In a message dated 97-10-21 03:02:29 EDT, you write: << >Do any of you have any experience with this kind of thing? I do not know beyond placing it in archival paper and keeping out of light. She would like to get it copied so she can share. I suggest getting one laser copy and then doing reproductions from it. But she still needs to know how to care for the original. If you have any experience with this or know someone who does, will you reply? > Her cousin, who actually *has* the document, asked Gale: >>A document dated 1715!!! It is the original and is falling apart, but can be read for the most part. I am scared to handle it much and I need to take it and have it restored, but am even scared to do that - it is so fragile. It is a land transfer, and speaks of a Francis Thornton Jr. of St. Mary's Co., VA, and Anthony Thorton of St. Mark's Parish. It is from John Knight and his wife Catherine to Anthony. I was shocked when I found it in the, get this, cardboard box full of letters and obits that my cousin Herrick had and didn't know what to do with. So glad I went to visit her before she died. She was going to give it all to the historical society and told me to take what I wanted.>> Please reply to: GaleFuller@aol.com & copy me at: ALurie6171@aol.com Thanks! Anne Lurie St. George, Vermont >> I'm not an expert and I don't know the complete process, but I do know they are using a long term freezing process to preserve old documents. Apparently the freezing, with time, will dry the paper out such that it becomes tough and more durable. I would certainly contact the National Archives or some historical authority to get the proper information...and meanwhile not handle that document or subject it to light. Good luck!! Laura ==== PENNA-DUTCH Mailing List ==== Forgot how to SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE? Send the appropriate one word message to PENNA-DUTCH-L-REQUEST@ROOTSWEB.COM