NPS Cold Storage Project AIC-PMG Session Afternoon

Theresa Voellinger, Paper and Photograph Conservator, National Park Service

Initial estimate of materials for film base was 15 billion but this could be double. Working with 250 park sites. Approx 100 sites will get individual freezers. Six site will consolidate into cold storage vaults. Logistics is complicated. Uniformity is not easy. Limited on-site team members and fully trained staff.

Develop a training tool. From curators to rangers – the training needs were great.

Check out NSPgov site and search museum and cold storage. Includes short video clips and this site is VERY useful for training of all kinds. Also interactive. And easy to use. Resource tab has many PDFs and links that are hugely important. Basic info focused on various audience. Sarah Wagner served as lead consultant.

Three new Conserve O Grams created.

Decision trees may be of special help identify film base. This information is needed worldwide and must be shared broadly. Translations are needed.

Cold storage vault construction and associated interview of interest. Cost, energy consumption and space may make this more efficient AND cost effective. Acclimation also explained.

The work continues – this has helped to create common ground of understanding.

Questions noted that this was a superb model. Time to create site was significant. The results are impressive. Finding aids for cold storage remain a constant problem. Spanish translation is possible. This is WONDERFUL resource for the field.