Candace,

Cape Fear Museum uses 2 very simple in-house methods.

1.  For smaller documents we use a 55 gallon plastic drum with a plex &
nylon screen support inside to keep the documents above the distilled water
in the bottom.  We then cover the drum with plex to let the humidity build.
WARNING!  This system is very quick to humidify documents so keep a real
close eye on it.  Set a timer is my suggestion.

2.  For larger documents we have a PVC frame with nylon screen that fits
into a large sink.  We fill a basin under the screen with distilled water
and then cover the entire sink with plex.  This method has proved slower
than our drum system but still keep a close eye on it.  When we take the
large document out we use the plex sink cover as the weight to flatten it.

Also, make sure you clean the drum and sink on a regular basis.

I know this is probably making conservators cringe, but it works.

Hope this helps,

Tim
__________________
Timothy S Bottoms
Registrar
Cape Fear Museum
814 Market Street
Wilmington, NC  28401-4731
Phone: (910) 341-4350 ext. 3011
Fax: (910) 341-4037







schwenkfelder library & heritage center <[log in to unmask]>
@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM> on 04/06/2001 11:05:22 AM

Please respond to Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>

Sent by:  Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>


To:   [log in to unmask]
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Subject:  relaxing rolled documents



Good morning,

Would anybody out there in list land be able to  give me an in-house
process for relaxing rolled paper documents - ca. turn  of the 20th
century?  I know I've seen instructions in the past but I think  I need a
review.

Thanks all -- if you to prefer to contact me  offlist,
[log in to unmask]

Candace Perry
Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage  Center
www.schwenkfelder.com






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