Sharing And Caring For Local Family Photos

LITCHFIELD — To celebrate American Archives Month, Litchfield Historical Society will host “Sharing And Caring For Local Family Photos” Saturday, October 20.

Some people keep them in shoeboxes. Others stash them in the drawers of a bureau. Still others have boxes and boxes of them hidden away in their attics, basements, and closets. Since the advent of amateur photography, family photos have been kept “safe” in a variety of places all over the house.

Despite many endeavors to protect these precious treasures, however, the photos still deteriorate over time. In fact, many of the storage locations and materials people use may do more harm than good.

It is possible, however, to delay and even prevent many factors that aggravate photograph deterioration. The “Share and Care” workshop will be from 1 to 4 pm. Participants will learn how to store and house family pictures using current archival preservation techniques.

In addition, members of the community are invited to bring in photos relating to local history to have them scanned for the museum’s collection. Guests are invited to stay and share stories pertaining to the photos.

The program will be held at Litchfield History Museum, at 7 South Street. Admission is free, but registration is required either through phone registration at 860-567-4501 or through e-mail to education@LitchfieldHistoricalSociety.org.