Books and Paper in Historic Houses

This page covers preservation and conservation needs specific to book and paper collections in historic house museums. The content on this page is directed toward all caretakers of historic house collections including housekeepers, technicians, conservators, archivists, collection managers, and curators.

Wiki Compilers: Michelle C. Smith
Wiki Contributors: Luisa Casella, Sue Donovan, Perrine LeSaux

Copyright 2025. The AIC Wiki is a publication of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC). It is published as a convenience for the members of AIC. Publication does not endorse nor recommend any treatments, methods, or techniques described herein. Information on researching with and citing the wiki can be found on the Reference and Bibliography Protocols page.

Cite this page:

American Institute for Conservation (AIC). "Books and Paper in Historic Houses." AIC Wiki. March 12, 2025. https://www.conservation-wiki.com/wiki/Books_and_Paper_in_Historic_Houses.

Introduction

A wide range of paper-based collections may be found in historic house museums including books, framed and unframed works of art on paper, documents, scrapbooks, albums, photographs, wallpaper, ephemera, globes, screens, shades, paperboard boxes, paper labels and linings adhered to other objects, and more.

Why is special attention needed for collections in historic houses? The National Trust Manual of Housekeeping addresses this question in its introduction:

"...readers might question the need for a Manual specifically on the care of collections in historic houses, when there are books on the care of collections in museums. The simple answer is that, unlike museums, collections in historic houses are on 'open' display. This creates different challenges, because objects on open display are more vulnerable to damage and deterioration than those protected by museum display cases. In addition, many objects in historic houses, such as clocks and carpets, are still in use. What is more, many collections are on display in the houses for which they were originally made. So the objects cannot be considered on their own, but must be treated as part of a much larger, and often more significant, whole. Such awareness of context derives from the essential distinction between museums and historic houses, which is that collections include not only historic objects but also the whole interior in which objects are displayed."

Book collections in historic house libraries also face different challenges than most research libraries; for example, books are often on permanent display with their spines visible and cannot be rearranged, housing damaged books may not be possible, and reading rooms may not be available for researchers. A historic house museum may also be staged for a particular period of interpretation, and collection items that don't fit this period may need to be stored. Historic reproductions (or facsimiles) may be produced to protect vulnerable originals from the dangers of permanent display, and props may be introduced to fill gaps in the collection and assist in interpretation; these items can be expensive to produce and may also require special care to preserve.

This page is organized so that general topics that impact all paper-based collections in historic houses are discussed first; then, conservation needs specific to works on paper, books, and other paper-based materials are discussed in subsequent sections.

General Considerations

Housekeeping

Main article: Dust and Housekeeping

Because each historic house is unique, housekeeping will likely be different in each situation, but the goal should be to maintain as dust-free and debris-free an environment as possible. Dust that accumulates onto historical objects might seem innocuous, but for paper-based items it can have severe consequences. Dust changes the surface pH of paper, can attract pests, and can lodge in porous surfaces, causing discoloration and damage. In an historic house, preventive measures against dust, as opposed to active dusting, can go a long way towards extending the lifetime of the items within. Over-dusting and cleaning should be avoided, as there are risks associated with overcleaning as well, such as abrasions and damage from cleaning products. Preventive care such as regular walkthroughs, filtration systems on HVAC, clean mats (adhesive mats placed on the floor to trap dust and other particulates tracked in on visitors' shoes), and designated areas for visitors coats and umbrellas can cut down on the amount of dust falling on museum objects. Indeed, regular walkthroughs of the space are an essential aspect of housekeeping, as they allow caretakers to observe any changes to the condition of the building and the objects within and communicate any concerns to the team.

Agents of deterioration

Main article: Ten Agents of Deterioration

The ten agents of deterioration recognized by cultural heritage preservation professionals include physical forces; thieves, vandals, and displacers; fire; water; pests; pollutants; light; incorrect temperature; incorrect relative humidity; and custodial neglect and dissociation. A general understanding of how these agents impact books and paper-based collections will help caretakers anticipate, prevent, and respond to the problems they cause.

Environmental monitoring

Main article: Environmental Monitoring

See also: Integrated Pest Management

Environmental monitoring in a historic house museum will need to be tailored to the unique situation of the location. Small devices that record temperature and relative humidity can be placed in different areas of the building, with the data being downloaded either via USB or WiFi. It might not be possible to enact changes in either the temperature or relative humidity, but collecting the data is useful to obtain an understanding of how the building acts as an envelope for the objects within. Putting up cardboard tents with sticky traps (also known as blunder traps) to monitor insect activity is one of the best ways to track whether there is a pest infestation that needs to be dealt with. Small steps such as these can provide caretakers of historic houses with the tools they need to advocate for environmental controls, monitor trends, and stop infestations before they become devastations.

Storage and housing

Main articles: Housings and Choosing Materials for Storage, Exhibition & Transport

Even with many collection items on permanent display, collection storage is an important consideration for historic house museums. There may be collections that do not fit the period of interpretation that must be stored, or if a reproduction has been created of a collection item, the original will need to be stored. As previously mentioned, historic house museums often struggle with maintaining stable temperature and humidity. Storage cases and proper housings can help mitigate fluctuations. Storage environments should be monitored with regular "walk-throughs" to visually assess for any leaks or other disturbances, in addition to the passive monitoring described in the previous section.

For paper-based items on permanent display, consider acquiring exhibit cases for the most important or valuable items. These cases can be custom-built and can be equipped with desiccants and environmental data loggers. Grants can help support the cost. For historic house libraries on display, see the Book Housing section below for specialized housing options that avoid disrupting the viewing experience.

Documentation

Main articles: Documentation of Paper and Documentation of Books

Documenting the condition and care of of historic house collections is vital to their long-term preservation. These types of records may include logs of housekeeping activities; environmental and pest monitoring data; incident reports related to security or building issues, disasters, and emergencies; collection surveys or assessments conducted by consultants or interns; and item-level documentation created by conservators including condition reports, treatment proposals, and treatment reports. These records may be text documents, spreadsheets, images, or other formats. Any paper-based records should be scanned (but retained, if possible), and digital files should be named, organized, and stored following archival best practices. Maintaining these records over time helps caretakers identify and address recurring problems, is very useful when applying for funding, and will also help preserve institutional memory as staff members retire.

Health and safety

Main article: Category:Health & Safety

See also: Hazardous Collections and Historic House Hazards Project

Historic house settings can present many health hazards including mold, heavy metals (such as lead or arsenic), and pest-related illness (such as hantavirus from rodents). Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be worn whenever health hazards are encountered. Depending on the scale of the hazard, hiring an outside professional such as a conservator, property restoration company, or Integrated Pest Management (IPM) specialist may be necessary.

Mold

Main articles: Mold and Category:Mold/Fungi

Cellulose is a prime food source for mold, making this hazard a particular concern for caretakers of book and paper collections. Mold growth on collections may result from a water event and/or from prolonged instances of incorrect relative humidity levels in collection spaces. In addition to being harmful to collections, mold presents major health and safety concerns for humans. Always wear appropriate PPE (mask, gloves, apron, and eye protection, as needed) in any situation where you might encounter mold; you cannot predict how you will react.

Heavy Metals

Arsenic is found in many historic houses in gameheads and other taxidermy where it is used as a pesticide, but it may also be present as a toxic pigment in green book-covering materials, particularly in Victorian-era publisher's bindings. For more information, see University of Delaware's Poison Book Project. Lead may also be present in pigments used in works of art on paper, although other lead sources (such as wall paint) in historic houses likely present a greater lead exposure risk. Wear gloves if you suspect the presence of heavy metals in materials you are handling.

Disaster preparedness and response

Preparedness

See: Emergency Preparedness & Response § Preparedness

A disaster plan provides the overall strategy for minimizing the impact of an emergency. The plan must be in place before the disaster occurs and should be regularly updated to reflect changes in staffing, storage locations, and collection priorities. The plan should consider the specific risks faced by your collection (such as hurricane, earthquake, fire, flooding, etc.) and should include a contact list, building maps, and a list of high priority items. Even a very basic plan is better than no plan at all. Prepare kits of disaster response supplies (PPE, plastic sheeting, paper towels, flashlight, clipboard, sharpie) stored in an area accessible to all staff, and note their location in the disaster plan.

Find and join regional cultural heritage disaster response groups specific to your area (for example, Bay Area Mutual Aid Network (BAMAN), Los Angeles Preservation Network (LAPNet), Texas Collections Emergency Resource Alliance (TX-CERA). These groups may provide access to supplies, training, and assistance. Consider scheduling disaster response training for staff such as fire extinguisher training and wet salvage. You may want to establish a contract or at least a contact with a property recovery company such as Belfor or Polygon Group. Get to know your local fire department, who should also be on your contact list. And finally, addressing known building problems in advance of a disaster and keeping up with regular building maintenance is essential.

Response

See: Emergency Preparedness & Response § Salvage and Recovery

In the aftermath of a disaster, swift and informed action is critical to mitigate damage to book and paper collections in historic houses. National Heritage Responders' Disaster Response & Recovery Guides offer useful quick guidance. Water events are a major concern for book and paper collections, and the first 48 hours are crucial in what can be saved. Stabilizing wet materials such as paper or books involves carefully separating pages and air-drying them to prevent adhesion and mold growth. Wet leather also may require special attention and handling. Wet collections must be handled carefully to avoid secondary damage such as media bleed or structural failure​. Ensuring airflow helps prevent mold, and absorbent materials can help drying. If drying is not immediately possible, freezing wet items is another effective measure to halt further deterioration until professional treatment can be arranged. Property recovery companies specialize in document recovery and offer freeze-drying for wet books and paper artifacts.

Although disaster response poses a great variety of challenges, it is important to document the condition of collection materials as much as possible. Using tools such as cell phone photographs and voice memos can save time. Using simple labeled pieces of paper appended to collection items will suffice. Labeling items and bags is crucial to be able to return items to the site in their proper location.

Regional disaster response hotlines are valuable resources for immediate assistance. The National Heritage Responders provide a 24-hour hotline at 202.661.8068 for institutions whose collections have been affected by emergencies. Additionally, regional networks (mentioned in the Preparedness section above) may offer localized assistance and resources for disaster recovery. The Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF) also provides resources and coordination for cultural institutions during disasters.

Security

Because collections in historic house museums tend to be on open display, extra precautions are needed to protect materials from theft and vandalism. Adequate security for open displays may require guards, video monitors and other security arrangements. Small objects that could be easily pocketed or that are valuable should be exhibited in a case when possible, or reproductions should be used. Even reproductions and props may be costly to replace, however, so these may also need protection. Placement of tour paths should also take security concerns into consideration.

Working with a conservator

While this page aims to empower all caretakers of historic house museums to take actions to preserve their collections, there may be times when advice or treatment from a conservation professional is needed. The American Institute for Conservation (AIC) provides a guide for Hiring a Conservation Professional on their website. You can locate a professional conservator using AIC's Find a Professional tool.

Works on paper

[significance of works on paper in historic houses; materials and construction]

Past repairs and historic housekeeping practices

[tape, varnishing]

Present-day housekeeping

[overview; monitoring and recording condition]

First aid

[broken glass; tears; water; mold; insects]

Matting and framing

Adapting old mats and frames

See: BPG Matting and Framing § Adapting Old Mats and Frames

Precautions for uncontrolled environments

See: BPG Matting and Framing § Precautions for Uncontrolled Environments

Reproductions/facsimiles

Factors to consider

The decision to create and display a reproduction or facsimile of an item is not always straight forward. The caretaker must weigh the benefits and potential negative impacts. For example, an original document may be in poor condition, prompting a facsimile to be made for display so the original can be preserved, but some guests may not understand the concept of a facsimile, or they might not feel as strong a connection to a display when it's "not the real thing." Another factor to consider is that accompanying elements of the item to be reproduced, such as a frame, might be original as well, and caretakers thus need to determine whether to use these secondary items in the display or reproduce them as well. The cost of digitizing originals to be used in high resolution reproductions may also be quite high, potentially requiring grant funding to cover the cost of the digitization as well as the actual printing.

Production

The production of high-quality reproductions or facsimiles for display can potentially take a substantial amount of time, so any requests should be made well in advance of exhibition deadlines. Local universities with a robust research library may be performing high-resolution digitization and could offer partnerships or other services.

See : BPG Imaging and Digitization

Care and maintenance

Despite the fact that facsimiles are not original documents, they still need care and maintenance as part of a display. Facsimiles in frames still need to be dusted and monitored for damage. It may also be necessary to periodically replace facsimiles if fading is observed, since reproductions may be put under brighter lights than originals.

See: BPG Matting and Framing , BPG Exhibition, Supports, and Transport,

Storing originals

Storing the original documents in proper environmental conditions is crucial to their preservation for posterity. Manuscripts, prints, and drawings should be kept in archival folders or boxes and stored in conditions between 59-77 degrees Fahrenheit and 45-55 % RH +/- 5 (see Environmental Guidelines). The storage areas should also be monitored for pests and dust.

See: BPG Housings and also PMG Preservation Housing Materials and Formats

Interactive facsimiles

Interactive facsimiles, such as pages in a guest book that will be flipped through, may need to be replaced more frequently. Interactive digital media, such as on an iPad, may need daily or twice-daily cleaning. Signage about why the historic house curators considered it important to be handled (i.e., to show how thick or thin a piece of paper is; the delicacy of brush strokes...) should be visible, along with how the facsimile was created and why the original cannot be handled in the same way. Due consideration should be paid to the cost and effort of replacement of interactive facsimiles. If deemed appropriate, interactions with the facsimile could be limited to tour guides, docents, or caretakers of the historic home.

Conservation

What conservation can offer

• Reproductions - does it make sense to put in time and expense for repro? Easier and cheaper to make new repro?
• Originals - prioritize preventive maintenance to avoid need for treatment, with the understanding that prolonged display (exposure, fading, darkening) will be the biggest problem to overcome

Books

[significance of books in historic houses; book materials and construction]

Deterioration and damage

Interactions of books and bookshelves

[when shelving damages books/when books damage shelving; microclimates] [discuss furniture modification (cabinet doors or glass covers) for security; discuss original bookcases and original furniture that is integral to the collection]

Past repairs and historic housekeeping practices

[leather dressing; amateur repairs; historic cleaning methods]

Present-day housekeeping

[overview; monitoring and recording condition]

Handling and using/reading

• use care when removing books from shelves; do not pull on headcaps
• support other books on shelf when removing a book so that they do not fall; leave a slip where the book was removed
• clean dry hands (or gloves if metallic or photographic components are present)
• handle books on a table while seated
• use book supports to limit opening angle

Housing and storage

[discuss “invisible” housing options such as the book shoe and 4-flap enclosures with Mylar spines]

A long strip of mylar on top of a shelf will prevent the dust from falling directly on historical items if the historic home cannot place their items in storage or exhibit cases. [insert image or description of shelf in Monticello?]

Reproductions/facsimiles

Important books that will be displayed open in the historic house, such as an account book, guest book, or page with inscription, are good candidates for reproduction. Books on permanent display are at risk of damage due to cumulative exposure to light and other environmental issues, as well as the physical strain on the binding from being in an open position over a prolonged period. Local bookbinders can recreate books in the style of the original, or it may be possible to purchase a similar style book on auction sites or antique book sites. A reproduction of the desired display page can be created by a conservator and either bound or laid into the reproduction binding. [describe example of guestbook signed by Rosa Parks at the NY Tenement Museum where conservator included multiple copies of the relevant opening]

Additionally, reproductions of missing portions of books may be created during conservation treatment in order to maintain visual continuity in a library on display. For example, a reproduction spine could be created based on intact books in the collection and then applied to a book with a missing spine, either as part of a rebacking conservation treatment, or even just as a book jacket.

Factors to consider

Many of the factors to consider when making a facsimile or reproduction of a book in a historic house are similar to those discussed in the section about flat/unbound items, but books have the added complication of being 3-D objects. With this complication come more questions, such as the intent of use and display of the book: why does the book need to be recreated? is it vital to the experience of the historic house for the book to be handled and paged-through? could a life-size image of a bookshelf or of a particular book accomplish the same effect as a facsimile of the book?

Books take up more space than unbound paper items, and it is necessary to find proper storage locations for both the originals and the facsimiles. If using original display method, like a bookshelf, caretakers must ensure that it is in good condition and can withstand the weight of the new books.

Production

• full digitization of books can be long and expensive, but perhaps worth it if translating it into interactive component (i.e. digital can flip pages, zoom in, etc.)
• long-term storage of digital image/content

Care and maintenance

• preserving investment/still maintain bc presenting the care of objects in general
• books on permanent display still need to be monitored for dust and light fading
• long-term storage of digital image/content

Storing originals

• keep in storage conditions between 59-77 degrees Fahrenheit and 45-55 % RH +/- 5 (see Environmental Guidelines)
• see BPG Housings

Conservation

Factors to consider for conservators

[discuss batch treatment with focus on spine appearance]

Materials

[discuss adhesive choices (think about softening in warmer temperatures; books might stick in packed shelving, etc.)]

Other paper-based materials

Wallpaper

See also: BPG Support Problems § Wallpaper

Historic houses are commonly decorated with original wallpapers, often with many layers. These are functional works of art and are often integral to the historic interior. Wallpaper can also be found lining trunks, on fire screens, hatboxes, and on folding room dividers. Reproduction wallpaper of various sorts can also be found in historic and reconstructed houses. Reproduction wallpaper can be handprinted or digitally printed.

The manner in which the wallpaper is hung can vary. Walls made of paneling, brick, or stone might be prepared with canvas giving a smooth surface for the paper. The canvas would stretched and attached to the perimeter of the wall, or to a frame holding the canvas away from the wall. The canvas would then be sized and a layer of paper was placed down before the decorative wallpaper was applied. The wallpaper could also be applied directly to the wall as is common today.

Conservation treatment

[discuss cautions around removal]

Prior to conservation treatment: Depending on the time period of the wallpaper and the historic home, there may be examples of it in late 19th-century architectural journals (Frangiamore, 40). "Fireboards," or pieces of wood that were used to cover a fireplace opening, were often covered with wallpaper to match the walls, and these may have been stored in the historic home and forgotten (Frangiamore, 41).

Preserving wallpaper in place

[discuss issues of building structure that may affect the treatment. e.g. building sags and corners of wallpaper are stressed; treatment is dependent on addresssing structural treatment first]

[discuss delicate flocking, distemper, and raised/embossed designs]

Globes

See also: BPG Support Problems § Globes

• If the globe cannot be displayed behind UV protective plexi, consider turning the globe every few months so one area does not get more light exposure to bright sources, such as windows
• If area is not regularly accessed, consider covering the globe with a light and dust barrier such a tyvek cover
• globes are prone to structural damage, as they are often hollow
• globes are often varnished, impeding in treatment of the paper

Paper screens

• see also wallpaper

Screens are often found as room dividers or fire screens. In both cases the paper will act as a filter to pollution in the air, especially ash from a fireplace or window screens to the outside. Screens are also prone to punctures from improper handling or human error.

Paperboard boxes

https://www.conservation-wiki.com/wiki/BPG_Paper_Supports#Boxes_(EW)

• act of removing lids from paper boxes can cause damage structurally or to the delicate distemper wallpaper designs
• consider use of silica inside of closed boxes in uncontrolled environments
• see also wallpaper

Paper linings in trunks and boxes

• often prone to significant damage due to micro enclosure catalyzing iron degradation, mold growth, and insect activity
• store with silica if in an uncontrolled environment closed
• consider a mylar insert to protect the paper from dust collection if displayed open
• inherent issues with iron components of the trunk's hardware may be unavoidable, but careful control of the environment could help slow process of iron degradation to the paper

Paper labels adhered to objects

• those in situ are prone to damage from contact with substrates that may be acidic such as wood
• can be torn or abraded easily
• consider covering with mylar film or a thin plexi cover
• consider if the label can be removed by a conservator and stored separately

Bibliography

Costain, Charlie. "Framework for Preservation of Museum Collections." Canadian Conservation Institute Newsletter no. 14 (1994): 1-4.

Frangiamore, Catherine Lynn. Wallpapers in Historic Preservation. Washington, D.C.: Technical Preservation Services Division Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior, 1977.

The National Trust Manual of Housekeeping: The Care of Collections in Historic Houses Open to the Public. Butterworth-Heinemann, 2008.

Waller, Robert R. "Risk Management Applied to Preventive Conservation." In Storage of Natural History Collections: A Preventive Conservation Approach, edited by Carolyn L. Rose, Catharine A. Hawks, and Hugh H. Genoways. Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections, 1995.

Further reading

Brommelle, N.S., Garry Thomson, and Perry Smith, eds. Conservation Within Historic Buildings: Preprint of the Contributions to the Vienna Congress, 7-13 September 1980. London: The International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, 1980.

Bülow, Anna E., Belinda J. Colston, and David S. Watt. “PREVENTIVE CONSERVATION OF PAPER-BASED COLLECTIONS WITHIN HISTORIC BUILDINGS.” Studies in Conservation 47, no. sup3 (September 1, 2002): 27–31. https://doi.org/10.1179/sic.2002.47.s3.006.

Butcher-Younghans, Sherry. Historic House Museums: A Practical Handbook for Their Care, Preservation, and Management. New York: Oxford University Press, 1993.

Canadian Conservation Institute, ed. The Conservation of Heritage Interiors: Preprints of a Conference; Symposium 2000 the Conservation of Heritage Interiors, Ottoawa, Canada May 17 to 20, 2000 = La Conservation Des Intérieurs Patrimoniaux. Ottawa: Canadian Conservation Institute, 2001.

———, ed. “Treatment Approaches: Wallpaper.” In The Conservation of Heritage Interiors: Preprints of a Conference; Symposium 2000 the Conservation of Heritage Interiors, Ottowa, Canada May 17 to 20, 2000 = La Conservation Des Intérieurs Patrimoniaux. Ottawa: Canadian Conservation Institute, 2001.

Costain, Charlie. “Framework for Preservation of Museum Collections.” Canadian Conservation Institute Newsletter 14 (1994): 1–4.

D’Ambrosio, Terrance, and David Joyall. “Chinese Export Wallpaper at Jekyll Island’s Mistletoe Cottage - Part 2.” NEDCC Stories (blog), July 28, 2021. https://www.nedcc.org/about/nedcc-stories/jekyll-island-wallpaper-part-2

Digitization, digital restoration, and reproduction of wallpaper from a historic home. Imaging was done in sections and stitched together. Arsenic containing pigments were a handling consideration during handling of the original wallpaper. The images were restored in Photoshop to improve aesthetics before producing the reprodution based on pigment evidence. Paper was selected (“Wall-Art”) that could be installed by a hanger instead of a team of conservators. A custom print profile was created for this paper for improved color accuracy in printing.

Frangiamore, Catherine Lynn. Wallpapers in Historic Preservation. Washington, D.C.: Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation, National Park, U.S. Department of the Interior Service, 1977.

Hamburg, Doris A. “The In-Situ Conservation Treatment of a Nineteenth-Century French Scenic Wallpaper: ‘Les Paysages de Télémaque Dans l’ile de Calypso,’” n.d.

Hamm, James, and Patricia D. Hamm. “Historic Wallpaper in the Historic Structure: Factors Influencing Degradation and Stability.” Studies in Conservation 25, no. sup1 (January 1, 1980): 170–75. https://doi.org/10.1179/sic.1980.25.Supplement-1.170.

Hamm, Patricia, and James Hamm. “The Removal and Conservation Treatment of a Scenic Wallpaper, ‘Paysage à Chasses,’ from the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site.” Journal of the American Institute for Conservation 20, no. 2 (1981): 116. https://doi.org/10.2307/3179695. “Historic Wallpapers: Conservation and Replacement,” n.d.

Kallaste, Kadri. “Preservation of Wallpapers in Historic Interiors: Basic Considerations and Maintenance Options.” eConservation Journal, no. 1 (2013): 57–69.

Karnes, Cyntia, Julie Ream, and Elizabeth Wendelin. “Wallpapers at Winterthur: Seeing Them in a ‘New Light,’” n.d.

Lynn, Catherine. Wallpaper in America: From the Seventeenth Century to World War I. 1st ed. New York: W.W. Norton, 1980.

Maekawa, Luana. “Chinese Export Wallpaper at Jekyll Island’s Mistletoe Cottage - Part 1.” NEDCC Stories (blog), July 20, 2021. https://www.nedcc.org/about/nedcc-stories/jekyll-island-wallpaper-part-1

Chinese import wallpaper from the ceiling of Mistletoe Cottage at Jekyll Island was deinstalled using PPE and stored on site. One panel in good condition was sent to NEDCC for conservation and to make the digital reproduction from. Hazardous friable pigments and mold were identified which added precautions and the disposal of mold damaged panels. The wallpaper was consolidated, washed, locally bleached, mended, filled, and lined.

Mapes, Phillipa. “Historic Wallpaper Conservation,” n.d.

McClintock, Thomas K. “The In Situ Treatment of the Wallpaper in the Study of the Longfellow National Historic Site,” n.d.

McClintock, T.K. “Wallpapers.” In Caring for Your Historic House, edited by Charles E. Fisher and Hugh C. Miller, 116–26. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1998.

Merritt, Jane, and Julie A. Reilly. Preventive Conservation for Historic House Museums. American Association for State and Local History Book Series. Lanham: AltaMira Press, 2010.

NEDCC Stories. “Hard Work Worth Doing: Conservation Treatment of Historic Wallpapers at Theodore Roosevelt’s Sagamore Hill.” Accessed August 5, 2024. https://www.nedcc.org/about/nedcc-stories/sagamore-hill-wallpaper.

Network, Greater Hudson Heritage, P. Brendler, K. Sclafani, and Z. McWhirter. The ABCs of Collection Care. Greater Hudson Heritage Network, 2023. https://www.greaterhudson.org/abcs-of-collection-care.html.

Price, Emily. “Heritage Properties.” In The Curation and Care of Museum Collections, edited by Bruce A. Campbell and Christian Baars. London New York: Routledge, 2019.

Schulte, Elizabeth Kaiser. “Wallpaper Conservation at the Longfellow National Historic Site: Parlor and Dining Room,” n.d. Shelley, Marjorie. “The Conservation of the van Rensselaer Wallpaper,” n.d.

The National Trust Manual of Housekeeping : Care and Conservation of Collections in Historic Houses. Rev. ed. Manual of Housekeeping. Swindon, Wiltshire: National Trust, 2011.

U.S. General Services Administration. “09720 WALLPAPER CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION | GSA.” USA Government, June 3, 2019. https://www.gsa.gov/real-estate/historic-preservation/historic-preservation-policy-tools/preservation-tools-resources/technical-procedures/09720-wallpaper-conservation-and-restoration?

Government procedures for Wallpaper Conservation for contract work in historic houses including guidelines for removal of wallpaper, documentation, conservation, materials, and installation of reproduction wallpapers.

Waller, Robert R. “Risk Management Applied to Preventive Conservation.” In Storage of Natural History Collections: A Preventive Conservation Approach, edited by Carolyn L. Rose, Catharine A. Hawks, Hugh H. Genoways, and Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections. Washington, D.C: Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections, 1995.

External links

• FAIC’s Handling and Maintenance of Historic House Collections webinar

History of this page

This page was created in July 2024 following the BPG Wiki Discussion session on this topic at the 2024 AIC Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah.