We are debating freezing some of the plastics in our collection that are
beginning to show signs of deterioration, mainly eyeglasses from the
1920s-30s era.  We believe they are cellulose nitrate.  We already have our
small collection of nitrate negatives in a chest freezer, but I worry that
the mix of materials in eyeglasses may cause problems, as different
materials expand/contract differently when frozen.  (I would also like to
employ the Critical Moisture Indicator packaging method...if anyone has
experience using this with artifacts, rather than nitrate negs). The other
option is to store them on well-ventilated open shelving.  I would like to
know which option is preferable and if anyone has opinions/experience in
permanent, long-term freezing of plastic artifacts.
Thanks,
Kristen Stalling
Museum Technician
Harry S Truman NHS
223 N. Main Street
Independence, MO 64050
816-254-2720

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