Once you've found all these family treasures, what should you do with them? How do you ensure they'll be around for many generations to come? For all of your family artifacts, documents and heirlooms, take the proper precautions outlined in the books listed in the box on the next page. Here are some suggestions:

• Always handle historical items with great care. Wash your hands before handling and, if possible, wear white cotton gloves.

• Never write directly on photographs, front or back. It's best to put photos in acid-free sheet protectors and label the sheet protector.