Focus on Scientific Reference Samples: Center for Heritage Analytical Reference Materials (CHARM)
April 28, 2021
Video
About the Program:
One preservation challenge for understanding cultural heritage collection materials and their deterioration is due to the lack of documentation for older storage, handling, and repair histories. Having physical reference samples that replicate all the materials in our collections allows us to both recreate and assess treatments, undergo destructive testing and accelerated aging, and use these results to correlate physical and non-invasive test methods. The creation of the “go-team” in the Preservation Research and Testing Division (PRTD) has expanded the capacity for non-invasive analyses of collection materials. PRTD staff have created guidelines for baseline characterization, test methods, linking and visualizing datasets, and utilizing and making available CHARM collection materials for sharing and collaboration with heritage partners to assist with preservation decision-making.
Speakers
Dr. Fenella G France, Chief, PRTD
