Did You Attend the Inauguration? Tips for Preserving an Unforgettable Experience.

Lexington, MA, January 22, 2009 --(PR.com)-- People who are lucky enough to get a ticket for Barack Obama’s inauguration as the 44th President of the United States probably feel as if they won the lottery – which, in a way, they have. As many as two million people descended on Washington just to be in the vicinity of this historic event, but only a small number of them have the opportunity to attend the inaugural celebrations in any kind of official capacity.

These lucky people will be part of history whether they have a reserved seat at the swearing-in ceremony, a place along the inaugural parade route or an invitation to attend an inaugural ball. And they swear they will never forget the memories and emotions of this experience. But what is the best way to make sure they always remember the highlights of the day?

“Don’t forget about your memories,” advises memorabilia preservation expert and artist Carol Colman. “This inauguration may be unlike any other in our nation’s history, but it will go by in a flash, and you will want to do everything possible to hold onto your memories of this very special event. Any piece of paper that gets you in the door of an event – no matter what it is – can be your ticket to a lifetime of memories, but not when it is kept in a drawer or hidden in a shoebox.”

Colman advises thinking of the inauguration as a celebration similar to a personal milestone such as a wedding or special anniversary. “If the celebration involves any kind of invitation, that invitation can serve as a powerful tool to help you remember the emotion associated with special events, including the inaugural ceremonies and celebrations.”

Therefore, the first step to making the inauguration unforgettable is to collect memorabilia associated with the event. This includes not just invitations but also tickets, photographs, programs, place cards, buttons and other souvenirs. The next step is to select the pieces that are most meaningful and deciding how to showcase them in a way that will keep the memories vivid over the years. For many people, the choice will be to create a framed keepsake.

According to Colman, paper-based memorabilia should be framed using archival techniques to minimize fading and discoloration over time. This means using acid-free materials and glass or acrylic that provides protection from ultraviolet rays. The framing can be a "do-it-yourself" project or handled by a professional framer. To take these memories to the next level, consider hiring a professional to turn your memorabilia into a unique work of art.

“The power to remember is multiplied when your memorabilia is incorporated into a creative piece of art that stirs the emotions,” says Colman. Colman’s business, Purple Raincoat, turns memorabilia into unique framed keepsake collages. “Our mission is to create keepsakes that celebrate life’s special occasions and help people remember those special days. And there won’t be many days more special than the day of Barack Obama’s inauguration.”

So, to preserve the memories of an unforgettable inauguration experience: take the time to collect those important pieces of paper and do something meaningful with them. No one ever regrets taking the time to preserve those memories, and such action will be enormously helpful for anyone who is asked by future generations about this momentous day in our nation’s history.

For additional information on preserving memories from the inauguration or any other celebration, contact Carol Colman or visit www.purpleraincoat.com.

About Purple Raincoat
Purple Raincoat turns invitations and photographs into custom framed keepsake collages that preserve the memories of life’s special ceremonies and celebrations. Visit www.purpleraincoat.com to learn more.

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