The National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), the Nevada State Historical Records Advisory Board, the Nevada State Archives, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas University Libraries partnered to offer a popular workshop on paper conservation.
Post written by Maggie Gaspar:
In October, the State Historic Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) held two Conservation Fundamentals for Archives workshops taught by Michael Don Fraser of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). The workshops were offered at no cost to participants thanks to the support of UNLV, SHRAB, and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). In order to serve the greatest number of people, one workshop was held in Northern Nevada, in Carson City, and one was held in Southern Nevada, in Las Vegas.
Michael Don Fraser demonstrates conservation techniques, Carson City
In 2023, SHRAB conducted a needs assessment survey for those working with historic records in the state of Nevada and one major finding was the need for more archival education. The Conservation Fundamentals for Archives workshops were a response to the number one desire survey participants voiced for more education on how to protect and preserve paper-based records.
Twenty-six participants from museums, libraries, archives, and records organizations across the state attended the seven-hour workshop during which they learned the basics of how to assess the physical conservation needs of paper-based historical records, repair fragile and damaged materials, rehouse materials following best practices, and protect materials from future damage.
Participants particularly enjoyed the hands-on nature of the workshop, with one participant reflecting that they most liked, “The practical pieces that were woven throughout the workshop. For example, learning to make paste and then using it to fix documents later. It kept the workshop interesting and allowed you to practice the skills that you were being taught.” Another attendee reflected that the workshop gave them confidence, saying that, “This made repairing paper feel doable, rather than something daunting, which will aid me at work. I would strongly recommend this workshop to others. Extremely worthwhile.
Workshop participants in Las Vegas
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