MOSTHistory staff began  “A Single Step Preservation Project” 2016 to help promote preservation of family heirlooms at home. You can also participate in “A Single Step Preservation Project” by doing any of the listed projects. Share your projects by publicly posting on social media with “#SingleStepProject.”

Suggested Projects for “A Single Step Preservation Week”

1. Transfer family photos from one old acidic, or “magnetic” photo album to a preservation-grade album or box.
2. Add metadata (e.g. name, date, event, location) to digital photos from your last vacation.
3. Move a framed photograph or document that is hung on a sun-exposed wall to a wall that receives little or no sun.
4. Buy an acid-free, textile-appropriate box for a family textile item (e.g. wedding dress, baby clothes, prom tuxedo, military uniform).
5. Move one box of family documents or photographs from the garage or attic to an area in the home that has environmental controls.
6. Gather the documents and photographs of a recently deceased family member into one place in order to later place them in the proper storage containers.
7. Migrate one VHS tape of a family reunion to a DVD. You can do it yourself or use a professional service.
8. Remove family documents from plastic 3-ring binders and place in acid-free boxes.
9. Scan your most treasured family letter or document so you have a digital back-up. Add metadata to the digital file.
10. Gently dust all your picture frames with a clean, dry, and soft brush.
11. Check or replace your feather duster; broken feathers can scratch sensitive objects.
12. Separate stacked china plates with paper towels or flannel cloth squares.
13. Have a jeweler check that settings are secure on a favorite gemstone ring.
14. Clean one shelf of books. Remove the books and lightly dust with a soft brush. Remove any bookmarks or other inserts (especially post-it notes – the sticky glue is very acidic) before returning to the shelf.
15. Cut felt pads to place (not glue) underneath lamps, vases, or other accessories on top of furniture.
16. Check your stored quilts for signs of pests. If they must be stored folded, re-fold them in another direction to avoid permanent creases.
17. Vacuum a valued piece of upholstered furniture by securing a piece of cheesecloth over the brush attachment with a rubber band. The cheesecloth will prevent loose threads from being sucked into the vacuum.
18. Have your piano tuned to maintain its good playing condition. (Antique pianos or those in poor condition may need other care.)
19. Check that your fire extinguisher is charged, or buy a fire extinguisher if you don’t have one.
20. Check or replace batteries for smoke detectors in your house.