ADOPT-A-DOCUMENT PROGRAM
The Western Historical Manuscript Collection has been actively involved in the preservation of its holdings for over twenty years. A stable environment, along with archival folders and boxes provide the basic needs. Many items, however, require additional care to prolong their life. An "Adopt-A-Document” program has been established at WHMC to enable concerned individuals to help WHMC with its mission to “preserve, protect and make available original historical documents related to the history of the university, state, and region.” Pat and Victor Hilts were the impetus for the establishment of this program. Their generous contribution enabled weaving drafts in the Cornett Family Papers to be cleaned, repaired and encapsulated.
As WHMC-C's holdings increase and age, we have a proportionate increase in the cost for caring for our materials. These increased costs are especially apparent in the case of audio-visual materials. We still receive numerous acetate-based materials which have not been stored in ideal conditions prior to our acquiring the items. As a result, we are seeing an increase in vinegar syndrome in our holdings. Since we monitor for vinegar syndrome, however, we have been able to identify and segregate materials that are degrading until we can arrange to have the materials re-mastered.
All contributors will be acknowledged in our newsletter and on our web site. Additionally, all contributions are tax deductible.
Funding for the program should be made payable to the "University of Missouri" and mailed to WHMC-C, 23 Ellis Library, UMC, Columbia, MO 65203-5149. Please indicate which document(s) you want to adopt. If you are interested in becoming an “Adopt-A-Document” partner, below is a list of possibilities.
What is vinegar syndrome?
Vinegar syndrome is the degradation of cellulose triacetate base safety film. This safety film was developed in the early 1900s and began replacing nitrate film stock in significant quantities after 1948 to replace nitrate film stock, which had proven to be highly flammable and combustible. Initially, acetate-based films were used by amateur film makers, as they were more accessible.
The chemical stability of film is impacted by hot, humid conditions, just like Missouri in the summertime. The actual chemical reaction involves acetate ions in the film bonding with water absorbed from the air. When these ions bond with the water, acetic acid or vinegar is the result. The humidity levels impact how much water the film is able to absorb from the air, and the temperature levels can slow down or speed up the actual reaction time. While stable temperature and humidity levels are preferable for all archival materials, it is essential for audio-visual materials.
Because vinegar syndrome is a chemical reaction that off gases and raises acidity in the environment, any items suffering from this condition may impact other materials stored nearby. If caught early enough, materials with vinegar syndrome can be transferred to other media and the intellectual content is then saved.
WHMC-C Films with vinegar syndrome.
The Daniel R. Fitzpatrick Papers (C3832) has 11 reels of 1600 foot film in need of transfer. Each reel will cost approximately $200 to transfer, so the entire 11 reels will cost WHMC-C around $2200 to preserve. These film reels are part of a 1959 documentary series and provide insight into men and events that shaped the twentieth century, like Hitler's rise to power, the New Deal, and America's ascendancy to world leadership. Film reels 1-3, 6-10, 13, 15, and 16 need to be transferred. To learn more about the Daniel R. Fitzpatrick Papers go to http://www.umsystem.edu/whmc/invent/3832.html. The John P. Tandarich Collection (WUNP6051) has 4 reels of 400 foot film in need of transfer. The estimated cost for one reel is $80 and for all 4 reels the cost would be $320. The film reels were taken by Dr. John Gieseking in 1935 and document the 3rd International Congress of Soil Science in Oxford, England. After the conference, Gieseking traveled to Germany and documented the rise of Nazism. The W. Stuart Symington Papers (C3874) has 4 reels of 1400 foot film and 3 reels of 1600 foot film needing to be transferred. The 1400 foot films will each cost approximately $180 to transfer and the 1600 foot film will cost $200. To transfer all of the films needing immediate transfer will cost WHMC-C $1320. The film reels include interviews, press conferences, speeches, senatorial and presidential campaign spots, statements, and public service announcements. Film reels 17-23 need to be transferred. For more information on the W. Stuart Symington Papers go to http://www.umsystem.edu/whmc/invent/3874.html. WHMC-C Paper-based materials in need of treatment.
