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Preserving a School’s Legacy: Behind the Scenes at Chadwick School

Rachel Arbuckle | 21st August, 2025 | 2 Mins Read

Preserving a School’s Legacy: Behind the Scenes at Chadwick School

Every school has its stories. Some live on in yearbooks, others in dusty boxes tucked away in storage. At Chadwick School, decades of photos and documents had piled up - little slices of history that deserved better than a damp basement corner.

That's where we came in. We were asked to help gather, protect, and make sense of the school's archives. It turned out to be one of those projects that really drives home why this work matters.

Step One: Get Everything Out of Danger

When we first walked into the basement, the urgency was obvious. Boxes stacked high. Rust showing on metal corners. A few photos already curling and blotched from moisture. You could almost feel the history slipping away.

So before anything else, we carried every single box into a new Archive Room - dry, sealed, and safe. It wasn't glamorous work (lots of heavy lifting), but it was the only way to give these memories a chance.

Step Two: Sorting Through Decades of Memories

Once everything was safe, the fun (and sometimes overwhelming) part began. Imagine sitting in front of piles of photos from different decades, all mixed together. Where do you even start? Here's the system we used:

  • Group photos and documents by decade.
  • Pull aside fragile items that need immediate care.
  • Flag standout moments - the photos that instantly tell a story.

Piece by piece, the bigger picture started to come together. It's kind of like assembling a puzzle - you don't see the whole image at first, but then it clicks.

Why Storage Makes All the Difference

This project was also a reminder: storage isn't just about where you put things; it's about how long they'll last.

Basements and attics? Usually too damp, too hot, or too unpredictable. Even closets can cause problems if things are crammed in and forgotten.

A few things that help right away:

  • Stick to dry, stable spaces.
  • Keep photos out of direct sunlight.
  • Use archival-quality boxes or sleeves (they're worth it).
  • Try to keep everything in one central spot.

Small changes now can save you a lot of heartache later.

Ready to Safeguard Your Own Memories?

Helping Chadwick School reminded us of something simple: preserving history isn't just about the past; it's about giving the future a chance to see it.

So, where are your photos right now? In a basement? Up in the attic? Still in the original envelope from the photo lab? We'd love to help you bring them into the light. Whether it's organizing, digitizing, or setting up long-term storage, 2000 Paces is here to ensure your memories last. Reach out and let's talk about your story.