FAQ
Preserving a family archive is one of the most lasting gifts you can give to future generations. From safeguarding fragile originals to creating beautifully organized digital collections, my work ensures that your history will not be lost to time, accidents, or technology failures. Each project is customized to your collection and goals, and pricing reflects the time, expertise, and professional standards required to do this work with care.
1
How much does a typical project cost?
Every family archive is different. Some families want help with a single box of photographs, while others need multi-generational collections digitized and organized. Costs vary depending on the size, condition, and goals of the project.
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As a general guide:
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Planning & Guidance often begins around $750–$1,500
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Full-Service Project Management typically ranges from $3,000–$8,000 (plus vendor costs for scanning, video conversion, etc.)
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Legacy Packages are highly customized and often begin around $10,000, depending on scope
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These figures are meant to provide a sense of scale, not fixed quotes. During our first conversation, I’ll provide a tailored estimate based on your collection.
2
What do vendor costs cover?
Vendor costs include digitization services such as high-resolution photo scanning, film and video conversion, and sometimes archival storage media. You’ll always see vendor costs broken out separately from my consulting fees, so it’s clear exactly where your investment is going.
3
Do you bill hourly?
Yes. For smaller projects, troubleshooting, or targeted help, I also offer hourly consulting at $150/hour. This is useful if you only need guidance on part of the process, like choosing a storage solution or creating a file-naming system.
4
Why is this such a big investment?
Preserving a family archive is more than just scanning photos — it requires careful handling, professional oversight, and long-term planning. By applying the same standards used by the Library of Congress and Smithsonian, I ensure your collection is preserved at the highest quality and remains accessible for generations. Many families find the cost well worth the peace of mind and the joy of being able to share their legacy in meaningful ways.
4
Can we start small?
Absolutely. Some families begin with a single album or box of letters to test the process, and then expand to larger projects over time. I’ll work with you to set priorities and create a plan that fits your budget and your goals.
Contact
Ready to protect your family’s history? Let’s talk about how I can help you preserve and share your memories for generations to come.