Name: Jessica Campbell
Supervisor: Claudia Romero
Date: June 12, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Project: Dolan Papers Collection
Today, I began the rehousing process for the Dolan Papers collection. My primary focus was Box 1, which I carefully transferred into acid-free folders and archival boxes to promote long-term preservation. Each document was evaluated and entered into an inventory spreadsheet, where I recorded its description, item type, location, condition, donor information, and assigned folder and box numbers. I encountered several preservation issues such as rusted paper clips, metal brackets, and rivets, all of which were removed and replaced with archival-safe alternatives like plastic clips. Oversized materials that could not be safely stored upright were relocated to a flat archival box with buffering paper to minimize stress and potential damage. I was also careful to preserve original order and note any discrepancies between the current contents and earlier inventory notes. This methodical work ensured that each document’s context and integrity were maintained while improving its physical stability for future access.
Completing Box 1 today was a rewarding milestone in the overall project. Many of the documents—ranging from business letters to legal warrants—offer a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of Captain Patrick Dolan and the Frontier Battalion. Several items were noted as missing or misidentified in the original inventory, which I corrected as part of the updated documentation. By carefully rehousing and describing each item, I’ve laid a solid foundation for the continued processing of this important historical collection. The act of removing potentially damaging elements and improving storage conditions not only helps preserve these fragile materials but also enhances their accessibility for researchers and the public. Working through this box has reinforced the importance of attention to detail in archival work, especially when balancing preservation needs with archival principles like respect for original order. I look forward to continuing this work with Box 2 in the coming days.
Daily Summary:
Today, I began the physical rehousing process for the Dolan Papers collection, starting with Box 1. I transferred all materials into acid-free folders and archival boxes, ensuring that the original order was preserved. During this process, I:
- Documented detailed metadata for each item, including: description, item type, location, comments, condition, donor information, box, and folder number.
- Removed rusted paper clips, replacing them with plastic fasteners to prevent further corrosion and damage.
- Safely extracted rusted brackets and rivets from documents.
- Relocated oversized materials to a flat archival box with buffering paper to reduce risk of stress or tearing.
- Identified multiple items that were missing or mislabeled, based on discrepancies between physical content and original inventory notes.
- Completed full processing of Box 1, including verification and condition assessment of folders 176–203.
This initial rehousing and preservation effort has laid the foundation for continued work on the remaining boxes in the Dolan Papers collection.
This image shows a heavily rusted metal bracket that had been securing a stack of documents within the Dolan Papers collection. The rust has visibly transferred to the paper, causing staining and potential long-term degradation. Removing these brackets is essential to prevent further chemical damage and to stabilize the paper for long-term archival storage.
Here, torn and fragile legal documents from the Dolan Papers collection are laid out for preservation review. The rusted rivets securing the documents are being carefully removed to prevent tearing and further oxidation. A new archival folder is prepared to house the documents in a stable, acid-free environment with protective sleeves.