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] cc: 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 ========================================================Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).