FlashroomMake & keep
Plan a small family photo strip exhibition
Make the display readable while protecting the originals.
A display can tell a family story without requiring every original to spend months on a wall.
Design with copies first
Use clearly labelled reproductions and keep the originals in suitable storage. Arrange the sequence and caption sizes on a mock-up. Include identifiers and sources for names or dates. Distinguish a remembered story from a documented fact so visitors understand what the collection actually establishes.
Evidence: Preservation guidance
Agree on the audience
Discuss public display with the people involved, especially for personal or sensitive pictures. Avoid publishing private contact details in captions. Keep a corrections channel and save the final labels with the collection. A display is an interpretation of the archive; preserve the original records behind it.
Sources & further reading
Sources for the specific facts and product descriptions above. Our worked examples, interpretations and practical suggestions are original editorial guidance.
- US National Archives — displaying family archivesPreservation guidance