1.  LABEL THE PHOTO. No one in the future will know who or what it is if you don't label it. Write on the back of the photo with a pencil - use a special Magicus pencil if the back is plastic coated. Pens and markers should not be used because they will bleed through your photo.

2.  SCAN THE PHOTO. Get it digitized. But don't throw away the original - chances are it will last longer than the digital image - especially if someone forgets to migrate the data to new technology.

3. PACKAGE IT UP. Use ziplock bags to store and protect photos, or one of the better quality albums. Stay away from sticky stuff - you may want to move the photo later.

4. KEEP IT COOL. This is especially important for color photos, as cold slows down the chemical reactions that fade colors. (Avoiding direct sunlight or fluorescent lights is also necessary because it fades photos.) If you can bag them and put them in a freezer, they will last longer. Just be sure they are in a ziplock bag or some sealed container.

5. KEEP THEM DRY. Damp air encourages stuff like mold and critters - things that are not good for your photos.

For more information on preserving your photos and saving memories, please contact North Star Scouting Memorabilia, Inc., P.O. Box 18341, West Saint Paul, MN 55118-0341.