Whether you are a history lover, a genealogy buff, or a family storyteller, family documents can be a treasure trove of information. Family documents are sources of valuable knowledge that help paint a picture of your ancestors and the world in which they lived. By storing family documents properly and preserving them for future generations, we can keep these stories alive for generations to come.
"I came about these documents by accident, do not know exactly when and how, but am so happy I have them." These documents tell the story of Marguita's parents. They include her mother's immigration documents, both of her parent's Brazilian citizenship certificates, and their marriage certificate.
The marriage certificate before treatment.
Document featuring the translation of the marriage certificate from Hebrew to English
The marriage certificate exhibited creases and handling dents, as well as small scattered losses. All of these condition issues are common with family documents that are handled over the years. There was also foxing and a notable dark stain at the center of the document, but because of the nature of the document, the discoloration would remain after treatment. Fortunately, the discoloration does not inhibit the ability to read the document. Bozena Szymanski, Senior Conservator of Works on Paper, mechanically surface cleaned the certificate before locally flattening and repairing the tears with Japanese tissue.
Along with some of the documents that were also surface cleaned, the certificate was also treated with a non-aqueous deacidification spray to arrest the foxing. To help protect the fragile paper during handling and rehousing, each page was sleeved in 3 mil Mylar L-sleeves.
Collection of family documents, including citizenship papers sign by Brazilian President Juscelino Kubitscheck de Oliveira (1956-1961)
As Marguita shares, the citizenship documents tell more than the story of her parents; they also tell part of Brazil's history. Her parents took their oath before Juscelino Kubitscheck de Oliveira, during his term as president of Brazil from 1956 to 1961. President Kubitschek is known for leading Brazil during a time of economic prosperity and establishing Brasilia as the new capital. Both certificates are hand signed by President Kubitschek and the Minister of Justice Nereu Ramos, and their signatures are certified and confirmed on the back of the document. Marguita is honored to have these signatures, that held special meaning for her and her family. "My father absolutely adored and respected [President Kubitschek], and I had the great honor of shaking his hands and meeting his wife and daughters many years ago." Although Marguita is not sure how she came to be the steward of these precious documents, it is clear they are treasured and could not be in safer hands.
