Purchase of Flat Files and Supplies for Preservation of Oversized Materials

FAIN: PG-266593-19

City of Boston (West Roxbury, MA 02132-4905)
John Joseph McColgan (Project Director: January 2019 to February 2022)

The purchase of preservation supplies recommended in a prior assessment to accommodate and protect oversized materials in the city’s archives, including 180 drawers of flat files and 2,000 rolled items in various formats. Especially noteworthy are items from the Boston Marathon Bombing Memorial collection, such as stuffed animals and banners that have been stored on open shelves. These materials, which were gathered from the grassroots memorial at the marathon finish line in Copley Square, are used by researchers and have been featured in exhibits and articles. Other highlights of the city archives include early panoramic photos of Boston and early plans from the public works and parks departments.

This grant would support the purchase of flat files and preservation supplies needed to fulfill recommendations made in a Preservation Needs Assessment regarding the storage of oversized materials.