoid bending or pulling them too quickly. If a clipping is stuck to a folder or another piece of paper, gently separate it using a soft tool, such as a bone folder, to avoid causing damage.
In cases where the clipping has already suffered damage, such as tears or missing sections, professional restoration services may be necessary. Paper conservators can repair torn or damaged clippings using specialized techniques that preserve the original integrity of the paper. While these services can be expensive, they are often worth the investment for historically significant or personally valuable clippings.
Digitizing Newspaper Clippings For Long-Term Preservation
One of the most effective ways to ensure the long-term preservation of newspaper clippings is to digitize them. By scanning the clippings and creating high-quality digital copies, you can preserve the content while protecting the original from further deterioration. Digital copies are immune to the effects of time, light, and environmental factors, making them an excellent option for long-term storage.
When digitizing newspaper clippings, it’s important to use a high-resolution scanner that captures the details of the print clearly. Scanning at a resolution of at least 300 dots per inch (DPI) is recommended to ensure that the text and images remain sharp and readable. Once scanned, store the digital files in multiple formats, such as JPEG, TIFF, or PDF, to ensure compatibility with future technologies.
In addition to storing the files on your computer, consider backing them up on external hard drives, cloud storage services, or other reliable digital storage platforms. This redundancy ensures that your files will remain safe even if one storage method fails. Organize the digital clippings using file names that reflect their content, such as date or subject matter, to make it easy to locate specific articles later.
Avoiding Common Mistakes In Storing Newspaper Clippings
There are several common mistakes that people make when attempting to store newspaper clippings, many of which can lead to the unintended deterioration of the paper. By being aware of these pitfalls, you can take the necessary precautions to avoid them and protect your collection.
One of the most frequent mistakes is using non-archival materials, such as regular plastic bags, tape, or glue, to store or repair newspaper clippings. These materials contain acids and chemicals that can damage the paper over time, causing yellowing, staining, or adhesive residue. Always opt for archival-quality materials that are acid-free and lignin-free to prevent harm to your clippings.
Another mistake is storing newspaper clippings in humid environments or placing them in direct contact with other objects, such as books or cardboard. Humidity can cause mold growth, while other materials may transfer harmful substances to the paper. To prevent this, keep the clippings in a controlled environment with proper storage materials.
Lastly, over-handling clippings is a common issue, especially for sentimental items that people want to share or reference frequently. Every time a clipping is handled, there is a risk of physical damage, so it’s important to limit contact with the paper. Instead of handling the original, consider displaying digital copies or reproductions to preserve the integrity of the original item.
Organizing A Collection Of Newspaper Clippings
If you have a large collection of newspaper clippings, organizing them effectively can make it easier to access specific articles while preserving the condition of the entire collection. The first step is to categorize the clippings by a system that makes sense for you, whether by date, event, subject, or personal significance.
Once you have categorized the clippings, store them in labeled, acid-free folders, envelopes, or boxes. Keeping an inventory of the clippings, either on paper or in a digital spreadsheet, can help you keep track of what you have and make it easier to find specific clippings when needed.
For particularly valuable or rare clippings, consider creating a dedicated file or section within your collection. These items can be given extra protection, such as placing them in a separate, climate-controlled storage space or using a more secure archival box.
The Importance Of Long-Term Preservation For Future Generations
Newspaper clippings provide a window into the past, capturing moments in history that may otherwise be forgotten. For many people, these clippings are more than just pieces of paper—they represent family memories, cultural milestones, and personal achievements. By taking the time to store and preserve these clippings properly, you can ensure that they remain intact for future generations to enjoy.
The value of these clippings extends beyond their immediate relevance. They offer future generations insights into the events, people, and places that shaped their world. Whether you are preserving a clipping of a significant historical event, a personal family story, or a cultural phenomenon, the effort you put into preserving these clippings today will allow them to be appreciated for years to come.
Conclusion
As digital technology continues to evolve, there may come a time when newspapers themselves are no longer printed on physical paper. In this sense, newspaper clippings are not only valuable as historical documents but also as artifacts of a medium that may one day disappear. By preserving these clippings, you are contributing to the protection of a cultural heritage that future generations may look back on with curiosity and appreciation.
Storing newspaper clippings requires careful attention to detail, proper materials, and an understanding of the factors that contribute to their deterioration. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your collection of clippings remains safe, accessible, and preserved for future generations. Whether you are saving a personal souvenir or a piece of history, the effort you put into preserving your newspaper clippings today will ensure that they continue to tell their stories for many years to come.