T160K: Libraries in Exile

    In the last few days I have exchanged multiple emails with
    Stephanie Diakite  who worked tirelessly  in 2012 with others to
    evacuate 300,000 manuscripts from Timbuktu in the midst of
    civil war.

    Subsequent to  evacuation to the south, these medieval African
    manuscripts were crammed in metal chests used for their
    transport and continued mobility. The chests are heavy and the
    manuscripts risk immediate physical damage as they are tightly
    packed, without additional housing. The rains will start later
    this month and many fear these irreplaceable documents risk
    immediate degradation, including permanent deformation and mold.

    Efforts are underway to raise urgently needed funds and supplies
    as these documents must be protected from humidity and further
    damage.

    Stephanie and the people of Mali need our help. Now.  Her video
    is compelling.

        <URL:http://vimeo.com/66536175>

    The German government, in collaboration with the Gerda Henkel
    Foundation, will support the conservation of 20,000 manuscripts.
    280,000 manuscripts remain to be housed in archival-quality
    boxes buffered with silica gel to trap humidity. The work will
    be done in the safehouses under the protection of nightfall by
    members of the library families.

    To raise funds and to build awareness and support, Stephanie and
    her colleagues have launched a world-wide initiative entitled
    T-160K Timbuktu Libraries in Exile. To date, 607 contributors
    have shown their support for implementation of this emergency
    conservation strategy through direct donations

        <URL:http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/timbuktu-libraries-in-exile/x/3254149?c=home>

    I hope you will join me and others in helping to save these
    ancient African manuscripts for the world. A donation of $30
    will preserve one manuscript. Together, we can do much more!
    Donations must be received by June 20, 2013.

    Many, many thanks and with best regards, Debbie

    Debra Hess Norris
    Henry Francis DuPont Chair of Fine Arts
    Chair and Professor, Art Conservation Department
    Director
    Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation
    University of Delaware
    (302) 831-3696

Eryl P. Wentworth
AIC and FAIC Executive Director
202-661-8060
Fax: 202-452-9328


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 27:2
                  Distributed: Thursday, June 13, 2013
                        Message Id: cdl-27-2-001
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