Make & keep
Prepare a transfer sheet when a family photo-strip set changes hands
List contents, source and known gaps so the next keeper can continue the record.
A small collection can lose context when it moves between relatives. A transfer sheet identifies what changed hands, who supplied information and where uncertain details remain. Keep it practical: this is a family handoff, not a formal archive deposit.
Inventory the set
List each envelope, strip, album page and digital folder by identifier. Note whether each is an original, copy or scan. Record missing numbers or gaps instead of silently renumbering the collection.
Evidence: Preservation guidance
Write the history
Add the previous and new keeper, transfer date and known ownership history. Separate what the donor said from what objects show. Include contact details only when both parties agree to preserve them.
Confirm receipt
Have both people review the list and note condition concerns before packing. Use protective enclosures and keep the sheet in a separate envelope. Save a digital copy with the catalogue so the record survives another move. Keep a scan of the inventory apart from the physical objects. together.
Evidence: Preservation guidance
Sources & further reading
Sources for the specific facts and product descriptions above. Our worked examples, interpretations and practical suggestions are original editorial guidance.
- Library of Congress — Recommended Formats Statement: Still Image WorksPreservation guidance
- Library of Congress — Care, Handling, and Storage of PhotographsPreservation guidance