Family
Summertime is Reunion Time – Make the Memories Last
By
Aug 28, 2005, 23:44

(ARA) – From family reunions to class reunions to military reunions, summer is definitely the season to catch up with people near and dear to you, but who you may not see very often. In addition to remembering old times and catching up on all the latest news, be sure to make time to capture some memories that you can preserve to remind you of these gatherings.
Jim McLin of Palatine, Ill. considers himself the custodian of keepsakes and mementos from his family’s reunion a few years ago. He tells of receiving a phone call from John Kinney, a cousin he had never met, inviting him to a family reunion in Concord, MI. The reunion was held at the Paddock-Hubbard house, one of Michigan’s historical markers, which had been his great grandparent’s home and the family homestead.

Kinney, who is the historical custodian of the Paddock-Hubbard house, decided to track down surviving Paddock family relatives and host a reunion at the house. McLin’s mother was at the time the oldest and only surviving grandchild of the home’s original owners. “The reunion gave everyone a chance to meet family members they never knew or hadn’t seen for many years,” says McLin. Many family members were able to spend the night in the historical family homestead.

“This one weekend remains an especially precious memory because the family cemented the present with the old and new family members,” says McLin. “Those memories are preserved by the house and even the town, but closer to home, they’re preserved in photos and mementos.”

“Photos from important milestones like reunions can’t be replaced, so they should be framed with care,” says Michele Finley of Tru Vue, a Chicago company that makes preservation quality glass for the framing industry. Finley encourages individuals to frame important photos behind Museum Glass or Conservation Reflection Control glass. Museum Glass is best for all works of art, especially those with depth, heirlooms and pieces with sentimental value. For flat matte or black and white pieces, Finley recommends Tru Vue Conservation Reflection Control glass.

“Both type of glass have UV blocking properties, which helps protect the artwork from the damaging effects of light rays that can fade, discolor and cause irreversible damage to the framed keepsake. The anti-reflective technology means you won’t have to worry about glare,” she explains.

Your most precious photographic memories should be given the same treatment and protection that a piece of fine artwork receives. “It may cost a little more but it’s worth it,” says Finley. “You don’t want your treasured memories to fade.”

Protecting your memories extends to more than just framing photographs. You can create shadow boxes that include 3-D mementos as well. If you’re attending a family reunion this summer, you can include that family photo, along with candid photos, a family tree and the family t-shirt handed out at the event.

If a college reunion is on your calendar this summer, you can create a shadow box that includes the invitation, a ticket stub from the gala dinner, some special photos from the event, pages from your senior yearbook and your trophy from the alumni softball game.

War veterans can create shadow boxes that showcase military memorabilia such as medals, the cap from their uniform, photos of the people they served with and a map of where they were deployed.

“The possibilities are endless,” says Finley. A professional framer at your local frame shop can be a great resource when you’re organizing and framing your photos and other memorabilia. They can make suggestions about the best way to display your items, and help you choose the right frame and the right glass to protect it.

Tru Vue Museum Glass is available at most custom framing shops. To find out more about it, log on to www.tru-vue.com
Courtesy of ARA Content

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