Digitization for Historical Societies
Inaccessible History Is Lost History
Historians have always walked a tightrope between preserving historical documents and providing access for the public to explore or study. The more documents are used and handled, the greater the risk of damage. Exposure to light, air contaminants, or humidity can all shorten the longevity of paper documents. Through digitization, documents can be accessed and used while the paper original is stored in archival safe conditions.
Whether chronicling the history of a town, person, or organization, historical societies recognize the importance of preserving the past for future generations. Historical societies are often formed to value not only the major events and artifacts but also the odds and ends that help build a full picture of an era. Preserving that history is only part of the mission of a historical society—another is sharing that history with their community. Digitization of historical documents expands access while improving the preservation abilities of a historical society’s collection.
Disaster Preparedness
Historical societies often hold the sole copies of documents in their field. If a disaster hit, there would be no record left. Digitization means that no matter what happens to the original, a virtual copy remains to preserve the history historical societies protect.
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Helpful Resources for Your Preservation Needs
Experience Stories Worth Celebrating
By Operations Manager Marcia Spicer Regardless of the audience, every museum, historical society, or specialized library knows they have a story worth telling. That’s why
Get Ready for Preservation Month
By Junior Digital Archivist Alyssa Voss On May 6th, 1973, the first National Preservation Week began. Established by the National Trust of Historic Places, the
Partnering for Success
By Team Lead Marcia Spicer How many times have you encountered good work that didn’t quite meet your needs? I recently spoke with an organization
