Conservation

Conservation at the Boston Athenæum

The Conservation Laboratory is dedicated to the care and repair of Athenæum holdings with inherent historic, artistic or literary value. The laboratory was founded in 1963, making it one of the oldest conservation facilities in any library in the United States. During almost five decades, we have developed the capacity to address the complex technical challenges of preserving paper-based materials.

Athenæum conservators perform conservation treatments on rare books, maps, manuscripts, prints, architectural drawings, broadsides, and pamphlets dating back to the 16th century.

Conservation  staff members survey collections for treatment, consult on storage and environmental issues, assist in mounting exhibitions, and coordinate conservation treatment for items required by researchers, for exhibition, or for loan to other institutions.

Inside the Conservation Lab

Meet the Staff

Learn more about the Conservation Laboratory

The Von Clemm Fellowship in Book Conservation

View conservation treatments of rare materials

Wet and frozen books: information about the January 2011 water leak at the Athenaeum

Preservation of your own collections

If you are curious about how best to preserve your books, paper documents, manuscripts, photographs, or any other family heirlooms or collections, Associate Director for Digital Programs and Preservation James Reid-Cunningham recommends the following online sources.