National Archives Hosts 'Family Archives Clinic' to Help Public Preserve Memories on June 30

TAIPEI, June 15 (Central News Agency reporter Pan Tzu-yu) — Yellowed family photos, dusty old audio tapes, and unplayable home videos carry precious memories for many people. The Archives Administration of the National Development Council is helping the public safeguard these treasured family memories by hosting a 'Family Archives Clinic' at the National Archives on June 30 from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM. The event will offer free health checks and preservation consultations for personal family archives.

Many households preserve valuable documents and recordings, but over time, these materials face preservation risks such as paper acidification, image fading, and magnetic tape degradation. Without proper care, these irreplaceable memories could be lost forever.

The Archives Administration announced today that the 'Family Archives Clinic' will be held at the National Archives on June 30. Members of the public are invited to bring personal media such as film negatives, family photographs, reel-to-reel tapes, cassette tapes, and video tapes. On-site, professional archivists will conduct one-on-one assessments to identify media formats, inspect their condition, detect signs of deterioration, and provide recommendations for preservation and restoration. This will help attendees understand whether their cherished items can still be safely preserved and how to extend their lifespan.

In addition to direct consultations, the event will feature displays of archival restoration tools, hands-on media identification experiences, and interactive workshops on preventive preservation, offering the public a behind-the-scenes look at national archival conservation work. Attendees will not only learn about professional restoration techniques but also gain practical knowledge on preserving photos, film, and audiovisual materials in daily life.

The Archives Administration hopes the 'Family Archives Clinic' will raise public awareness about the importance of preserving family memories and prevent irreplaceable moments from fading away over time.

To address digital-era preservation challenges, the Administration has also established an 'Electronic Records Technical Service Room,' offering services such as electronic file migration (conversion), disposal, exhibition experiences, and collection of obsolete playback equipment. For those with unplayable tapes at home, these services can help revive long-dormant sounds and images. Event details are available on the Archives Administration website (https://aaa.archives.tw/tw/event/308.html). (Edited by Lin Chia-chien) 1150615