POWERGRAMS

21 In addition to documenting the history of the collection, archivists work to mitigate damage from environmental issues, such as light, temperature, humidity and pests, by housing the artifacts in special storage and supervising use for research and exhibition. "We use gloves to handle most materials because the salts and oils in our skin can leave residue on paper and photographs," Tharpe said. "We use folders that help to absorb acids that occur in paper, to help prolong the life of our documents, as well as limit exposure to UV light, which can increase the rate at which ink fades." These same proactive measures can be used at home to help families preserve treasured heirlooms. "It has been a privilege to have worked for 29 years to preserve this company's history," Tharpe said. "Each research or photo request brings our rich history into the present and allows employees and visiting researchers the opportunity to see that history firsthand." "When I first came to the Archives to work on the APC centennial history book, 'Developed for the Service of Alabama,' I had no idea how extensive the Archives was," Atkins said. "There is no way the book could have been researched or written without the Archives." "It was Tom Martin's love and appreciation of history that made him so determined to have the archival record of the company preserved," Atkins said. "His investment in the Archives was an investment in the future of the company, and it is one that will help support the company for the next 100 years." Top: Land grant deed with Andrew Jackson's signature, 1831. Above: Detail from ink-on-linen drawings of Jackson Shoals telephone cabinet, 1924.

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