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Source:
Marla Day, 785-532-1328, mday@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Sara Shellenberger, 785-532-6415,
media@k-state.edu
Wednesday,
October 25, 2006
K-STATE
CURATOR GIVES SUGGESTIONS FOR PRESERVING FAMILY MEMORIES
MANHATTAN
-- Proper preservation of family heirlooms can ensure memories pass
along through generations, according to Marla Day, curator of Kansas
State University's Historic Costume and Textiles Museum.
"Heirlooms
can trigger memories of people, places and events that happen in
our lives," Day said. "Through them, we can tell our family
history and their story."
Day
said examples of items typically preserved include clothing worn
for special occasions or events, unique or one-of-a-kind clothing,
couture or designer label clothing, quilts, samplers, christening
and baby items, military uniforms, dolls, ethnic rugs and wedding
items.
When
preserving heirlooms, Day suggested several techniques that will
benefit both the heirloom and the memory behind the object.
First,
determine the amount of space you can devote to preservation.
"The
amount of space will determine the way to best preserve your heirlooms,"
Day said. "For example, if only hanging room is available,
you should use padded hangers and fabric dust covers for preservation.
But if your space is under the bed, you should fit the items in
an archivally safe box."
Also
in terms of space, Day cautioned against trying to preserve too
many items.
"You
just can't keep everything," Day said. "You must consider
what is most important for the future and store these items."
Day
recommends considering the environment of the storage space.
"Your
storage area should not be exposed to light as it will cause color
to fade," Day said. "Even lightbulbs give off heat that
is damaging to fabrics.
"Also,
consider the moisture of the storage environment," Day said.
"Heat dries textiles out, while dampness produces mold. A good
rule of thumb is to store items in climate controlled areas where
you live, such as a bedroom or family room. This helps to avoid
extreme swings in temperature."
When
storing items, Day stressed the importance of cleanliness, loose
storage and proper documentation.
"Stains
on an object when it is put away lead to permanent stains over time
as the stain becomes integrated with the clothing fiber. Having
clean items also decreases the chance of pests," she said.
"In addition, you want items to be loosely packed. Loose storage
prevents permanent creases and irreversible damage to the fabric.
"Also,
in order to keep the story, you must complete the ensemble and document
it correctly," Day said. "Consider what it is about this
object that makes it special. If you're preserving a wedding dress,
include a picture of the bride, a picture of the groom, the wedding
announcement and perhaps other garments worn by attendants or family
that day."
After
proper storage, it is essential to monitor your items, according
to Day.
"Check
the condition of your stored heirlooms frequently," Day said.
"This will prevent excess damage from pests and time."
Most
importantly, be sure to share the story behind the heirloom.
"Remember
to display your items during a special time of year, so all family
members can share in the story," Day said. "If you don't
share the story, the memory won't be passed on."
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