Laupus Library demonstrates how to care for cultural heritage
Layne Carpenter, archivist from Laupus Library History Collections removes tape from a book in the preservation lab. (Contributed photo)
Would you like to learn about caring for your family’s heirlooms? Join Laupus Library’s History Collections staff on April 16-19 for a series of demonstrations about preserving artifacts and manuscripts.
“This is a great opportunity for the history collections department to share what we do with our students, faculty and staff, and the community,” said Layne Carpenter, history collections archivist. “We are excited to demonstrate how we care for collection materials to ensure they last well into the future.”
Learn more about book preservation, caring for photographs, digitizing items for the database, performing conservation on artifacts and archival materials, packing and storing family heirlooms, and more. Handouts and supplemental materials will be available each day.
- Monday, April 16: Book preservation demonstrations will be held from 2-4 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 17: Photograph and digital file preservation demonstrations will be held from noon-4 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 18: Artifact and archive demonstrations will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Thursday, April 19: Packing and storing family heirloom demonstrations will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Demonstrations will be given on the second floor of Laupus Library near the main entrance.
“On Thursday we encourage people to bring in their small to medium-sized family heirlooms,” said Justin Easterday, collections manager. “That day we will offer information and tips on how to best store items of sentimental or historical value along with contact information for local conservators who can address more serious issues concerning keepsakes.”
Laupus Library will also be accepting artifact donations next week. “If you have a medically-themed artifact that is taking up space in your house, attic or garage, bring it by for an assessment and join our list of donors that help us preserve the medical history of North Carolina.”
For directions and parking information, visit http://www.ecu.edu/csdhs/laupuslibrary/about/Maps.cfm.
-by Kelly R. Dilda, University Communications