At the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM), preserving historical documents is more than just a task – it’s a commitment to future generations. Using their HD Apeiron/42 contact-free scanner, CBMM has developed a meticulous workflow that balances their two primary scanning goals: Preserving history and enhancing accessibility.
Let’s take a closer look at their process.
Watch Gabriella explain their workflow of how a museum handles the complete scanning process
CBMM’s document preservation workflow is as thorough as it is thoughtful. It ensures every step prioritizes both the integrity of the original documents and their usability for research and restoration:
Historical documents, often fragile, are removed from their housing with great care. They are transported to the scanning area placed on the scanner table using acid-free foam boards to prevent damage during handling. If the document will not lay flat due to being rolled up tightly in the archive, a large piece of 1/8 in (2.4 mm) clear acrylic plexiglass is placed on top.
Each document is scanned in its original state, capturing every detail – flaws, tears, and edges – in high resolution. This step creates a preservation file that faithfully represents the document as it exists today.
Using the dedicated Nextimage Apeiron software, the scanned file is then edited to produce a shareable, print-ready version using features such as line fill, enhanced black and despeckle. This second version is highly enhanced and will bring faint pencil marks into sharp focus. These files are optimized for ease of use, whether for printing, research, or restoration work.
Learn more about CBMM in our previous case study: A museum’s dream: Preservation past physical life
CBMM creates two versions of each document for distinct purposes:
A high-quality, unaltered image to safeguard the document’s original state for archival purposes.
A shareable, lower-resolution file that enhances usability, especially for external requests like ship restorers or model builders who need detailed plans in workshop settings.
Assistant Curator,
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
This careful process not only ensures the longevity of CBMM’s collections but also democratizes access to them. By creating high-resolution archival files alongside practical, user-friendly versions, CBMM is breathing new life into their archives and making them accessible for both public and professional use.
As Gabriella Cantelmo, Assistant Curator at CBMM, noted, “One has been waiting 3 years…” to access these enhanced documents – a testament to the value of this workflow.
Through their thoughtful approach, CBMM is preserving history while paving the way for its future.
See more of the background story of preserving documents past their physical life at Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in this case study.
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