Being a Steward of the Past

As an online seller of antiques and collectibles, I frequently find myself needing to hunt down information on my newest old treasure. Take, for instance, this boxed set of pastel-colored glass snack sets. 

Thankfully the set was still in its original box marked "It's A Dilly," and clearly identified the set as being a product of the Gailstyn Company, based in New York -- just enough information for me to search further and get a sense of age. But what would I have done if I didn't have the box? Few, if any, of my friends are familiar with this pattern. Having and preserving this type of information can sometimes be invaluable.

Of course, preserving information solves only part of the dilemma; knowing what you're looking for and actually being able to find it is an altogether different story.

Now that I know the name of the set, I find myself wondering how to best preserve and share that information with the next individual who is not so fortunate to have the box.

Have you discovered any information cubbyholes on the internet that proved to be priceless? I'd love to hear any thoughts or suggestions you might have on being a better steward of information from the past.