History Lost & Found
Conservation Specialists Cambray Sampson and I recently returned from a training session with Textile Preservation Associates. One of the goals of our trip was to examine a framed silk fragment recently donated to the collection. We have evidence that this fragment came from a flag carried by the 15th Michigan Infantry that is in the Capitol’s collection, and we were hoping that the experts at TPA could help us determine if this was true.
The first step in this process was to get the fragment out of its antique frame. This could be a tricky task because we didn’t know if the silk was glued to its paper backing, or if it had become stuck to the glass. Luckily, in this case the fabric came out easily as soon as the glass was removed.
Once the fragment was free of its frame, we began the process of humidifying and flattening it. Since this piece had been crumpled up on itself for many years, there was the possibility that the painted surfaces had fused together. We gently slid a small, metal spatula under the folds and determined that the paint was not stuck to itself, and the fabric still had some flexibility which would make it easier to unfold.
Next, we applied distilled water to the fabric which helps to relax the fibers and make them more pliable. Using spatulas and tweezers, we carefully maneuvered the crumpled, twisted fabric, realigning the fibers into their original position. With the fragment flat, but still wet, we let it dry under glass weights and paper towels.
Meanwhile, we took a closer look at the flag of the 15th Infantry. While there is only about a third of this flag left, the silk fabric that remains is in relatively good condition, and the painted areas seem to be stable. This flag was sewn between layers of netting in the 1960s so we removed a few small pieces of the netting in order to study its condition and compare it to the fragment.
Using a high-powered microscope, we examined the flag of the 15th and the fragment looking for any similarities and differences. We compared the color and scale of the painted elements, took a thread count from both fabrics, considered the color and weave of the silk, and looked at the layers of pigments in the painted areas.
After extensive analysis, we determined that it was likely, but not definite that the fragment belongs to this flag! Most of the differences we found in the pieces can be explained by the different conditions they were stored in over the years. However, since many Civil War flags were produced by the same manufacturers, using the same materials, it is possible that this fragment came from another regimental Union flag.
Now that both of these pieces are back in our Heritage Hall lab, we plan to encapsulate the fragment in lightweight nylon to preserve its condition and finish removing the netting from the remainder of the flag. When we complete this work, the fragment and the flag will be stored together at the Michigan History Museum.
Together, these pieces tell a remarkable story of history lost and found!
May Oyler, Conservation Specialist