Discover stories from work going on inside the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's conservation lab. 

Showing 1 - 10 of 31

Story WASP in Formation: What We Can Learn from Bernice “Bee” Falk Haydu’s WASP Uniform Posted on Mar 16, 2024

The Conservation team at the Museum recently had the opportunity to examine Haydu’s dress uniform to prepare it for display in the upcoming reimagined Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air gallery. The artifact not only reflects the changing role of women in American society during WWII but also embodies the technological advancements and global impact of the conflict.

Topics: Aviation Women World War II
Story Conservation Treatment of Gilmore the Flying Lion: Making Decisions Posted on May 18, 2023

As a cub in the 1930s, Gilmore made aviation history when he traveled around the United States with the flamboyant and colorful aviator Roscoe Turner as a mascot for the Gilmore Oil Company. This is the second in a three-part blog series about the conservation treatment of Gilmore the Flying Lion. Explore how the Museum balanced caring for the original taxidermy with the goal to present Gilmore as lifelike as possible.

Topics: Aviation Behind the scenes Science
Story Conservation Treatment of Gilmore the Flying Lion: Examination Posted on Feb 07, 2023

As a cub in the 1930s, Gilmore made aviation history when he traveled around the United States with the flamboyant and colorful aviator Roscoe Turner as a mascot for the Gilmore Oil Company. Read and see images of the detailed discoveries made during the initial examination of the conservation treatment of Gilmore.

Topics: Aviation Early flight Behind the scenes
Story Making the Most of Treating a 30-Foot Diameter Umbrella-Shaped Antenna Posted on Oct 24, 2022

Conservator Rachel Greenberg reflects on the conservation and restoration of a 30-foot parabolic antenna that is part of a full-scale engineering model of the Applications Technology Satellite-6 (ATS-6). Read about the large umbrella-shaped antenna that now hangs from the ceiling in the new One World Connected gallery.

Topics: Spaceflight Behind the scenes Satellites
Story Conserving the Lunar Roving Vehicle Posted on Apr 27, 2022

The lunar roving vehicle (LRV), gave Apollo 15, Apollo 16, and Apollo 17 astronauts the ability to travel far distances and haul equipment and samples with ease. Read about the conservation treatment of the qualification test unit LRV, used for testing to ensure that the rovers for the Apollo missions functioned properly while on the Moon.

Topics: Spaceflight Apollo program Behind the scenes Technology and Engineering
Story An Old Trophy Finds New Life Posted on Mar 31, 2022

Recently an old trophy with a standing figure of the Roman god Mercury on top was treated by our Conservation Unit. Discover the story behind it and learn about its conservation treatment.

Topics: Behind the scenes
Story I’ll have the Veal! Preservation with a Can-Do Attitude Posted on Apr 03, 2021

Our conservators and curators recently faced an interesting question: Is it practical to retain perishable material and what long-range obligations are required? To find the answers, a collaborative effort was required, allowing for preservation of our collection of space food.

Topics: Spaceflight Human spaceflight Behind the scenes
Story All Dressed Up: A Study of Stearate Growth Occurring on Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s Leather Flight Helmet Posted on Dec 22, 2020

In 2018, a peculiar condition phenomenon was observed on the helmet of Anne Morrow Lindbergh and it was removed from display for examination and conservation. An investigation into the cause of the condition issue is reviewed.

Topics: Aviation Behind the scenes Women
Story Preserving Flak-Bait: Reversing a 1970s Restoration Posted on Apr 28, 2020

In the latest blog about the preservation of Flak-Bait, conservator Lauren Horelick describes the work being done on the overpaint of the aircraft.

Topics: Aircraft Behind the scenes World War II
Story Conserving the Creativity that Saved the Apollo 13 Astronauts Posted on Apr 16, 2020

Conservator Lauren Gottschlich explores the conservation work recently done on a replica of the altered lithium hydroxide filter used during the Apollo 13 mission.

Topics: Apollo program Spacecraft Behind the scenes Technology and Engineering