Preservation Assessment of the Photographic Collection

FAIN: PG-51214-11

Museum of Culpeper History (Culpeper, VA 22701-3213)
Lee Langston-Harrison (Project Director: May 2010 to August 2012)

Hiring a consultant to conduct a preservation assessment of 1,000 19th- and 20th-century photographic images, more than 500 of which document significant battles of the Civil War.

The Museum of Culpeper History (incorporated in 1975 as the Culpeper Cavalry Museum) is a thirty-five year old institution dedicated to actively promoting an awareness of history for residents and visitors through education, interpretation, presentation, and preservation. The NEH Preservation Grant would support the professional preservation assessment of the Museum’s photographic collection by Sarah Wagner. The photographic collection is comprised of over 1,000 images from the 19th and 20th century. These include unique and important images representing the Civil War era in and around Culpeper, including pictures from Culpeper Court House, Cedar Mountain, Brandy Station, and Kelly’s Ford. The collection also includes many photos of individuals and structures not available at any other institution. This collection will continue to be made available as an educational resource for the Museum and scholars. Ms. Wagner's recommendations will help preserve these photos for the future.