Nitrate film poses a dangerous risk to archives, museums and other cultural institutions. But, how are these organizations preserving this flammable film? The Wyoming State Historic Records and Advisory Board (SHRAB) invites the public to this month’s Quick Tips, which will share the preservation strategies of the Wyoming State Archives and the American Heritage Center. In a collaborative panel, Cindy Brown, Bill Hopkins and Emmaline Velasquez will discuss their techniques, tips and tricks for preserving nitrate film.

The session will be held Oct. 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Google Meet at meet.google.com/bgr-reit-tkr or by dialing (US) +1 319-449-2718, PIN: 581 688 137#.

Our speakers

University of Wyoming American Heritage Center Assistant Director and Head of Collections Management Bill Hopkins and Wyoming State Archives Digital Archivist Cindy Brown collaborated on researching and developing their institutions’ nitrate-negative solution.

Emmaline Velasquez is the primary processor for the Carrigen Nitrate Negative Collection and has previously worked as a registrar, docent, and scanning technician. She will provide practical, hands-on advice for working with these materials.

The speakers will share their experiences and practical solutions from their ongoing work with nitrate film through their presentation. Participants will learn about the challenges and hands-on strategies involved in working with this highly flammable material.

Attendees will learn: 

• Challenges and Strategies for Preserving Nitrate Film and Negatives
• Freezer Storage Preparation, Monitoring, and Safety Practices
• Project Planning and Resource Needs for Nitrate Projects
• Practical Handling and Digitization Tips for Nitrate
• Supporting Wyoming's Cultural Heritage Mission

The Roving Archivist Program Quick Tips series represents SHRAB's ongoing commitment to providing accessible professional development for Wyoming's cultural heritage community. These sessions support institutions statewide in improving their preservation practices and collections care.

For more information about the Roving Archivist Program, visit rovingarchivist.wyo.gov/home or email spcr.rovingarchivist@wyo.gov.