For the seventh episode in The Raab Collection's Masterclass Series on starting and building a collection of historical documents, Nathan Raab, president of The Raab Collection, discusses how to care for historical documents: preservation basics, storage, framing, and more. 

Raab emphasizes that most paper preservation is common sense: avoid extended direct sunlight, household dirt and oils, and water, and keep documents in a comfortable, stable environment. He recommends using readily available archival (acid-free) sleeves, folders, or frames, and working with experienced fine arts framers who use proper archival hinging and materials. Raab explains that durability varies by material (e.g., medieval vellum vs. brittle 20th-century wood-pulp paper) and that some cases may require conservators. He discourages white gloves for typical handling, advocating clean, dry bare hands for dexterity, while noting rare fragile exceptions. 

For more on so-called archival white gloves, check out episode 2 of Inspired by History: Debunking the White Glove Myth.

00:00 Caring for Historical Documents

01:42 Preservation Basics

03:14 Environment and Storage

05:07 Archival Materials and Paper Types

08:08 The White Glove Myth

11:10 A Collector's Responsibility

12:52 Raab Collection Guidance

13:49 Conclusion