Preservation and Maintenance of Church Collections: Preservation Basics

Preservation is a non-transformative act. It does not physically alter the material being cared for in any way. The goal of preservation is to ensure that items remain in their original, well-maintained condition for as long as physically possible. 

Conservation physically alters the material in some way to reverse existing damage and prevent further damage.

Ideally, most actions taken on an item should be reversible, in case best practices change. If irreversible action is undertaken, a conservation professional should be directly involved. 

Controlling the storage environment of materials is key to preserving a collection. Different materials have different needs. While the environmental considerations listed below will assist with the long-term preservation of most materials, the NEDCC Preservation Guidelines and the Preservation Week Resources below include in-depth information on preserving manuscripts, bound materials, photographs, digital materials and more. 

Conservation is different from preservation because it transforms the material in some way. If you need to conserve your materials, it is best to consult a professional. 

Key Considerations in Environment

Remember: Safe, Cool, Dry, and Dark

1. Handle materials carefully and limit handling of fragile materials. 
2. Keep storage areas cool when possible.
3. Avoid temperature fluctuations.
4. Avoid humidity fluctuations. Use dehumidifiers or humidifiers if needed.  
5. Invest in a tool to monitor temperature and relative humidity in the storage space. Keep a log of temperature changes and fluctuations. 
6. Avoid constant exposure to light, especially direct sunlight.
7. Prevent the presence of pests.
8. Take necessary security and disaster precautions. Ensure materials are stored securely and that you have a plan of action for disasters, particularly flood and fire damage. 

Local archival organizations, local history collections, and other groups may be able to provide assistance with your collections. If you have questions about Free Will Baptist materials or would like to know more about how we approach preservation at the Free Will Baptist Historical Collection, please reach out to our Curator, Gary Barefoot. 

The Free Will Baptist Historical Collection and University Archives are open from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Tuesday-Thursday or by appointment. To make an appointment or consult with our Curator, please call or email using the information below. Please include your name, the best way to contact you, and the days/times best for contacting you.

Gary Barefoot

Phone: 919-658-7827

Email: gbarefoot@umo.edu