Resources for Conserving Flood Damaged Photos, Antiques and Heirlooms

South Carolina is no stranger to hurricanes or dangerous flooding, but that doesn’t make the aftermath any easier. While the South Carolina State Museum has weathered many storms, we understand the grief in losing precious things and the frustration in clearing debris and rebuilding. Our Collections Team is always looking for new and better ways to keep our objects safe and how to best address issues with damaged objects. 

Many types of objects can be preserved and restored and there are online resources to help. 

General Information

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to “Save Your Family Treasures

After the Flood: Emergency Stabilization and Conservation Measures National Park Service

Salvage of Water Damaged Materials Minnesota Historical Society

Northeast Document Conservation Center Disaster Assistance Northeast Document Conservation Center

For Photographs and Paper (letters, books, etc)

Saving Photographs After the Flood  American Institute for Conservation

Emergency Salvage of Flood Damaged Family Papers U.S. National Archives and Records Administration

What To Do If Collections Get WetLibrary of Congress

Salvage of Water Damaged Materials Minnesota Historical Society

For Textiles (clothing, quilts, etc)

Salvaging Water Damaged Textiles  American Institute for Conservation

Salvage At A Glance Part V: Textiles National Park Service

Salvage of Water Damaged Materials Minnesota Historical Society

For Furniture and other objects

Emergency Treatment For Water-Soaked Furniture And Wooden Objects National Park Service

Flood-Damaged Furniture Disaster Recovery North Carolina State University

Emergency Treatment of Water-Damaged Paintings on Canvas Canadian Conservation Institute

Salvage At A Glance Part III: Object Collections National Park Service

Salvage of Water Damaged Materials Minnesota Historical Society

If you would like to contact a professional conservator about your damaged items, you can find a list of conservators listed by name and region from the American Institute for Conservation here: https://community.culturalheritage.org/home.