I have some restored Civil War letters that I want to preserve, but I also want to have them framed. What is the best way to do that?
Most inks used in old letters and documents are light-sensitive. We recommend that you make copies of the originals. Have your framer encapsulate the originals to preserve them. Then, store them away from any light or extreme temperature fluctuations. The copies can then be framed in a normal manner. This way, you can protect the originals and display them at the same time. NOTE: Very few framers are familiar with proper encapsulation techniques. Make sure your documents are handled by a picture framer who is certified by the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA).