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Discovering, Preserving, and Celebrating the Culture > Preserving Clothing and Textiles

Tell us your story or share a family photograph.
—Learn more about the NMAAHC Memory Book

Pio Pico, the last Mexican governor of California, and his family, 1868, Los Angeles, California

Discovering, Preserving, and Celebrating the Culture

Preserving Clothing and Textiles

Take it (wedding dress, family quilt, etc.) off the hanger
Protect it from light by placing it in an acid-free box
Inside the box, it is important to use acid-free tissue, as well. Place rolls of tissue between the folds of the textile for support
Do not store textiles in an attic or basement. Instead store in a cool, dry area that is not susceptible to extremes in temperature and humidity and that is free from pests and dust
Handle with clean hands
Before handling remove bracelets, necklaces, rings, tags, or anything that could catch or cling to a textile or its surface
Do not use staples, paperclips, tape or glue

Source: Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute, Textiles & Costumes (see Resources for more information)

Preserving Books Preserving Furniture Preserving Paper Preserving Photographs

Saving African American Sacred Spaces

Prompted by the destruction by fire of Chicago's Pilgrim Baptist Church in January 2006, the museum has sought ways to alert the local community to the conservation issues endangering their heritage.

StoryCorps Griot

This year-long initiative will strive to gather and preserve the life stories of African American families by recording their oral histories.

Collaboration

Save Our African American Treasures requires a joint effort of collaboration and provides opportunities for all partners and audience members to benefit.