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Posted by: Bobbi Hinton
Scientific analysis of an unusual image of the face of Christ in a late 15th C German devotional manuscript has revealed critical and surprising information about its current condition, its original making, and its meaning.
Posted in: Heritage Science, Pigments, Preservation, Rare Books and Special Collections
Posted by: Amelia Parks
Some of the colorants traditionally used for dyeing textiles or making paints and inks are also found in foods and drinks. This post describes a festive fall meal using several such ingredients, with examples of the colors and their use in art.
Posted in: Heritage Science, Pigments, Preservation
Posted by: Amelia Parks
James Madison’s detailed notes on the debates at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 allow researchers a glimpse into the creation of the federal Constitution.
Posted in: Heritage Science, Preservation
Posted by: Tana Villafana
IRENE, which stands for Image Reconstruct Erase Noise Etc., is a method for extracting sound from mechanical audio recordings, such as phonograph records and cylinder records. What makes IRENE special is that the entire process is contactless, allowing us to extract audio from broken, fragile, and otherwise unplayable objects while reducing the possibility of damage.
Posted in: Heritage Science, Internships, Preservation
Posted by: Tana Villafana
Lieselotte Dubert, interned for the Preservation Research and Testing Division (PRTD) over the summer, she worked to expand their colorant reference collection. PRTD has a collection of over 500 pigments and dyes within their collection of reference materials and samples.
Posted in: Conservation, Heritage Science, Internships
Posted by: Tana Villafana
The following is a post by Anna Katherine Overstreet and Alexandra Ptacek, 2022 Junior Fellows, Preservation Directorate. Anna Katherine recently graduated with her undergraduate degree in mathematics from Mississippi State University, and she will be returning in the fall for a graduate degree in statistics. Alexandra is a graduate student of Anthropology and Museum Studies …
Posted in: Heritage Science, Internships, Preservation
Posted by: Tana Villafana
Amidst the festivities as we celebrate Independence Day, this blog takes a moment to consider the significance and responsibility that went into outlining, drafting, and shaping our nation as the Founding Fathers put pen to paper.
Posted in: Heritage Science
Posted by: Tana Villafana
Cindy Connelly Ryan, Preservation Science Specialist, recounts her trip to the 50th annual meeting of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) this May, held in-person for the first time since 2019.
Posted in: Conservation, Events & Outreach, Heritage Science
Posted by: Tana Villafana
For over a decade, scientists at the Library have been using sealed, low-oxygen anoxic display encasements for the concurrent exhibition and preservation of iconic objects. The Library currently maintains two of these exhibition encasements for displaying iconic maps by Abel Buell and Martin Waldseemüller.
Posted in: Conservation, Heritage Science, Preservation