Every
genealogist and family researcher has their own favorite sources
for information. An often overlooked window into the past is use
of newspapers in genealogical research. Some newspapers date back
to the 1830's and are found in state archives, libraries, and
historical societies. For example, the State Historical Society of
Missouri has an excellent newspaper collection -- ILL. A Catalogue
of Missouri Newspapers on Microfilm is available for $10.
The Missouri Historical Society, Jefferson Memorial Building
Forest Park, in St. Louis, MO 63112-1099 has obituary clippings
dating back more than 100 years--mostly from eastern
Missouri newspapers and an almost complete collection of the
Missouri Republican, which began in 1808 and the Missouri Gazette,
which was published until 1919.
Of all the sources of research material, nothing can compare with
old newspapers. If you want to get a good feel for the lives and
times of the families you're investigating, consider reading
some old newspapers. Further information on using newspapers for
genealogical information can be found by clicking this link: Newspapers
for Genealogical Research
Included below are links to help you in research in the newspapers
of Missouri.
Preserving
Newspaper Articles & Clippings
Dissolve
a Milk of Magnesia tablet in a quarter cup of club soda overnight.
Pour into a pan large enough to hold the flattened clipping. Soak
the clipping for one hour, then pat dry. Do not move the clipping
until completely dry. Estimated life: 200 years
Steps
for Preserving Documents
The basic
premise for preservation of any clipping or photo is simple.
Air and light do damage. Keep the documents enclosed,
preferably in sealed archival quality page protectors, then keep
in a box (archival quality storage box).
DO NOT
LAMINATE!!! The glue will eventually start to eat away
at the document.
Newspapers
(but not photos!) must be de-acidified, before you enclose them in
plastic.
(Note
- newspaper ink needs one full year to dry, so do not seal
clippings from the past 365 days)
- Enclose
in an archival quality page protector (if using regular
page protectors, purchase those with greatest thickness of
plastic.)
- Label
on the outside of the page protector.
- Store
collection in a box, away from the light
|
