Twenty years ago, the Florida Keys History Center started scanning and posting historic photos online. They have been viewed more than 50 million times.

1955 – Key West photographer Larry Karns was holding an exhibit of recent work at his 220 Duval Street studio. The focus of his new images was the “fast disappearing” architecture found in the island’s decaying homes, forts, and cigar factories.

Here's how you can protect and, if necessary, salvage photographs and documents in case of a flood.