The Filson Historical Society Blog

First and foremost, the immediate concern in Haiti is to save people’s lives.  Eventually though, as Haitians begin to reconstruct their cities, they will need access to their cultural heritage and public history documented and preserved by their libraries and archives. What happens when records crucial to the identity of an individual (think like our American our social security, vital records, government documentation, etc.) are destroyed?  What if the cultural heritage materials intrinsic to our identity as a nation, such as the Declaration of Independence or the Statue of Liberty are compromised?

The American, and international, archival and library community are gravely concerned about Haitian cultural heritage and have responded to this international crisis in a number of ways, namely raising money for humanitarian aid and sharing disaster relief information.  Follow the links below to see efforts underway and to learn ways in which you can get involved.

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, described as the global voice of the library and information profession, issued a statement on their solidarity and support to their Haitian colleagues, pledging to assist in any way they can.

UNESCO called for ban on trade in Haitian artifacts to prevent pillaging of the country’s cultural heritage.

The U.S. Committee of the Blue Shield is a charitable nonprofit organization committed to the protection of cultural property worldwide during armed conflict. The ICBS asserts that cultural heritage is “fundamental in rebuilding the identity, the dignity and the hope of the communities after a catastrophe.”  To read their statement on the earthquake in Haiti and on how to help protect cultural property, click here.

The International Council on Archives has alerted the Haitian government and the international aid community of the threat to cultural resources.  As the immediate crisis recedes and reconstruction begins, particularly the clearing of debris & building ruins, the salvage of records and cultural property will be crucial to resuming political and administrative functioning. Read their statement “Reconstruction rather than Destruction.”

Libraries Without Borders’s mission is t0 support education in developing and disaster affected areas by providing children, students and adults access to well-equipped, up-to-date and efficient libraries. LWB has information on aiding the survival of Haitian Culture by donating to shelter, restore, and digitize Haitian archive and manuscripts; rebuild infrastructures, and support libraries and educational institutions; and give books to rebuild destroyed libraries’ collections.

Lastly, the American Library Association gave a statement about the destruction of cultural institution in Haiti and created a web page with tips on how to help.

On August 4, the greater Louisville area experienced massive rainfall and flooding. Many institutions, such as the Louisville Free Public Library and the Kentucky Derby Museum, suffered extensive damage. (Fortunately, the Filson made it through the flood with no damage to its collections.) Undoubtedly, personal papers and photographs still in the hands of individuals and families were harmed as well. The flood and its aftermath raise many questions about the emergency response and salvage of flood-damaged materials. Below are tips for the care of personal papers, books, and photographs that have been water damaged. Conduct salvage response within 48 hours for greater success.

Scene from the 1937 flood in Louisville, Kentucky.

The following tips are drawn from publications of the Heritage Emergency National Task Force. For more information you can visit the task force’s recovery website or call a local conservation or preservation specialist.

Books:

• If the book is partially wet or damp, stand it on its top or bottom edge with covers opened to 90-degree angles and air dry. A fan will speed drying.
• If the book is very wet, lay it flat on a clean surface; interleave less than 20% of the book with absorbent material. Replace interleaving when damp.
• If rinsing the book is necessary, hold book closed.
• If you have too many books to air dry in 48 hours:  wrap in freezer or waxed paper, pack spine down in a sturdy container, and freeze.*

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