Census records aren’t always straightforward—like when 7-year-old Osca Bischoff was listed as an “inmate.” In 1870, this term referred broadly to residents of places like hotels, orphanages, or asylums!

Foxing, the brownish-red discoloration on paper, is often debated as being caused by mold, oxidation, or other factors. While repairing it should be left to professionals, you can preserve the document by digitizing it and storing it in proper, buffered housing at low humidity.

Passports weren’t consistently required for U.S. travel until WWII, but Edward Gut’s 19th-century application highlights their utility. Instead of a photo, it included a written description—like having a “mouth, proportional”!

Light is a major threat to collection preservation, especially for thermal paper. Exposure to light causes fading or darkening of the ink, often seen on receipts. To protect such materials, store them in a cool, dry, and dark environment, and consider making photocopies on more stable paper.

For Neil Parker and Mabel Beakley, Halloween 1927 wasn’t just spooky—it was romantic too! By then, the holiday was already a lively tradition, perfect for their memorable wedding day.

To determine if paper is archival quality, examine its composition. Paper made with lignin will turn acidic over time, causing it to become brittle and yellow. True archival paper is both acid-free and lignin-free.

Acidic paper, much like moths to fabric, can cause irreversible damage to your documents, making them brittle and discolored. To prevent this, use buffered materials like folders and paper to create a protective barrier.

Rev. Caesar Spigardi, known for arranging marriages in St. Louis’s Italian community, helped Italian workmen secure brides from their hometowns—often meeting for the first time right before the wedding!

Surname distribution maps visualize where surnames appeared in a specific time and place, helping narrow down ancestral regions—though they’re less useful for common names or unrelated sources

Gloves may seem like the perfect solution to protect your collection, but it's more complicated than that. Consider the materials you're handling, dexterity, and safety concerns. Always wash your hands and do research before handling items.

Confused by an Ortssippenbuch? Last week’s #FridayFind explained what these German lineage books are; now, learn how to decode them! Symbols like ∞ for marriage and numbers guide you through family histories.

Mechanical wear is easy to spot, like when a box isn’t fully filled and materials slump or fold over. To fix this, use an adjustable spacer to replicate the pressure from other folders.

Ortssippenbücher, or "town lineage books," compile German church and civil records, streamlining genealogy research—provided you’ve traced your line back to a specific town first!

Preservation is key when it comes to maintaining archives—it’s often easier and cheaper than conservation or recovery. In Backlog’s new series on archival tips and tricks, we’ll explore how to prevent common issues, tackle manageable problems, and recognize when it’s time to call in a professional. Stay tuned to protect your treasures for generations to come!

St. Louis's history includes French, German, and lesser-known Spanish influences. An 1856 plat map highlights the U.S. grappling with honoring Spanish land grants after the Louisiana Purchase.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported 27 murders in 1880 under the sensational headline, “A Bloody Record of Red-Handed Murder”—proof that sensationalism isn’t just a modern media trend!

On September 27, 1908, Anton and Rosa de Mercurio secured a marriage certificate, claiming they wed in Italy to avoid Missouri's prohibition on cousin marriages. However, they never obtained a marriage license, risking a $500 fine.

Backlog often uncovers unusual details, but Maria Eveslage’s death record takes the cake: at 69, she’s listed as dying of hemorrhoids. Couldn’t it just say “natural causes”?

In the 1920 census, Jack Sabin's mother tongue is listed as "Russian," with "OL" (Other Language) above it and "Rom" (Romania) above "Bessarabia," reflecting the region's complex linguistic and political history.

The Modern View captured the travels of its tight-knit community, from business trips to college returns, highlighting the comings and goings of local residents.