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Paper Conservation and Preservation Resources

ONLINE PRESERVATION TRAINING

NEDCC offers training programs focused on an array of preservation topics. Below is a list of topics related to paper preservation. Visit the Current Training Programs page for descriptions and registration dates.

  • Caring for Paper-Based Collections
  • Handling Book and Paper-Based Collections: A Primer for Staff, Interns, and Volunteers
  • Surface Cleaning Techniques for Paper-Based Materials: A "Hands-On" Webinar

PRESERVATION RESOURCES

The Environment

2.4 Protection from Light Damage HTML PDF
2.5 Protecting Paper and Book Collections During Exhibition HTML PDF

Emergency Management

3.1 Protection from Loss: Water and Fire Damage, Biological Agents, Theft, and Vandalism HTML

Storage and Handling

4.4 Storage Enclosures for Books and Artifacts on Paper HTML
4.9 Storage Solutions for Oversized Paper Artifacts HTML
4.10 Matting and Framing for Works on Paper and Photographs HTML PDF

Conservation Procedures

7.2 Surface Cleaning of Paper HTML PDF
7.5 Conservation Treatment for Works of Art and Unbound Artifacts on Paper HTML PDF
7.7 Choosing and Working with a Conservator HTML PDF
7.8 Removal of Damaging Fasteners from Historic Documents HTML PDF

VIDEOS ►

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Examples of Paper and Photograph Conservation Projects, NEDCC
For #AskAConservator Day, the Director of Paper and Photograph Conservation at NEDCC gives examples of objects treated both in and outside of the lab.

Revarnishing Historical Wall Maps, NEDCC
As part of #AskAConservator Day, NEDCC's Assistant Paper Conservator Natalia Paskova explains the benefits of revarnishing historical wall maps versus the typical encapsulation.

Understanding Historic Wallpaper Conservation, ASK THIS OLD HOUSE
THIS OLD HOUSE traveled to the Franklin Pierce Homestead built in 1804—home of the 14th US president. The home has 200-year-old block-printed wallpaper that was manufactured by hand in France and THIS OLD HOUSE speaks with NEDCC's Senior Paper Conservators Luana Maekawa and Suzanne Martin Gramly about their conservation work.

Conserving Parchment, NEDCC
All conservation assessments begin with an initial examination of the object. NEDCC Senior Conservator Kathryn Boodle discusses common issues of parchment objects using the Alabama State Constitutions as a case study. These objects were treated by NEDCC in 2018 in preparation for the state's bicentennial in 2019.

The Conservation of Alabama’s Six Constitutions, Alabama Department of Archives & History
Learn about the extensive conservation efforts undertaken before for the display of Alabama's six constitutions and the 1861 ordinance of secession for the 2019 bicentennial exhibition, "We the People: Alabama's Defining Documents."

Declaration of Independence Conservation Video, Rhode Island Department of State
Rhode Island’s copy of the Declaration of Independence is one of the most valuable pieces of history in the #RIStateArchives. Watch this video and see how this treasure has been carefully restored and preserved for years to come.

The Conservation of a 16th Century Papal Bull on Parchment, Brown University
Terra Huber, Assistant Paper Conservator at the Northeast Document Conservation Center, gives a talk entitled, “The Conservation of a 16th Century Papal Bull on Parchment.”

Preventing and Responding to Mold in Book and Paper Collections, NEDCC
This 1-hour webinar covers how to identify mold, how to clean moldy materials safely, and how to prevent future mold outbreaks through proactive preservation measures.

Caring for Paper-Based Collections, NEDCC
This webinar focuses on books, documents, photographs, and works of art on paper. It will include information on paper manufacture, deterioration, and proper storage. Also discussed are inks and colorants, adhesives, and image layers.

Handling Book and Paper-Based Collections, NEDCC
An introduction to the preservation of paper-based collections, this webinar focuses on books, documents, photographs, and works of art on paper. It includes information on paper manufacture, deterioration, and proper storage. Also discussed are inks and colorants, adhesives, and image layers.

Vacuuming Moldy Books and Paper, NEDCC
NEDCC’s Director of Book Conservation, Bexx Caswell-Olson, shares tips for safely removing inactive mold from books and paper.

 

Treatment STORIES

Visit the NEDCC Stories page for all Paper Conservation treatment stories.



2021

Chinese Export Wallpaper at Jekyll Island's Mistletoe Cottage - Part 1: De-installation and Conservation

Chinese Export Wallpaper at Jekyll Island's Mistletoe Cottage - Part 2: Digital Imaging, Digital Restoration, Reproduction Wallpaper Printing



2020

Toulouse-Lautrec and the Stars of Paris: Conservation Treatment and Digitization of Posters for Exhibit



Under Construction: The Great Deed of Billerica - Conservation Treatment, Digitization, and Rehousing

 



Conservation of the South Carolina Constitutions - Part 1: The Preservation Catch-22

Conservation of the South Carolina Constitutions - Part 2 - Devoured: When Mold Attacks!



2019

WE THE PEOPLE: Conserving the State of Alabama's Defining Documents



28 Feet Long! 1910 Railroad Elevation Map Conserved and Digitized



2015

Conservation Treatment of Wallpapers at Theodore Roosevelt's Sagamore Hill



2014

Conservation Treatment of the Garibaldi Panorama



2013

'Lost' Paul Revere Letter Preserved: The Power of the Real Thing



From Attic to Exhibit: 1811 Terrestrial Globe Treatment



2010

The Circus Comes to NEDCC! Rare Posters Treated for the Shelburne Museum