Client: Norfolk Family History Society (NFHS)
Service Provided: Specialist Magazine & Fragile Document Scanning
Sector: Heritage / Genealogy / Archives
The Client Overview
The Norfolk Family History Society (NFHS) is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich genealogical and historical records of Norfolk. Through years of research and collection, the organisation has built an extensive archive of documents that provide valuable insights into family histories, local communities, and regional heritage.
These records include parish documents, family trees, photographs, letters, maps, and historical materials that are vital for researchers, historians, and individuals exploring their ancestry.
To protect this invaluable archive and make it accessible for future generations, NFHS partnered with Archive & Document Scanning to digitise their extensive collection.
The Challenge: Fragile, Varied & Historically Significant Documents
The archive presented a number of unique challenges due to both the nature and age of the materials:
- Wide range of document sizes – from large A2 planning maps to very small, delicate records
- Fragile and ageing materials, including faded documents and sepia photographs
- Irreplaceable historical content requiring extreme care during handling
- Unstructured physical archives, making access and preservation difficult
The NFHS required a solution that would not only digitise their records but also ensure the preservation of these historically significant materials.
The Solution: Careful Handling & Specialist Scanning
Archive & Document Scanning implemented a tailored approach to safely digitise the collection while maintaining the integrity of the original documents:
- Specialist handling techniques were used for fragile and delicate materials to prevent damage
- High-resolution scanning ensured that even faded text and images were captured clearly
- Flexible scanning processes accommodated a wide variety of document sizes and formats
- Careful preparation and organisation ensured documents were digitised accurately and consistently
The ADS team worked meticulously to ensure every document regardless of size or condition was preserved in a high-quality digital format.
The Outcome
The project successfully transformed thousands of historical documents into a secure, accessible digital archive.
- Valuable historical records are now preserved for future generations
- Documents can be accessed more easily by researchers and society members
- Fragile originals are protected from further handling and deterioration
- The organisation now has a future-proof record of Norfolk’s rich heritage
By digitising these archives, the Norfolk Family History Society has safeguarded an important part of local history, enabling individuals to continue exploring their roots and understanding their heritage for years to come.
Discover our Archive & Document Scanning Services if you require a similar solution.
