Related Resources • Researching Your Ancestor's Resume • Historical Newspapers • Oral History • Coal Mining in Pennsylvania

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When looking for a scrapbook, photo album, photo mat, or other item for preserving or displaying your precious family photographs, it is not enough to look for a label which states "acid-free." Basically, all that means is that the paper used in the project has a ph of 7 or higher. The product may still be too alkaline, or include harmful components such as lignin, reactive dyes, or PVC (poly-vinyl chloride). An acid-free label on a product does not ensure that the product is archival, and suitable for the long-term preservation of photos.

does not assure that it will not cause additional damage to your family heirlooms. Archival quality is a non-technical term that suggests that a material or product is permanent, durable or chemically stable, and that it can therefore safely be used for preservation purposes. Used most often by museums and professional conservators, many manufacturers have picked up the term to indicate products suitable for the long-term preservation of photos.