"Pacific Railroad Surveys" - Stabilization/Restoration

From: "Craig Kent" ckent323@verizon.net

I am seeking information about stabilization/restoration of the map volume for the Pacific Railroad Surveys.

I have collected a complete Congress set (as well as a few Senate volumes) of the Reports of Explorations and Surveys, to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, Volumes I-XII.

Some of the volumes are in very good shape others are not. Unfortunately, the volume in worst condition is the map volume.

I know very little about manuscript conservation/restoration and am trying to understand if the map volume can be stabilized/restored and what cost might be involved.

Many of the maps are brittle and torn; all are suffering from the poor paper used. I have read that deacidification is at least one step required.

While I am sure an accurate assessment would require examination of the manuscript, I would appreciate it if there is any advice or references you can offer to companies or persons who can competently do stabilization/restoration work on this volume it would be appreciated.

—Craig Kent