Preservation Week: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Preservation Week (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Preservation Week is celebrated on April 24th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Preservation Week, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as intriguing facts you should know about Preservation Week.

📅 What day is Preservation Week 2024?

In 2024, Preservation Week is on Monday, April 24th. It is the 4th Monday in April; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all fascinating details and facts about April 24, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Preservation Week is an annual event that takes place in the final week of April, specifically from April 24 to 28 this year. This nationwide program aims to increase awareness about the importance of gathering and safeguarding written materials and artifacts. Preservation Week serves as an educational platform for the public, teaching them about conservation practices and creating a connection between individuals, families, communities, and public collections. Several esteemed organizations, such as the Society of American Archivists, the Library of Congress, the American Library Association, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, actively support and participate in the celebration of Preservation Week.

📜 Preservation Week History

Around 750 B.C., the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah emphasized the importance of preserving records for future use. In 1627, Gabriel Naudé wrote “Advis pour dresser une bibliothèque,” which included a chapter on preserving books. In 2005, a comprehensive study was conducted to assess the preservation needs of written materials and artifacts in the United States. The survey revealed that American institutions store nearly 4.8 billion items, with libraries alone accounting for three billion or approximately 63% of the total. The remaining items are owned by individuals, communities, and families. These collections consist of prints, reports, books, pictures, sketches, as well as artifacts like maps, fabrics, paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and furniture. Historical artifacts also include oral histories, sound recordings, and moving images of performing arts. With advancing technology, the number of digital collections is increasing.

If we have learned anything from natural disasters, it is that personal, family, and communal collections can be permanently lost if not properly preserved. One way to encourage conservation is to raise awareness.

✅ Preservation Week Facts

🔖 A lot of collections are being destroyed
Over half of the archives and historical artifacts belonging to collecting organizations have been damaged by light.

🔖 Collections are destroyed by improper storage
More than 65% of institutions involved in collecting items have reported that improper storage practices have led to damage to their document and artifact collections.

🔖 There are over 4.8 billion artifacts
In ancient civilizations, as well as in libraries and museums today, there exist a vast number of archives, scientific research collections, and archaeological collections, numbering in the tens of thousands.

👍 Why Is Preservation Week Important

History is significant because it reminds us of significant historical events. At its most fundamental, it instills pride in civic culture and fosters respect for local and national heritage.

Conventions and similar activities are held on this day to assist and encourage us to properly care for our collections. We will learn how to preserve our cultural relics by reducing degradation and preventing the loss of vital information.

Going through our previous collections makes us happy. Looking at historical images, for example, demonstrates how far we’ve come and inspires optimism for the future.

🙂 How To Observe Preservation Week

⚡ Learn how book restorations are done

⚡ Visit a Library
The American Library Association promotes the use of Preservation Week by libraries and other organizations to emphasize the significance of preservation. Additionally, it aims to educate the public on how they can contribute to preserving both private and public collections. By visiting a library, individuals can appreciate the preserved collections, at the very least.

⚡ Invite a speaker to talk about a preservation
Learn where you can see conservation treatment. Look for internet videos that demonstrate preservation procedures.

📅 When is Preservation Week?

Explore all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Cultural and other 🔗 American holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Preservation Week. So be sure to check back soon.