[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: Time Capsules



Valerie,
I have heard from people who have used a stainless-steel container (like the old Civil Defense storage tins) that was sealed at a welding shop. You are better off sealing the container completely as it will not only keep out moisture but it will keep out insects as well (make sure you examine all contents completely before putting them in.) Because of the high humidity in summer, there is nothing that I know of to prevent possible condensation from building up. If there is a firm near you that specializes in storage containers, contact them about a stainless-steel, baked enamel container. Unless someone else knows otherwise, that is probably the most intert, strongest container that you could use.

Steve Hoza, Conservator
Arizona Historical Society

>>> Valerie Frey <sapeloe@YAHOO.COM> 10/27/00 07:05AM >>>
I need some advice, please.

I was recently asked what would be the best/safest way
to put together a time capsule which will be placed
behind a stone plaque in the side of a building.  The
capsule will be opened in 50 years.  In the meantime,
it will be subjected to all the temperature
fluctuations of five decades in North Georgia.  It is
also possible that changes in humidity will affect the
materials inside, which will include paper and metal
artifacts.  Other than making sure the papers are
printed on acid free paper, how should I advise them
to handle the materials since the interior climate
will be so unstable?  Should the materials be sealed
or unsealed and what sort of container is the best choice?

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Messenger - Talk while you surf!  It's FREE.
http://im.yahoo.com/ 

A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List!

To subscribe or unsubscribe, send e-mail to listserv@listserv.muohio.edu 
      In body of message:  SUB ARCHIVES firstname lastname
                    *or*:  UNSUB ARCHIVES
To post a message, send e-mail to archives@listserv.muohio.edu 

Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at
     http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html 

Problems?  Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <rschmidt@lib.muohio.edu>

A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List!

To subscribe or unsubscribe, send e-mail to listserv@listserv.muohio.edu
      In body of message:  SUB ARCHIVES firstname lastname
                    *or*:  UNSUB ARCHIVES
To post a message, send e-mail to archives@listserv.muohio.edu

Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at
     http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html

Problems?  Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <rschmidt@lib.muohio.edu>