When it comes to storing our family history information, chances are going to be good there won't be 500 boxes of records to worry about. But most family historians and genealogists will face the same kinds of issues when it comes to knowing what to store one's research material and findings in, and be safe in the knowledge the storage areas and storage containers won't become damaged through disasters (either natural or man made). If your family history research means a lot to you - then it is worth investing in some plastic crates and archival quality zip lock bags to at least minimise the potential damage risk.

Water damages up to 500 boxes at state archives - KTUU.com | Alaska's news and information source |

Rain water has damaged up to 500 boxes of materials at the Alaska State Archives. Officials say an inflated plastic bubble blew off its fastenings late Sunday or early Monday at the archives in Juneau.

Rain water got into a second-story room in two places. Some water also dripped down to the first-story vault. Some maps and between 400 and 500 cardboard boxes containing court, legislative and governor's office records were damaged.

Officials are using dehumidifiers and fans in the affected areas. Some of the damaged boxes were taken to another building to be dried out. The state archives have been closed until further notice.