Map Conservation Assessment

FAIN: PG-50064-07

Montana Historical Society (Helena, MT 59601-4514)
Brian L. Shovers (Project Director: May 2006 to September 2007)

A preservation assessment of a collection of maps of Montana dating from 1864 to the 1940s, documenting the development of towns and the growth of mining, railroads, and cattle ranching.

The focus of the project is to hire a conservator to assess the condition of the historical map collection, containing over 5,000 published and manuscript maps dating from 1864 to the 1940s. The assessment will include a specific analysis of 40 maps for treatment options and an overview assessment of maps throughout the collection prioritized by subject, format, and material. A small number of significant historical maps held by the University of Montana-Missoula and Montana State University-Bozeman will be included in the assessment. The evaluation will include a session with library/archives staff to present specific conservation problems and basic treatment solutions, as well as recommendations for design of a new map storage facility. The final report will include: an overall assessment of storage facilities and patron and staff handling of material; a detailed description of map condition, previous treatment, purposed treatment and cost for the forty maps selected by staff.