If you do not find your question here, feel free
to email us.
• What types of things
do you work on?
• What kinds of problems can you fix?
• Does it take long?
• How much does it cost?
• Do the items have to leave my house?
• Are the items safe and secure during
treatment?
• What is your experience?
• Do you serve clients outside your
area?
• Why should I use this service? My
papers and photos will be fine!
• What is unique about your service?
Can’t I get this somewhere else cheaper?
• What if my item is in really bad shape?
• How do I treat my items after they
are fixed? Do they require special care?
What types of things do you work on?
We treat anything that is paper based. This means papers, maps,
books, photos, albums, art prints, baseball cards and more. It
also includes paper-like items such as vellum. We can consult
you on care for films, negatives and other recording media, although
our treatment options for these are limited to archival storage
solutions.
What kinds of problems can you fix?
We can fix tears, remove mold, dirt and fasteners. We also remove
acids from most items (photos do not require this), stabilize
them and provide proper archival storage. This is all done professionally
and with the right supplies. Additionally, we teach you how to
keep them stable in the future, and how to fix storage problems.
Does it take long?
You should have your items back in a matter of days, or less than
two weeks. We will tell you a more exact timeframe before you
make a commitment.
How much does it cost?
It depends on what you need fixed. For a closer explanation of
pricing, see [link to Pricing]
Do the items have to leave my house?
In most cases, yes. Your consultation will take place in your
home, on the phone or in a neutral meeting place if you wish.
However, in order to do the best possible service on your items,
they will have to come to our treatment area, where we have all
of the necessary supplies.
Are the items safe and secure during treatment?
The treatment area is protected by an alarm system, and we will
both sign a list of the items before they leave your home.
What is your experience?
Eleonore Aarsen, the President and CEO of Make It Last Inc. has
over 14 years of archival experience. This includes graduate-level
education from Wichita State University, and working experience
in several professional archival institutions. Preservation work
on papers and photos was a daily part of these jobs. She is a
member of the Society
of American Archivists and of the Society
of North Carolina Archivists. John Aarsen, Vice President
of Make It Last Inc. is a museum curator and has worked in the
field for 18 years. He is a member of the American
Association of Museums.
Do you serve clients outside your area?
Absolutely. Although we may not be able to come to your home,
we can discuss the items over the phone or per email. Signed agreements
and payment can be sent by mail. You can pack your items securely
and mail them to us insured (if you so choose). We will return
them by mail when they are finished. The mailing costs are added
to your bill.
Why should I use this service? My papers and photos will
be fine!
Think again! Your treasured items are deteriorating while you
read this.
What is unique about your service? Can’t
I get this somewhere else cheaper?
Our service is unique because it is a simple, affordable version
of traditional conservation service. It is like the work that
archivists and curators do in-house. This level of work is not
widely available to private clients. Usually the only way to get
help for family heirlooms and collectibles is to contract a high-level
conservation lab. While these services are fantastic, they are
also much more than the average person needs.
We bring you simple straightforward protection for your items.
It is cheaper than the conservation labs because it is simpler.
What if my item is in really bad shape?
Then we should talk about it. We may be able to stabilize it.
It may also be necessary to forward it to a conservation lab.
It really depends on how bad it is, and how badly you want to
keep it.
How do I treat my items after they are
fixed? Do they require special care?
We will teach you. That information is part of your consultation.
In most cases, you will not have to make any major inconvenient
changes to protect your items.
