What does it mean to preserve something?
To preserve something is to acknowledge that it mattered —
at least once, to someone.
When a piece is preserved, a short archival record is created that captures:
- What the piece was
- When and where it existed
- Why it mattered at the time
- Who was involved in its creation
This record is stored permanently, in a way that cannot be altered or erased.
Even if the object itself is lost.
Even if the world changes.
Even if everything else disappears.
The record remains.