Speaking of archival preservation of fragile paper documents, I have some of the first series of USGS maps produced (60').  They were printed on highly acidic paper and and are disintegrating. I don't expect to be able to actually reverse the process and stabilize them.  Does anyone have any information regarding a database/index for these early USGS series of maps and whether there are legible digital/hard legible copies available?  I know the USGS has no records on these maps:  their procedure, from the beginning, was to map the U.S. as thoroughly as possible.  When they produced the 30' maps, you were supposed to discard the 60' maps.  When they produced the 15' maps, you were supposed to discard the 30' maps.  Ditto discarding the 15' maps when they produced the 7.5'.  It wasn't until recently that it was realized that the earlier editions of the maps contained a wealth of historical information.  I use the older maps routinely when planning a CRM survey, when and where I can find them.  But, as I said, the USGS is entirely clueless about this and as far as I know there's no collection of such maps in the National Archives.  Any suggestions?

Morgan Rieder, RPA


----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Ron May<mailto:[log in to unmask]> 
  To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> 
  Sent: Saturday, December 02, 2006 2:04 AM
  Subject: Re: Archival Conservation of Architectural Plans


  Brad and I are talking about how to get copies without destroying the  
  80-year old plans. Paul has given me great suggestions as to where to seek help,  as 
  has Roberta S. Greenwood. My primary concern right now is getting the plans  
  flattened out without breaking down the paper, so will be looking into paper  
  conservators. I probably will drive up to Brad's office at North County  
  Blueprint for his opinion. At least a plan is taking shape.
   
  While finding a cache of Frank O. Wells plans is very exciting, it reminds  
  me of all the field maps I prepared over the years that probably have also  
  turned yellow from contact with acidic paper. All our photographic prints, field  
  maps, field notes, lab drawings, data cards etc. are subject to light-fade, 
  acid  deterioration, insect eating, dust wear, and decay over time. 
  Archaeologists  sometimes laugh that their artifacts are stone and will last forever, but 
  their  catalog numbers, bags, and boxes will not. The artifact becomes just 
  another  rock with all the provenience lost in a century. Cheery thought, I 
  know, but  something we all need to think about.
   
  And, I am very leery of scanned images surviving long into the future.  There 
  is nothing as good as the original document. We have already discussed the  
  deterioration of CD, tape, video, and microfilm on HISTARCH. What kind of  
  machinery will be around in 100-years that can read an image scanned in  2006?
   
  Ron May
  Legacy 106, Inc.