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Preservation of Lincoln's Two Drafts of the Gettysburg Address

In order to assure the long-term preservation of the two drafts of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address in the Library of Congress collections, the Preservation Directorate has commissioned the design and manufacture* of two state-of-the-art environmental containers, one for each document. In addition, the Library has constructed a low temperature vault where these containers and other Top Treasures of the Library will be permanently stored.

As can be seen in the one used [here] to display the Nicolay copy of the Gettysburg Address, the two containers are constructed of heavy-gauge stainless steel inner supports and two outer frames joined with neoprene gaskets and bolts, which allow access and viewing from both sides of the container. The containers are filled with low-moisture argon gas to purge the environment of oxygen, thereby virtually eliminating deterioration from oxidation, including photo-oxidation. The Mainz Bible case in which the sealed container is temporarily set, is conditioned to 49.5 degrees fahrenheit and 49% relative humidity. Even if the document were not sealed in argon, the constant low temperature of the case and the permanent storage area effectively quadruples its life expectancy.

Side view of the stainless steel inner frame unit,
with gas valves and hoses. The two thin wedges to the left are the plexiglass and steel frame unit,
another of which will be put on the right side to complete the three-part container.

The Gettysburg Address is suspended in the container, without adhesive support, by tetex TM sandwiched between window mats. Special, quarter-inch plexiglass on both sides filter out ultra violet light, and further protect the document.

These preventive preservation measures preclude the use of any invasive conservation of the two originals and ensure their longest possible survival. Thus, the Library's two copies of the Gettsysburg Address are preserved in a state which will permit future generations to enjoy and study them.

The inert argon gas in the tank to the right passes through a cylinder of conditioned silica gel and into the sealed steel frame to the left. Oxygen expelled from the frame is measured as it passes through the hose and gauge in the lower center.

*The environmental containers were designed and manufactured by Dr. Nathan Stolow in collaboration with the Library's Preservation Directorate.

Peter Waters, Conservation Officer, and Dr. Nathan Stolow test the container's suspension system -- made up of several thicknesses of mat board with window cuts, and the fine gauze-like tetex (TM), which actually supports and holds the document in place.

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