Partnerships on the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s campus usually are project based; however, the one between the Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science and the Mary and Jeff Bell Library’s Special Collections and Archives share a mutual historic connection over the Charles F.H. von Blucher Family papers. One of the most prominent collections in the archives, the Charles F.H. von Blucher Family papers contain several generations of geographical surveying records. Conrad Blucher, Charles Blucher’s son, is a third-generation surveyor in the family and the namesake for CBI.
This connection interweaves the two departments intrinsically which is the launching pad for many collaborative projects. We have hosted events, worked on scanning and inventorying of map collections, created websites and social media content, and accomplished many other endeavors. With a strong collaborative partnership between us, when CBI suggested hosting a professional surveying society meeting, we jumped at the chance to assist at the March 5th meeting of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors – Coastal Bend Chapter 12. During the meeting, CBI helped highlight the archival holdings of the Mary and Jeff Bell Library while the Archives provided a behind-the-scenes tour of the archives in which the members of TSPS had a hands-on experience with the Blucher Family Papers.
The TSPS members were delighted and intrigued by the historic records and, with the aid of CBI coordinating this special meeting, they sought to assist in our mission. TSPS members learned about the care and preservation of the historical surveying records and about some of the tools and supplies to house and store them. As a result, the members collected donations to support the preservation and care of the surveying records.
This generous donation will help us purchase special archival weights and book supports. Special Collections and Archives Director Lori Podolsky explains the need for these weights: “The care and preservation of historical materials often begins with careful consideration of the materials’ condition and treatment to minimize damage. Materials that have been repeatedly folded or rolled become weakened, causing tears and holes along the folds. The process of flattening ensures that the materials do not require constant handling to open or unfold creating more damage. Flattening also plays a crucial role in the storage of materials which also aids in their preservation. In order to flatten documents, we use special archival weights.” She also notes that, “when consulting field books and other bound journals, the books should be properly supported to prevent damage and deterioration to the spine. The ability to cradle various sizes of books while turning the pages are crucial when choosing a support.”
We are fortunate in our partnership with CBI and thankful to the members of the TSPS to aid in our preservation of important records.
