Family pictures, rolls of developed film, and home videos are more than just old media — they’re tangible connections to our past.

They remind us of laughter shared at family gatherings, cherished moments that seemed small at the time, and the milestones that shaped our relationships.

Time isn’t always kind to these cherished heirlooms, though.

Fading, discoloration, and deterioration can wear away on old media if we don’t take the steps to preserve it properly.

Luckily, with a few accessible methods, you can ensure that your family's mementos and visual history remain intact for generations to come.

Archival Storage for Longevity

Proper storage is key to slowing down the natural aging process of photographs, film, and videos. Everyday exposure to light, humidity, and pollutants can gradually wear down these materials. Here’s how you can protect them:

Photographs

Store in Acid-Free Containers: Regular boxes and photo albums may contain acids that degrade photos over time. Instead, opt for archival-quality, acid-free boxes and sleeves.
Avoid PVC-based Plastic Sleeves: These plastics release harmful chemicals that deteriorate images. Use polyester or polyethylene sleeves instead.
Control Temperature and Humidity: Store photos in a cool, dry place with stable temperatures, ideally around 65°F and 40% humidity.
Handle with Care: Oil and dirt from our hands can transfer onto photos and cause damage over time. Cotton gloves are a common recommendation to prevent oil transfer when handling delicate prints, but wearing them also decreases tactility. We recommend a thorough hand wash with soap and water over cotton gloves, to minimize the risk of accidental damage.

Analog Film

Keep It Cool: Like photographs, film benefits from cool and dry conditions. If possible, store film reels in a climate-controlled environment.
Ventilated Storage: Place film in ventilated containers to prevent mold growth and avoid sealing them in airtight plastic.
Vertical Positioning: Store film reels upright, not stacked, to prevent warping or pressure damage.
Digital Backups: Analog film is particularly susceptible to degradation over time, so digitizing it ensures you have a backup in case of physical loss.

Home Videos (VHS, MiniDV, etc.)

Rewind and Store Upright: VHS tapes should be fully rewound before storing vertically to prevent uneven tension that can damage the tape.
Keep Away from Magnets: Magnetic fields from speakers and electronic devices can erase or distort tape recordings.
Periodic Playback: Occasionally playing tapes can prevent them from sticking together, but be gentle with older media.
Digitize for Longevity: Convert your home videos to digital formats to preserve them before physical deterioration sets in.

Enjoying Heirlooms While Preserving Them

Preserving your memories doesn't mean locking them away forever. By displaying them carefully, you can still enjoy these treasures without putting them at risk.

UV-Protected Picture Frames

Framing your favorite photographs allows you to showcase them while protecting them from harmful UV light, which can fade images and damage paper fibers.

Look for frames with UV-resistant glass or acrylic.
Avoid placing framed photos in direct sunlight or humid areas like bathrooms.
Use acid-free matting to prevent discoloration.

Digitize and Display Copies

Scanning your most cherished photos and printing high-quality reproductions lets you display them without worrying about the originals. Meanwhile, the digital copies can be safely archived for future generations.

Rotating Displays

Instead of keeping the same photos exposed year-round, consider rotating them every few months. This helps minimize exposure to light and environmental factors while keeping your displays fresh and meaningful.

Scrapbooks with Archival Materials

Scrapbooking is a great way to enjoy your photos creatively. Just be sure to use:

Acid-free pages and adhesives.
Archival-quality pens for writing captions.
Protective plastic covers that are free of PVC.

Preserving the Stories Behind the Images

While preserving physical heirlooms is crucial, so is documenting the stories behind them. A photograph is only as meaningful as the memories tied to it.

Write down names, dates, and locations on the backs of printed photos using a soft, archival-quality pencil.
Record stories from elders who can provide valuable context into the people and places captured in your family media.
Create digital albums with notes and tags for easy organization.

Final Thoughts

Our photographs, film, and home videos are irreplaceable links to our past. Taking steps to store, digitize, and display them properly ensures that future generations can enjoy them and connect with their roots.

Preservation doesn't have to mean hiding things away forever — it’s about finding a balance between sharing and safekeeping.

So dig into those old albums, dust off the home movies, and make an intentional plan to protect your family’s visual legacy.

Want to read more guides like this one?

Looking for something a little different?

Send us an email at info@timestampco.com with any requests or recommendations for future guides.

Memories to Last a Lifetime: Preserving Physical Media