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How to Preserve a 144-Year-Old Newspaper

While old newspapers aren't always high in monetary value, they carry significant historical and sentimental value. Many newspapers are preserved on microfilm or converted to a digital format, but reading newspapers on a screen doesn't have the same feel as holding one in your hand. If you have an old newspaper you would like to preserve for any reason, there are several techniques that archivists use.

Things You'll Need

Acid-free paper
Archival tape
Cardboard box

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect your newspaper to determine whether it is printed on rag linen or wood pulp, which is high in acid content. Most newspapers printed before 1876 were printed on rag linen, and if yours is, too, you can disregard the instructions that apply to controlling acid content.
- 2
  De-acidify high-value newspapers printed on wood pulp. This can be done professionally by an archivist or conservator, or you can purchase an aerosol spray and do the job yourself.
- 3
  Scan or photocopy the entire newspaper, or parts that are important to you. This will allow you to refer to information in the newspaper without having to refer to the original each time. When photocopying, use acid-free paper if possible.
- 4
  Unfold the newspaper completely and wrap each piece in acid-free paper.
- 5
  Seal the acid-free paper in a few spots with archival tape. Leave some spots untaped to allow air to flow in and out.
- 6
  Store the newspaper in a box no larger than 10 inches deep.
- 7
  Store the box in a dry, heated (but not humid) area such as under a bed or in a cupboard. Storing it in an attic or basement can leave your paper vulnerable to mold, bugs and mildew.

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