One of the first places to visit to learn about preserving historic artifacts is www.ark-ives.com, the Web site for the Arkansas History Commission and State Archives. The commission can also be visited at 1 Capitol Mall in downtown Little Rock, or you can call them at (501) 682-6900.
Russell Baker, archivist for the Arkansas History Commission, said the commission will microfilm church records, publication and religious newspapers, such as Arkansas Catholic. There is no charge for doing the microfilming, but there is a charge for any copies made from the microfilm. The Arkansas State Archives at the commission has a complete file on the diocesan newspaper.
Other suggested sites include:
www.nedcc.org: Web site for the Northeast Document Conservation Center
www.cyndislist.com/preservation.htm#paper: This site provides links to different sites dealing with preservation.
www.gaylord.com: Web site of Gaylord Archival Sourcebook. Phone number: (800) 448-6160
www.talasonline.com: Web site for supplies necessary for cleaning, repairing and storing items to be preserved
www.archivists.org: Web site for the Society of American Archivists. Information on preservation is available. Technical pamphlets are available to buy.
www.aaslh.org: Web site for the Association for State and Local History. Technical pamphlets are available to buy.
Conservator Jane Thompson encourages any institution or individual who feels that he or she has a significant or valuable object in need of attention, whether it is a document, painting, textile, photograph or ceramic piece, to consult a qualified conservator. The American Institute of Conservation offers an online brochure at http://aic.stanford.edu. The brochure guides the individual through the process of selecting a conservator and directs him or her to conservators practicing in nearby cities.