Grant supports preservation efforts

ore than $300,000 will be spent on preserving glass-plate photographic negatives and prints, spoken recordings, paper music scores, and other historic items in the latest round of state funding benefiting the University Libraries.

"In the Rare Books and Special Collections Library, we have tens of thousands of historic photographs on unstable film bases and acidic photographic paper in need of preservation," says Richard Peek, department director. "The money and work invested in these historic items will ensure their longevity and make them accessible to the public."

Work will begin immediately on parts of three collections held at Rush Rhees Library: Ward's Natural Science Establishment Collection, the Fairchild Collection, and the University Archives. Several thousand copy negatives, contact print copies, and new archival masters will allow for more public access and improved protection for valuable originals.

Papers and history about Ward's Natural Science Establishment, a successful Rochester business and supply house for natural science exhibits worldwide, detail the exploits of Rochester native and world traveler Henry Ward beginning in the 1860s. He promoted the study and teaching of natural science in America and taught at the University.

The Fairchild Collection contains thousands of documents and other materials from geologist Herman LeRoy Fairchild, who was interested in many fields both academic and civic. He was a professor of geology and natural history at the University from 1888 until his retirement in 1920 and professor emeritus until his death in 1943.

A project to preserve unique spoken-word collections also has been funded. The work, which involves the re-recording of almost 900 hours of conversations and lectures, will take place at Columbia University recording studios.

The latest grants also will support the Greater Rochester Asian Community History Project and the deacidification of thousands of acidic music scores from the Sibley Library collection.

Funds for these projects are made possible by the New York State Library's Division of Library Development. Funds to support the Greater Rochester Asian Community History Project were received from the New York State Documentary Heritage Program. Since 1989, the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections has received grants for nearly 50 different preservation projects totaling $3 million.

Maintained by University Public Relations
Please send your comments and suggestions to:
Public Relations.