How to Preserve Priceless Documents at the National Archives

The National Archives has been responsible for preserving federal records since 1934. Its primary building in downtown Washington is part research library, part administrative office and part museum. Key founding documents — the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights — are displayed in its rotunda.

The agency takes extreme precaution to slow the degradation of these fragile records, made of parchment and featuring iron gall ink.

Before the rotunda opens to the public, Dong Eun Kim, a senior exhibition conservator, checks the light levels. Because light causes ink to fade, the rotunda is kept dim — about five candles’ worth of light, or 60 lumens.