Cabinetry for Historic Circus Poster Collection

FAIN: PG-50662-09

Bridgeport Public Library (Bridgeport, CT 06604-4871)
Elizabeth Greever Van Tuyl (Project Director: May 2008 to May 2011)

The purchase of storage cabinets for the library's collection of over 200 circus posters. These posters are part of the library's notable circus history collection, which includes the personal papers of long-time Bridgeport resident P. T. Barnum.

As part of a 2005 NEH funded conservation assessment project conducted on a substantial collection of circus posters housed at the Historical Collections, a paper conservator produced a general survey report with observations on current storage conditions in the library and recommendations for immediate, relatively low cost improvements. Based on recommendations cited in the report, the department wishes to buy two sets of three, five-drawer locking flat files and two supporting bases to create two, fifteen drawer cabinets. These new flat files would provide the recommended two-inch drawer depth, be painted in a non-outgassing substance, and be secured with built-in locks. The new cases would stand in a staff-only room where environmental conditions are more favorable than those where the majority of posters are currently stored.