Hi everybody,

A component of my organization's collections is a couple of motion picture
reels produced prior to 1951, hence, on cellulose nitrate film. I opened
the canisters today to obtain some measurements so that I could look into
estimates to reproduce the film on a safer substance and destroy the reels.
As one of the canisters was opened, a distinct vinegary odor was released.
Is this the smell that everyone talks about as signaling deterioration?
Suddenly, something that was on my "to-do" list has become top priority.
Should I isolate these reels immediately? And if so, in what conditions?
I'm thinking about moving them to an outside shed at a little distance from
the facility.

Any advice would be a help,

With thanks from me and the rest of my collections,

Bethany S. Rutledge
Director of Collections and Exhibits
Thornton W. Burgess Society
East Sandwich, MA

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