Preservation of Historic Mission Bells

FAIN: PG-263639-19

Patronato San Xavier (Tucson, AZ 85745-3057)
Miles Green (Project Director: May 2018 to May 2021)

A preservation assessment of the metal bells at San Xavier del Bac Mission, a National Historic Landmark located on the Tohono O’odham Nation in Arizona. Eusebio Kino, a Jesuit priest, established the mission in 1692. The current church at San Xavier was built in the Mexican Baroque style between 1783 and 1797 and is the oldest European-designed building in Arizona. Of the four bells that hang in the main bell tower of the mission, three date to the late 18^th century, and the fourth dates to the late 19^th century. These bells are in regular use. Other bells hang above the mortuary chapel and at the entrance to the friary. As a vehicle for training conservators from the region in the treatment of historic bells, metal conservation experts would examine the bells at San Xavier, provide stabilization treatments and adjustments to the hanging methods, and develop maintenance schedules.  Grant funds would also support the purchase of preservation supplies and the rental of a portable XRF spectrometer and a mechanical lift.

A preservation assessment, purchase of supplies, and workshop to instruct conservators in the examination, analysis, stabilization treatments, documentation, and development of a maintenance schedule for Spanish Colonial era mission bells.