Work Description: Today, I officially began the physical rehousing process for the Dolan Papers Collection, starting with Box 1. This phase of work marks a shift from inventory to preservation-focused processing, and my primary objective was to ensure long-term physical stability for each item while maintaining the original order. I carefully transferred all documents from worn legal folders into acid-free, archival-quality replacements, recording detailed metadata for each item in a spreadsheet. This documentation included the item’s title or description, type, box and folder location, condition notes, and donor attribution. Along the way, I encountered several preservation challenges, such as rusted paper clips, metal brackets, and rivets. These were delicately removed and replaced with plastic archival-safe fasteners to avoid further deterioration. Oversized materials that could not be stored upright were moved into a flat archival box buffered with acid-free paper to reduce physical strain and prevent future damage. I also reconciled the contents with the previous inventory, noting missing or misidentified items and preserving original folder structure wherever possible. Every step taken today was rooted in archival best practices that balance respect for provenance with proactive preservation.
Completing Box 1 was a significant achievement and one that gave me greater appreciation for the intricacies of hands-on archival work. The box contains a compelling array of documents—ranging from legal warrants and military discharge papers to customs appointments and personal letters—that shed light on the activities of Captain Patrick Dolan and the historical operations of the Texas Frontier Battalion. A few documents showed substantial damage from metal corrosion or rough handling over the years, but careful treatment and rehousing significantly improved their condition. The removal of harmful fasteners and repositioning of fragile documents not only stabilized the collection physically but also enhances researcher access and long-term usability. Several items required correction or clarification from the original inventory list, which I incorporated into the updated spreadsheet. This experience reinforced for me how detailed and deliberate archival work must be, especially when handling historical materials with both research and preservation value. With Box 1 now fully processed, I am well-positioned to continue the same level of care and documentation with Box 2 and the oversized items in the coming days. Seeing the results of today's efforts was incredibly satisfying, as each document now has a safer, more accessible home.
Reflection: Rehousing Box 1 of the Dolan Papers Collection offered a deeper understanding of how physical preservation intertwines with historical narrative. Every rusty clip or deteriorating bracket I removed felt like lifting a small threat away from a much larger story—one filled with legal proceedings, military service, land ownership, and public duties. This work is not just about replacing folders; it's about restoring access and dignity to these artifacts of the past. I was especially moved by how small changes in storage—switching to acid-free enclosures, using buffer paper, or correcting folder labels—could make such a significant impact. The process reminded me that preservation is both a technical skill and an ethical responsibility. It’s about anticipating future use, preventing harm, and honoring the people and events captured in these fragile pages. Today also sharpened my eye for spotting risks—such as embedded rivets or staining caused by metal contact—that can often go unnoticed without careful review. Overall, the day left me feeling both accomplished and motivated to bring the same energy to the rest of the collection. I’m proud of the foundation I’ve laid and excited for the next steps.
Definitions:
- Archival rehousing – The process of transferring materials into preservation-safe containers (e.g., acid-free folders, archival boxes) to reduce environmental and physical damage.
- Buffering paper – A neutral or slightly alkaline interleaving material used to protect documents from mechanical stress and environmental fluctuation.
- Original order – A key archival principle that refers to maintaining the creator’s original arrangement of records to preserve context and meaning.
Summary of Work Completed:
- Began physical rehousing of the Dolan Papers Collection, starting with Box 1 (Folders 176–203).
- Transferred documents into acid-free folders and labeled them according to archival standards.
- Created a digital inventory recording: item description, type, box/folder location, donor attribution, and condition.
- Removed rusted paper clips, brackets, and rivets, replacing them with archival-safe fasteners.
- Relocated oversized materials to a flat archival box with buffering paper for safe storage.
- Flagged and documented missing or misidentified materials for supervisor review and future correction.
- Verified original order and preserved document context throughout the rehousing process.
📂 Folders Rehoused: 28 (Folder #176–203)
🛠️ Preservation Actions: Fastener removal, acid-free transfer, oversized item stabilization
📌 Next Steps: Begin rehousing Box 2; finalize updates to inventory and preservation notes for Box 1
This image shows a heavily rusted metal bracket that had been securing a stack of documents in the Dolan Papers Collection. Over time, the rust transferred to the paper, resulting in discoloration and weakening of the material. Removing these brackets is essential to prevent further damage and to ensure the long-term preservation of the documents’ content and structure.
Shown here are torn and fragile legal documents undergoing preservation review after the removal of embedded rivets. These rusted fasteners posed a serious risk of tearing and corrosion, which was mitigated by carefully separating the pages and placing them into acid-free archival folders. This process not only stabilized the materials physically but also prepared them for long-term storage and future access.