RSS FEEDStoring Newspapers & Clippings
While newspaper circulation has dropped off significantly in recent years, many people still save newspapers and clippings that chronicle important events in their lives or highlight significant historical events. In addition to photographs, family ephemera often includes old newspapers and clippings of announcements such as engagements, marriages, births, and deaths.
Why Do Newspapers Break Down?
As far as collectibles go, newspapers are one of the most unstable you will find. A disposable commodity, they are produced cheaply and quickly and were not intended to last for centuries. Newsprint is made from coarse wood pulp that contains lignins and acids which cause the paper to break down over time. Newsprint yellows and becomes brittle, and the ink may fade. By following proper archival storage procedures, you can minimize potential damage and prolong the life of these fragile artifacts.
Display a Copy, Not the Original
If you would like to display an important or sentimental newspaper or clipping in a picture frame, don’t use the original. Even behind glass, this irreplaceable artifact isn’t safe. Ultraviolet (UV) light, a component of sunlight and some artificial light sources, is extremely damaging to almost all artifacts. Newsprint is especially sensitive to the damaging effects of UV light.
Either scan and print your clipping or newspaper page, or make a color photocopy of it to preserve the tonalities of the original. Frame your reproduction using high quality archival matboard, framing supplies, and UV-filtering glass or acrylic (such as Plexiglas). Check out our framing supplies or work with a reputable frame shop in your area.
If we can’t dissuade you from framing your original, it should only be exposed to incandescent light (no fluorescent light and no direct sunlight), and matted with high-quality, acid-free materials and UV-filtering glass or acrylic.
Getting Started
When working on an archival storage project, always wash and dry hands thoroughly before handling your artifacts, and have a clean work surface away from food, beverages, and curious pets. Gloves (we prefer nitrile, but white cotton are also an option) can be worn for added protection but they aren’t appropriate for every task. When dealing with papers, clean, dry hands are the best option.
Please be sure to carefully remove any paper clips or staples from old newspaper clippings before you place them in archival enclosures.
If you have the storage space and access to a box large enough, newspapers are ideally stored flat. The paper fibers stress and break at the folds first. If you can’t unfold entirely, storing with the one fold in half is acceptable. Clippings, too, should be unfolded as much as possible.
Storing Whole Newspapers
Archival newspaper storage begins with a double layer of protection using archival polyethylene bags and buffered, acid-free boxes. These bags and boxes minimize “acid migration” from one newspaper to another, keep out dust, moisture and pollutants, and keep your newspapers and clippings in a dark, dry environment. Our Newspaper Storage Kit, available in several sizes, includes an acid-free, metal-edge drop front box, a reusable desiccant canister to remove harmful moisture, and ten polyethylene bags to hold individual newspapers.
Storing Newspaper Clippings
When storing smaller newspaper clippings you have several options. Crystal Clear Bags or Side Loading Print Sleeves with Card Stock Inserts work well. The acid-free card stock provides support and rigidity, and a place to add relevant information in pencil. Use the card stock to write notes about what paper the article came from, the date, and why you saved it. A clear plastic enclosure allows you to view the clipping without handling the fragile newsprint.
Once housed in this type of enclosure, you can select an appropriately sized archival box to hold your clippings or a collection of clippings and similarly sized or related ephemera. A Drop Front Box is a flat storage solution and comes in a wide range of sizes.
Another appropriate box would be a Document Box in conjunction with Archival File Folders. If you don’t fill the box, use Document Box Spacers to take up extra space so the folders and objects don’t slump.
An Archival Binder can also be used to safely store your clippings using Archival Print Pages with Card Stock Inserts or 3-Ring Page Protectors.
Proper Storage Conditions
Once a newspaper or clipping is safely inside an archival polyethylene bag or polyester sleeve, and an acid-free box or archival binder, you need to find an appropriate place to store it. A dry, dark environment such as a closet in your living space is a good option. Never store items you are trying to preserve in a garage, basement, or attic. The temperature and humidity fluctuations in these spaces is not good for long-term storage. These areas of a home are also more prone to leaks and flooding which could harm your collections.
Consult a Conservator
Newspapers will eventually deteriorate over time due to their acid and lignin content. Proper archival storage only slows down this process. If needed, consult a professional paper conservator who can neutralize these harmful chemicals through a process known as deacidification, Note that this can only stop current damage, and not reverse any yellowing or brittleness that has already occurred.
January 31, 2021 @ 5:49 am
Hello, and thanks for all this wonderful information. I have an old newspaper clipping from the 1950s, which has a photograph of my relatives and a small article. Naturally, the clipping is faded and yellowing and falling apart, and I’d like to digitize it to preserve it and send it to family around the country. Might you know the best DPI for such a task? I know when scanning to back it with black paper to prevent bleed-through, but that’s all I know. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
February 5, 2021 @ 1:16 pm
Hi Mark,
We’d recommend 600dpi for scanning the clipping. Also consider scanning as a TIF to retain the most digital information (though it will be a much larger file size). If you’re on Facebook, there’s a helpful group called Advice From the Photo Organizing Pros that you can join and ask any scanning-related questions. While the focus is on photos, pro photo organizers often scan clippings as well, so there would surely be some good advice there.
Good luck!
December 26, 2020 @ 5:39 pm
I have old newspapers that date back to 1988. After reading the comments can I assume that I can put a whole newspaper in an archival plastic sleeves? My daughter gave to me, for Christmas, an archival box and sleeves for these newspapers. I am so very excited to preserve these!
I wondered also if I could cut out specific articles, tape them to another paper and put them in these sleeves thinking I would save on space but if I can put the whole folded newspaper in that would be even better! Thank you for your answer.
January 9, 2021 @ 10:48 am
Hi Catherine,
Sorry for the delay in replying! You can indeed put the entire newspaper into an archival plastic sleeve or bag. If you want to save clippings rather than entire papers, cut them out and place them on a piece of archival paper or cardstock as a backing. No need to attach them – the tape, even if it is archival quality, will damage the fragile newsprint in the long run. Both the clipping and the backing will then slip into a sleeve. Use some of the space on the backing paper to write notes about what paper the article came from, the date, and why you saved it!
Good luck with your project. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out at mail@archivalmethods.com for a speedier reply.
November 27, 2020 @ 2:38 am
If one is just wanting to save some newspapers on current events would vacume sealing them in Foodsaver plastic bags slow down the oxidation as most air and moisture is removed? They don’t make any big enough to display the full page, but one I did this way a year ago does not seem to have aged. Will the paper and plastic possibly bond together? If one were to put a check valve on a plastic or glass sealed container, as in two sheets of glass with a small air gap, such a device would then remove most of the air and moisture from the container but it would not press the sheets together. That might be a better option.
January 9, 2021 @ 11:11 am
HI Darrel,
Sorry for the delayed reply. Encapsulation is certainly one of the techniques available to slow the deterioration of newsprint, though it will not stop it. To do it archivally, you would want to use an archival-quality plastic instead of commercial plastic bags. There is some good information in this leaflet from the National Park Service. Good luck!
November 21, 2020 @ 12:51 am
I have an old 1947 magazine/newspaper and some pages are starting to crumble. I want to separate the page and place them in page protectors then seal the protectors. I will place all the individual pages in a three ring binder. If I separate the pages deconstructing the book would that depreciate the value?
January 9, 2021 @ 11:18 am
Hi Nancy,
Apologies for the delay in replying. Notifications for blog post comments were somehow disabled. If you still have questions about this project, contact us at mail@archivalmethods.com for a speedier reply. Anytime you deconstruct a book or magazine, it will be reflected in the value, even if it is done to preserve the pages. If it is an item of great value and you want to have it stabilized by a professional conservator, it would be an expensive option, but would keep it intact. If it is an item whose value is in your use and appreciation of it and by preserving the pages separately you’ll be able to enjoy it longer, then go right ahead. Make sure your page protectors are archival plastic (look for ones that are polypropylene) and no need to seal them. That creates the possibility for moisture to become trapped inside the page protector and create destructive microclimates. A binder with a slipcase is a great way to add another layer of protection from light and dust.
May 15, 2020 @ 12:40 am
I recently found a family member’s section of newspaper from D-Day 1944. It was folded several times. I’d like to flatten the paper and preserve it.
I want to unfold it vertically and store it flat (the size is 16″x23″). I don’t want to open it up completely. I’m not planning on displaying it. Would it be better to store it between 2 sheets of alkaline matboard or some kind of protective glass INSTEAD of putting it in a bag, thus keeping the paper completely flat? And is there a way to safely “iron out” the folds and creases? Thank you for your advice!
May 28, 2020 @ 4:52 pm
Hi Lesa,
Apologies for the delay in responding to your comment. What a great find! For flattening a valuable clipping, I’d recommend consulting a paper conservator. They would likely re-humidify and then flatten/dry the paper in their lab. You can search for a conservator in your area on the American Institute for Conservation website.
If you want to just store it as is, I wouldn’t worry about pressing it flat. Without rehumidifying the creases, pressure on them will be detrimental. Laying it in an archival box, preferably inside a polyethylene bag as another layer of protection, is good enough. We have a Newspaper Kit that comes with the box, 10 bags, and a desiccant container to further control moisture inside the box, that is 20×24″ – large enough to store your paper unfolded.
February 13, 2020 @ 1:47 pm
How would you preserve newsprint that has been altered? (spray pained, glued, painted with acrylic, etc)
February 14, 2020 @ 3:06 pm
You would need to consult with a paper conservator. The number of variables the different media used would require a professional to inspect the artwork.
December 8, 2018 @ 10:59 am
i own a 100 year old school and found a strange book that appears to be an old account book that was reused and filled with interesting newpaper clippings dating from the 1830’s to 1950’s. lots of slave articles, civil war articles, etc., more than 1 person had to have created this artifact and it is in fragile condition. i’m getting old and don’t want this snapshop of american history to be lost,. anybody i can contact in regards to it?
December 10, 2018 @ 8:41 am
Hello David
From your description of the book The National Museum of African American History and Culture could be interested. Following link will provide your first step in donating the book.
https://nmaahc.si.edu/donate-item
September 26, 2018 @ 3:03 am
We’ve just bought a house and found loads of insightful newspaper sheets under the lino from 1952. We’d like to frame some but they are damp and mouldy. What’s the best way to clean these without ruining them? I am worried about the germs and spores I’ll be handling and harbouring!
September 26, 2018 @ 10:26 am
Hello Sarah,
If the newspapers have mold growing or even spores framing will not stop the mold growth if the humidity is above 50%.
You can consult with a paper conservator about deacidification – A common term for a chemical treatment that neutralizes acid in a material such as paper and deposits an alkaline buffer to counteract future acid attack. While deacidification increases the chemical stability of paper, it does not restore strength or flexibility to brittle materials.
Ware gloves and mask when handling the newspapers.
September 7, 2018 @ 7:30 am
Hi, I have an old school textbook from the 1940’s which has had newspaper clippings, business cards, tickets, programmes etc pasted/glued inside, and I would like to remove these. I have been told there are chemicals which can easily loosen the paste/glue to release these items without damage, but I can’t find anything online that seems to do just that on older paste/glue. I can of course just cut these out of the book leaving the paper attached to the back, but I would like to remove it completely without damaging the items. Any advice appreciated.
September 7, 2018 @ 12:58 pm
Hello Graeme
We would recommend you get advice from a professional conservator before you attempt any treatment.
You will need to determine what type of paste / glue or adhesive before applying and chemicals. Archival Methods sells (De-Solv-it Icky Sticky Stuff Remover) a pressure sensitive adhesive remover but it will not work on water based paste.
September 5, 2018 @ 2:47 pm
Should we ever laminate old newspaper clippings?
September 7, 2018 @ 1:54 pm
Hello Jan,
Lamentation is not reversible. The following is from The National Archives web site.
Polyester Sleeves and Encapsulation: Polyester sleeves are used to enclose and protect fragile, brittle and/or torn documents, as well as photographic prints and negatives filed among textual records. The Preservation Laboratory often uses sleeves with two adjacent sealed edges (L-sleeves) to maximize safe insertion and removal of fragile records.
Encapsulation is performed using an ultrasonic welder to seal documents between two pieces of polyester. The procedure is reversible, so the document can be removed if needed. Documents are not entirely sealed inside, unless specially treated. Corners are left open so that air can circulate within the polyester sleeve and natural decomposition off-gases can be released. Encapsulation makes documents easier and safer to hold and use.
August 16, 2018 @ 9:35 am
I found an old newspaper in a family trunk of my grandparents. There’s a folded newspaper from 1890 in it and the bend where it was folded is crumbling. What’s the best way to preserve this? I don’t want to touch it until I have the understanding of how to preserve it.
August 16, 2018 @ 10:28 am
Hello Rachel,
If the newspaper is showing signs of cracking along the fold live it that way. The more you handle the newspaper it will continue to crack and fall apart. Newsprint is the lowest quality of paper especially from the 1890’s, It has high acid content and is quick to deteriorate.
You can consult with a paper conservator about deacidification – A common term for a chemical treatment that neutralizes acid in a material such as paper and deposits an alkaline buffer to counteract future acid attack. While deacidification increases the chemical stability of paper, it does not restore strength or flexibility to brittle materials.
The following links will take you to products for storing newspapers and magazines.
http://www.archivalmethods.com/product/news-storage-kits
July 14, 2018 @ 10:17 am
If I wrap newspapers and magazines in acid free paper and put them in the clear poly bags, can I then store them inside of a cedar chest? Or, is there another wood that would be optimum?
July 27, 2018 @ 1:35 pm
Hello Erin,
Using poly bags will provide a small barrier helping prevent acid from migrating from the wood to the paper. Ideals you should use a acid free box and poly bag for the magazines and newspapers. You can put the box inside the cedar chest.
January 15, 2018 @ 7:15 pm
I’m going to preserve an old newspaper in one of your Polyethylene bags and place in an Archival Drop Side Box. Should I also place archival tissue paper between the pages too? Or, is that not necessary?
January 19, 2018 @ 9:51 am
Hi Alison,
Thanks for the question. Quick answer: you usually don’t need to use Archival Tissue when storing old newspapers in Polyethylene Bags and archival boxes.
Longer answer: If your old newspaper is a “standard” paper from, say, the 1940s or 1970s (and most papers in-between, then and now), it will probably be folded in half. These newspapers can be rather thick, with lots of pages, and you’ll probably be fine by simply placing your newspaper in a Polyethylene Bag in your Archival Drop Side Box without Archival Tissue between the pages. The reason I specifically ask about whether your paper is a “standard” newspaper is that many 19th century newspapers such as Harper’s Weekly or Leslie’s Illustrated News were larger and were often not folded as more modern papers are. You will still be fine with simply placing such papers in a Polyethylene Bag, but I would recommend that you also place a sheet of acid-free 2-ply or 4-ply Museum Board in the bag with each newspaper to add structural support, as these earlier papers are unwieldy due to their size and are older = perhaps more fragile. We have heard customers tell us that they place a sheet of Archival Tissue over these larger / older / flat (not folded) newspapers, but it’s not a requirement. In either case, the biggest threats are the acids in the papers themselves, so keeping things dry and dark is the ticket, and you sound like you’re doing the right thing re: the preservation of your particular newspapers. We hope you’ll please call us if you have any further questions. Also feel free to shoot us a picture or two of your particular newspapers if you’d like.
All best, the Gang at Archival Methods
November 25, 2017 @ 1:44 pm
Where can I purchase archived bags and boards for Harpers Weekly newspapers?
I live near Richmond, Virginia.
November 26, 2017 @ 1:21 pm
Hi There,
I myself have about two dozen Harper’s Weekly newspapers in my own collection, and the BEST way to preserve and store them is explained in the blog link below.
https://www.archivalmethods.com/blog/archival-storage-solution
I have found that the 13″ x 19″ sizes of the following are the PERFECT size for this old & fragile publication (and can be shipped directly to your door!):
Crystal Clear Bags (code #86-1319): https://www.archivalmethods.com/product/crystal-clear-bags
2-Ply Bright White 100% Cotton Museum Board (code #40-207): https://www.archivalmethods.com/product/bright-white-2ply-100-cotton-museum-board
3-inch Deep Drop Front Box (code #01-035): https://www.archivalmethods.com/product/drop-front-boxes-3-inch
Hope that helps!
February 7, 2017 @ 12:35 pm
Is it better to store old newspapers full opened and flat verses bent/folded as in your top picture on the original bend line?
February 24, 2017 @ 10:51 am
Hi Stephanie,
Either way is OK, as the fold is often an integral part of any any old newspaper and space constraints often dictate the type of storage option one has. Having said that, in the “best case scenario” storing newspapers “open” (at the fold) is probably best, but this isn’t always possible, as mentioned, due to size / storage constraints. If you DO wish to store old newspapers in an “open” configuration then I would recommend carefully opening the newspaper (at the main / central fold), placing it in an appropriately-sized Polyethylene Bag (we have those), and then placing the bagged newspaper in an Archival Corrugated Drop Side Box, which is available in sizes that will accommodate what it is that you have. Feel free to call or email directly if you have any further questions.
October 12, 2016 @ 4:10 pm
How much would it cost (rough estimate) to preserve a scrapbook of 1931 newspaper articles (20 pages)
October 12, 2016 @ 9:01 pm
Well, that’s a good question, as it depends on just what needs to be done. We would recommend that you consult with a trained conservator, as while there are a number of things you can do yourself (carefully scan the pages of your scrapbook to create a digital version, interleave the pages with Archival Thin Paper or Archival Tissue), if the wear / tear / damage is something that needs the “next level” of care, a trained conservator is the answer. Please see our illustrated blog on “Conservators: Pros you Should Know” here: https://www.archivalmethods.com/blog/conservators