“What should I do with these old diaries?”
A question you may have asked upon inheriting family heirlooms or perhaps as you consider the future of your own collection of life writing. And now, an answer!
American Diary Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to collecting, archiving, and honoring American stories by preserving diaries and journals from everyday individuals. Much of their collection is available online for free for educational and research purposes, ensuring these personal histories are not lost. They accept diaries from both living and deceased individuals, with their physical collection housed in Cleveland, Ohio. The project also publishes articles on the significance of diaries and supports LGBTQ+ and BIPOC experiences.
American Diary Project employs a meticulous approach to archiving diaries and journals, beginning with documentation, where each item is categorized by details like year, location, and author information, with ongoing efforts to digitize the collection for online access. Following Library of Congress guidelines, the project ensures careful handling and storage. Journals are protected in acid-free boxes within a temperature-controlled, dry environment with minimal light exposure. Strict rules prevent damage from food, drink, paper clips, tape, or sticky notes, ensuring these memories are preserved for the future.