On this page you will find information about donating your materials to an archives institution as well as resources for archiving and preserving your own personal materials.
Donating Your Items to an Archive
We are here to help you donate your LGBTQ-related materials to an archival institition. Sarah Calise, founder and director of Nashville Queer History, has been a professional archivist since 2016, and she has connections with archives across the country. Sarah currently works at Vanderbilt University’s Special Collections and University Archives, where she has guided several Nashvillians through the donation process. If you think you are ready to donate your materials to Vanderbilt University, then send Sarah an email at sarah.calise@vanderbilt.edu.
If you want to donate materials to a different institution and need guidance, then email Sarah at nashvillequeerhistory@gmail.com. She will mediate a donation process between you and the institution of your choosing.
Maintaining Your Own Archive
Many people want to hold onto their memories for as long as they can, either so they can pass it on to family members or eventually donate the material to an archives institution. It is important to learn techniques to properly care and store your papers, photos, textiles, and more. Some marginalized peoples have a mistrust of formal archives institutions–and for good reasons. Historically, formal archives institutions and governments have neglected, erased, or destroyed the historical records of marginalized groups. Because of this strained relationship with the state, many LGBTQ people build a community archive that is not controlled by an academic or government archives institution. For an example, see the Lesbian Herstory Archives.
Preservation Tips for Personal Archiving
- Enclosures: Keep documents and photographs in acid-free folders and boxes that fit their size. You can find these supplies online, but be warned: they can be pricey. Some places to buy: Hollinger Metal Edge and Gaylord Archival. Stores like Staples sell record boxes, like Bankers boxes, which can be a good, cheaper alternative. Beware of folders and plastic sleeves sold at stores like Staples that claim to be “archival quality” or “acid-free,” because usually this is not true.
- Storage environment: Store boxes in cold, dry environments. Usually, rooms below 75 degrees Fahrenheit is best. Cooler temperatures slow down chemical decay. Avoid damp basements and hot attic spaces or garages. It is also good to store materials away from food and water, which can attract insects and rodents.
- Avoid using: non-stainless steel fasteners (staples, paperclips), rubber bands, rubber cement, tape, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics, and synthetic glues.
- The Library of Congress’ Preservation department provides guidance on how to care for a wide variety of materials, including books, paper, scrapbooks, photographs, audio-visual materials, comic books, newspapers, and so much more: LOC Collections Care.
