When: October 9 @ 5:30-8 pm
October is 2SLGBTQIA+ History Month. Many stories and histories are told through scrapbooks and the photos, cards and letters we fill them with. To ensure these stories are kept for future generations, we need to be able to provide care for these memories.
Join archivists and conservators from RAM and the Provincial Archives of Alberta to learn how to care for your own paper memorabilia collection. This workshop will give you an introduction to best practices in caring for photos, letters, cards, and scrapbooks.
Topics covered include:
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Types of items and stories archives and museums collect
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Understanding preservation and agents of deterioration
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Do’s and don’ts of handling, storage, and display
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Benefits of using proper storage materials
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Practical knowledge and materials to protect one scrapbook or one small collection of photos, letters and cards with archival/museum quality storage
Please provide a description of your small item at the time of workshop registration. The items must be relatively small and portable: either one scrapbook or one small collection of photos, letters, and cards that are collectively no larger than shoebox sized. (We may decline your item if we cannot accommodate it)
This workshop is open to anyone aged 15+, with no previous experience necessary. General Admission is included in the ticket price.
Learn about the rest of our Museum Skills Workshops series:
- Insect Pinning - Thursday, September 25
- Ice Age Crash Course - Thursday, November 27
FAQs
Will I get a valuation or appraisal of my item?
No, we are not appraisers. We recommend that you reach out to the International Society of Appraisers’ Canadian Chapter if you are interested in getting a valuation at https://www.isa-appraisers.ca/find-an-appraiser.
Will you be able to tell me more about my item?
While we will be able to speak to the materials and techniques in your piece, we will not be able to give you the kind of context that detailed historical research could bring. An archivist will be available to share tips for how to find out more about your piece.
What if I want to donate my item to the museum?
We will not be accepting donations on the day of the workshop but you are always welcome to reach out to us at ACSW.InfoRAM@gov.ab.ca and your donation offer will be routed to the relevant curator.
What kind of object can I bring to the workshop?
Due to time and space constraints, we are limiting it to either one scrapbook or one small collection of photos, letters, or notes that are collectively no larger than shoebox sized. If we can’t accommodate your item for space or for any other reason, we will reach out to you prior to the workshop. Objects you bring must match the description given during registration. If not, please contact us to discuss the change.
What kind of archival or museum quality housing can I expect after the workshop?
It depends on your item, but possibilities could be a custom storage box made out of archival materials, custom encapsulation sleeves, custom storage folders, etc. Whatever may be the case, you can be assured that it will be customized to your object, and will be made from archival quality materials that protect your item for long term storage.
Is this a hands-on workshop?
Yes! Please be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get crafty. Staff will give demonstrations and will be available to assist but you’ll be creating the housing for your object!
Can I bring something that is not Pride focussed?
In celebration of Pride month, we are focussing this workshop around queer history. We will be offering a general preservation workshop on paper memorabilia within the next few months – please stay tuned!