The Ohio Historical Society collections management service manager Russell Arledge, left, and volunteer Mary Beth Quinllin look at a 19th-century quilt in the society's warehouse Jan. 21 in Columbus.

Economy threatens work to preserve history

COLUMBUS - The Civil War flag that was brandished by the 42nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry is wrapped tightly around its pole. It's a delicate task to unfurl the nearly 150-year-old banner without it crumbling like a potato chip.

Yet the humidity-raising chamber used to loosen the material consists of a homemade aluminum frame covered with a plastic-like film. It was built with parts from Lowe's that cost less than $500. The work is being done in a warehouse and in a homemade chamber instead of with state-of-the-art equipment costing as much as $20,000.

With the recession tightening its grip, budgets being cut and donors drying up, preservationists are scaling back on restorations.

Money still is being given for conservation but not at the levels that are necessary, said Eryl Wentworth, executive director of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works.