Call me a nerd but ever since I was a kid I’ve always collected local newspapers featuring historical headlines.  I kept the USA Today from September 12, 2001, I have the Daily News announcing Michael Jordan’s first and most shocking retirement, I’ve got the New York Post from the crash that killed JFK Jr.  Since I started collecting I’ve even purchased preserved copies of the JFK and Martin Luther King Jr. assassinations.  Today some of those papers would be worth hundreds on Ebay.

I’ve never had much trouble securing these copies and in every case purchased them for the newstand price.   That was until last Wednesday when I went to the local Bodega (corner store) here in Brooklyn and they were all sold out!  In fact I traveled to over10 different newstands and coffee shops that morning with no luck.

Local newspapers across the nation acheived record newstand sales and revitalized a dying industry.  Hundreds of thousands of people bought newspapers that morning for historical sake instead of informative.

Joseph Osina, a book Conservation specialist shared some tips with the Daily News Saturday on how you can preserve your historical copy like the professionals preserve valuable books and documents.

STEP ONE: Spray it.

Use what the pros use, deacidic spray.  If you’re serious about preserving your Obama newspaper, you must use a chemical treatment that will stop the acid in the wood pulp from deteriorating the paper.   You can buy document preservation sprays like Bookkeeper or Paper Saver.  “They’re expensive, but it’s what the professional conservators us,” Osina says.  A 16 ounce can will run you $25 or $45.

Lay out the pages individually and pray one side of each page.  Spray evenly and thoroughly.  The page will turn a bit darker, but will dry clear.  “You don’t want to spray lightly; you want to make sure you wet the paper with each coat.”  Allow each page to dry before stacking.

A less expensive method is to skip the spray and pick up a package of acid-free tissue paper.  It will cost about $10 for 50 sheets.  Sandwich a sheet between each newspaper page.  it will slow- but now stop – deterioration.

STEP TWO: Protect it.

“You should store your paper in clear plastic Mylar sleeves.  It’s an archival form of acetate that doesn’t give off gases that could speed document deterioration,” Osina advises.  An 11-by-13 inch Mylar sleeve costs under $3.

STEP THREE: Store it.

Put your newspapers in a box or envelope and store it in a dark place, like a drawer or under a bed.  Do not store the papers in the basement, garage or attic.  Sunlight, humidity and heat deteriorate newsprint.

So there you have it.  If you went through the same trouble I went through to get my newspapers eventually…(Thanks Troy!) …you’ll want to take the steps to make sure you have it forever.