Preserving Family Memories: What to Do With Boxes of Old Photo Slides

My dad was an avid hiker. I have so many memories of the preparation for the “big hike” and even more of the joy (and the unmistakable smell of trail life) when he returned home.

One of my favorite stories is when he decided to break in a new pair of hiking boots by wearing them during his standard two-mile run. I also loved that his normally well-groomed face would come home scruffy from the trail. He would hug me tight and rub his scratchy beard across my cheeks.

Those moments felt ordinary at the time, but now they are some of my most treasured memories.

Slide Night Memories

Along with hiking, my dad loved photography. Shortly after each trip we would gather for family slide night.

I loved those evenings.

I’ll admit, the hiking photos sometimes got a little repetitive to my younger self, so I’m pretty sure my dad would sneak in family photos just to keep me engaged. I would sit and wait, hoping the next slide would be one of me.

“Ahh… look how cute I was!”

Now, as an adult, I see the beauty he was sharing with us - the landscapes, the adventures, and the moments he cared enough to preserve.

My sisters and I are incredibly grateful for those documented memories.

But it left us with a big question.

What do we do with boxes and boxes (and boxes) of slides?

Many of them include handwritten notes describing where the photo was taken or what was happening in that moment. How do we preserve both the images and the stories attached to them?

Digitizing the Slides

My first priority was creating digital copies of the slides so they can be easily shared with family.

I began scanning them into digital files using a slide scanner. As I scan, the images are saved to a memory card and later transferred to my computer.

Because many of the slides have notes, I’ve also created a system to document those descriptions so they stay connected to the correct photo and carousel.

It’s definitely the most time-consuming part of the process.

And to make things even more interesting, my dad had notoriously difficult handwriting - so sometimes interpreting the notes requires a bit of guesswork.

Still, preserving those little details feels worth the effort.

How to Store Slides Safely

Once the slides are digitized, proper storage becomes important for preserving the originals.

After researching the best options, I found that removing slides from their carousels and storing them in archival-quality sheets or storage boxes is considered best practice.

For our family collection, we chose archival storage boxes. The exact system will depend on the space you have available, but both sheet files and boxes can work well.

There are also a few important storage guidelines:

• Store slides in a cool, dry environment

• Keep them away from direct light

• Avoid storing them against exterior walls, where temperature and humidity fluctuate more

These small steps can help preserve family photos for many years to come.

Honoring Memories Without Holding Onto Everything

One thing you’ll learn about me over time is that I’m not particularly sentimental about things.

I’m usually happy to keep the memory, but not necessarily the physical object.

But when it comes to family history, I know I’m not the only one attached to these memories. Preserving them respectfully matters - not just for me, but for everyone who shares them.

Digitizing these slides allows us to protect the stories while also making them accessible to the whole family.

Maybe Slide Night Should Make a Comeback

I know I’m not the only one who remembers slide nights.

Maybe the tradition deserves a comeback - perhaps just in a slightly more modern form.

Instead of a projector and carousel, maybe it’s a digital slideshow on the TV… sharing stories, laughing at old photos, and remembering the moments that shaped our families.

Because sometimes organizing isn’t just about decluttering.

Sometimes it’s about preserving the memories that matter most.