Description: Maintaining an appropriate environment is a fundamental aspect of preservation. Temperature, relative humidity, pests, and air quality can all have a significant impact on the lifespan of collections.Temperature and HumidityControlling temperature and relative humidity is crucial for archival collections. Inappropriate levels of either contribute significantly to the
Description: The Smithsonian Institution Archives continually strives to add more collection information to its website. This is a periodic post highlighting new acquisitions and individual collection items.
Description: Happy Fourth of July! On Independence Day, flags are flown across the nation. The Smithsonian has many versions of the American flag in its collections, the best known being the Star Spangled Banner. But, do you know its history, and how it came to the Smithsonian? The Star Spangled Banner is a huge 15-star, 15-stripe garrison flag, 30 feet by 42 feet, made in 1813 by Mary