Most of us have items of historic value to our family. These items may range from family documents on paper, quilts or embroidery and other fabrics, paintings, books, photos and more. We have these wonderful family heirlooms, but what do you do with them? How do you care for them? There are many sites on the web and kits on the market, but not all of them are developed or marketed by people who truly know how to preserve historic artifacts. The watch word is BE CAREFUL! Be sure that the person who you trust your wonderful items to is a person who knows what they are doing. Ask for references and proof of knowledge in the form of degrees and always ask for references.

            The place I go for help and for information including a list of certified conservators is AIC. AIC is The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works. The AIC web site has loads of information that you can access and that will aid you in caring for your artifacts. When the job is too big or too complicated they have a list of conservators who can do the job of conservation for you. AIC is located in Washington, D.C. and began in 1972 in a response to a need to support conservation specialists, to set conservation standards, and to preserve our cultural heritage. For more information look for AIC on the web or you can contact them:

See AIC on the RESOURCES page.