Attics, sheds, and closets are full of history
Taking part in family history research is similar to digging for treasure. However, a family’s collection would be lost forever if not preserved in a repository, says genealogist Antoinette Harrell.
Taking part in family history research is similar to digging for treasure. Every family has photographs, funeral programs, church programs, and other materials that are useful for genealogy and local history research.
In my experience, the true gems are in the attics and storage sheds of elderly family members in their 80s and 90s who have accumulated collections of such materials. Their collection would be lost forever if not preserved in a repository, a library, or a history department at a local university. Insects--especially silverfish-- have been known to destroy photographs and documents. It is also important to keep an eye out for mold and mildew.
Often, elderly people keep their collections to pass on to their children or grandchildren. Although they might occasionally do so, their offspring are rarely interested in the collection. The owner of such materials should discuss the significance of their collection with their offsprings if they wish to inherit it. There's also the option of leaving instructions in their Will.
An article published at DrumBeatsLa.com stated that Willie Harris, a commercial photographer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, captured schools, churches, social clubs, events, individuals, and organizations. In addition to photographing Southern University, Harris also photographed nearby areas of Southern Heights and Scotlandville between 1950 and 1970.
After his death, Harris's family disposed of more than 30,000 pictures and film negatives. His collection was rescued by photojournalist James Terry III who later published The Willie Harris Collection which volumns include both Terry's and Harris's photographs.
It is crucial to protect these valuable materials and ensure their preservation. Anyone with such a collection may seek guidance from professional archivists and conservators regarding the necessary steps to preserve the collection as well as why such preservation is necessary.
Collections are forever lost when discarded or destroyed. Preservation of collections is an important source of information and research for historians, researchers, and genealogists. Cultural knowledge and heritage are also preserved and transmitted through them.
The foregoing reminds me of the reasons I was determined to ensure that the Center for Louisiana Studies would serve as the repository for archival materials. At the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies, six African-American collections are housed in Tangipahoa, St. Helena, and East Feliciana parishes. These collections contain a wide range of documents, church programs, school programs, photographs, and other important materials that provide insight into the history and culture of the region.
Consider all the opportunities available to preserve your family’s history and clear out those attics, sheds, and closets. Your stories matter.
For more information about preserving your collection, please contact Nurturing Our Roots at nurturingourroots@gmail.com
By Antoinette Harrell, Contributing Writer