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 deacidified, 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
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