Undercover Operations or Secret Initiatives
The National Archives has been at the forefront of preserving some of the world's most significant historical documents, including the Charters of Freedom – the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. However, this article will delve into a lesser-known yet equally important preservation project: the Iraqi Jewish Archive.
In 2003, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) took on the responsibility of preserving the Iraqi Jewish Archive, a collection of over 2,700 documents and artefacts that had been hidden away for decades. The archive offers a unique insight into the Jewish community that once thrived in Iraq, providing a valuable resource for scholars and historians.
The preservation of these documents was not a simple task. In 2001, the Charters of Freedom were removed from public display for conservation, and the same approach was applied to the Iraqi Jewish Archive. The NARA, in collaboration with various experts, developed state-of-the-art protective cases to store these precious documents, ensuring their longevity for future generations.
One of the key aspects of the preservation process was the use of anoxic encasements. These encasements create an environment devoid of oxygen, significantly reducing the risk of deterioration and decay. In 2022, the Anoxic Encasement Working Group published a report titled "Trajectory of Anoxic Encasements in Museum Use" detailing the benefits and challenges of this preservation method.
While the Charters of Freedom were not prepared specifically for the 21st century, the advancements in preservation techniques have undoubtedly extended their lifespan. The conserved documents were resealed in new state-of-the-art encasements, providing them with the best possible protection against the elements.
The preservation of the Iraqi Jewish Archive serves as a testament to the National Archives' commitment to preserving history, regardless of its origin or significance. For those interested in learning more about the preservation process of the Charters of Freedom, a publication titled "A New Era Begins for the Charters of Freedom" (2003) Prologue Vol. 35, No. 3, provides insights into the conservation efforts of these founding documents.
In conclusion, the preservation of historical documents is a critical task, one that the National Archives takes seriously. Whether it's the Charters of Freedom or the Iraqi Jewish Archive, the organisation is dedicated to ensuring these documents survive for future generations to study and appreciate.
