Older media doesn’t last forever. Magnetic tape stretches and flakes. Negatives and slides fade. And once the damage happens, you lose that precious memory. The Memory Lab is where vintage technology and modern tools work together to enable you to convert old formats into digital files that will last. Whether you’ve got VHS tapes from the ’90s, camcorder videos from a family trip, or a stack of slides, the Memory Lab gives you the tools to bring those memories forward.
The lab supports a wide range of formats, including:
If it’s an older format and you’re not sure what to do with it, the Memory Lab is the right place to start. If you don’t see your format listed, don’t hesitate to give us a call to let us know what you need.
Before your visit, schedule a session on the NPL website. When you make your appointment, please share a little bit about the memories we’re helping you preserve. Whether it’s home movies, family photos, or old recordings, we’d love to hear the story behind what you’re bringing in.
If this is your first time to the Memory Lab, please review these brief instructional videos before arriving. These videos are designed to help you feel comfortable before you arrive. If you’re still feeling hesitant after watching those videos, reach out! We’re happy to make arrangements for a little extra help.
You will need a way to store the digital materials, whether that is a flash drive (required for video digitization), an external hard drive, or a cloud storage solution. Get the materials you need to preserve together. That’s it, you’re all set!
At your appointment time, check in at the front desk. We’ll confirm what you’re digitizing and make sure you have everything you need before heading into the lab.
Once you’re inside, you can get right to work. The equipment is easy to use, and the space is set up for hands‑on, self‑guided digitizing. Whether you’re capturing video, or scanning images, your journey to recapturing those memories starts right then.
When you make your appointment, please share a little bit about the memories we’re helping you preserve. Whether it’s home movies, family photos, or old recordings, we’d love to hear the story behind what you’re bringing in.
