Sometimes You Need a Vacuum: Using the Right Tools for the Job

Old books

At Anderson Archival, we understand the importance of preserving history with the utmost care and precision. Our motto, “Do it right the first time,” drives us because for historical materials there may not be a second chance. This principle guides us in selecting the best tools for scanning a wide variety of materials, ensuring that […]

Preserving Your Parents’ Legacy Through Digitization

Generational bonding

Ensuring Memories and Histories Live On In today’s fast-paced world, many adults find themselves in the delicate position of managing aging parents and considering end-of-life planning. Among the myriad of responsibilities, one important aspect often stands out: preserving the legacy of our loved ones. At Anderson Archival, we frequently encounter families either preparing for this […]

How to Preserve Your Legacy: Practical Tips and Advice

Tips for Preserving Your Legacy

Preserving your legacy is not only a way of honoring your past, but also a gift to your future. Whether you want to share your family or business history, your personal achievements, or your creative work, you need to take steps to ensure your digital and physical assets are protected and accessible for generations to […]

The British Museum: King of Thieves

British Museum Entrance

Museums are a crucial part of our society, preserving and displaying artifacts that help us understand and appreciate different cultures and histories. They bring history, art, and culture to life, and provide valuable resources for education and research. The British Museum is a great example of this, with a collection spanning over two million years […]

Why It’s Crucial to Get Digitization Right the First Time

taking off for success

These days, it’s all digital! Preserving personal and public history like the items included in so many family collections through digitization not only ensures that some form survives into the future, but makes that history accessible, researchable, and shareable. From cherished photographs to invaluable documents, these materials tell your family’s unique story and safeguard your […]

Exploring the Contrast Between Physical and Digital Document Archiving

Physical archive in disarray

Archives are windows to the past. They can provide evidence, explanations, and context that help us understand past actions and inform the future. Archaeologists have uncovered archives composed of clay tablets that date back to the Bronze Age. These discoveries have been instrumental in the study of ancient languages, literature, and politics. The practice of […]

Building on the Busch Family Legacy

Interior mural at Busch Family Brewing & Distilling

Anyone familiar with St. Louis’s history knows the impact the Busch family has on this region. Grant’s Farm, Busch Stadium, and the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales are some of the hallmarks of living under the Arch’s shadow, and St. Louis wouldn’t be the same without this historical family’s influence. However, when family legacies get distilled into the […]

It’s Time to Archive All Your Documents Digitally

Searching for information

By Digital Archivist Alyssa Voss With the digital age making content and media more prevalent, the physical world of information and research has evolved in similar ways. While traditional document archiving will always be the established standard, there is no denying that digital document archiving is more necessary than ever. This new process has developed […]

ROT and Prioritizing Materials for Digitization

books covered in cobwebs

By Digital Archivist Alyssa Voss When planning to digitize a collection, it’s important to suppress the urge to jump right in and scan everything. Not all items are created equal; some may be more fragile or rare, while others may have greater historical or cultural significance. Prioritizing the materials in your collection can help you […]

The Dow Foundation Archives: Cultivating Historical Context

Willard Dow image

Archivists are often eager to illustrate the one-of-a-kind perspective their collection presents. Artifacts like postcards, candid photos, and personal correspondence offer a way to tell previously untold stories about our origins. However, historical archives not only provide a peek into the past, but they also offer new context around the histories we think we know. […]