National Park Service conservators rescue century-old textiles from moldy trunk

When a locked trunk belonging to the Cone family arrived at the National Park Service Museum Conservation Lab, it hadn't been opened in over 40 years. Inside lay a "mystery bundle" of textiles belonging to Bertha Cone, the enigmatic wife of the "Denim King." This guide explores the meticulous process of stabilizing and uncovering these artifacts.

Tools for Delicate Extraction

• Freezer: Essential for non-toxic pest management and killing biological activity.
• HEPA Vacuum: For removing dry mold spores and surface debris safely.
• Humidification Chamber: Supplies gentle vapor to relax brittle, creased fibers.
• Stabletex: A fine, synthetic mesh used to provide structural support to failing areas.
• Archival Materials: Blueboard and acid-free tubes for long-term storage.

Step-by-Step Restoration

1. Freeze and Isolate: Immediately freeze objects to halt insect activity and bacteria. This is safer for the artifact and the conservator than chemical treatments.
2. Surface Cleaning: Use a vacuum to remove loose debris, such as the maple seed pods and dust found in the Bertha Cone trunk.
3. Local Humidification: Reintroduce moisture slowly. Instead of steam, use gentle vapor crease-by-crease to prevent the fabric—especially silk—from shattering.
4. Wet Cleaning: Once stabilized, perform a controlled wash to remove decades of acidic degradation and mold staining.
5. Stabilization: Support splits with Stabletex or similar linings to allow for handling and research.

Conservation Secrets and Troubleshooting

Anne Ennes warns that starch is a perfect food for mold; if you find a starched linen tablecloth, expect heavy splitting at the creases. If you encounter fragile fragments, use a passive mat system. Sandwiching an item between archival boards allows researchers to view both sides without ever touching the textile, maximizing access while minimizing physical risk.

Expected Outcome

Following this protocol transforms a "crunchy," mold-ridden bundle into a stabilized historical record. From these bundles, Anne Ennes recovered Macy's handkerchiefs with original iron tags and needle-lace napkins, finally allowing curators to catalog and interpret the personal life of a historical figure who purposely burned her own correspondence.