Improving flat file storage for rare and historical maps [the newberry library requests funds from the national endowment for the humanities to rehouse 12,000 rare and historical maps stored flat to…

The National Endowment for the Humanities awarded Newberry Library $347,130 on January 1, 2026, under the Promotion of the Humanities Division of Preservation and Access program (CFDA 45.149) to improve flat file storage for rare and historical maps.

Newberry Library will remove failing flat file storage furniture, purchase and install new furniture that nearly quadruples storage capacity with minimal increase in footprint, improve protective housing throughout the collection, and create space for growth. The project addresses 12,000 rare and historical maps currently stored flat, using environmentally sustainable methods to ensure long-term preservation and free public access. Work is performed in Illinois with a period of performance extending from January 1, 2026, through March 31, 2028. The assistance type is a project grant.

Improving flat file storage for rare and historical maps [the newberry library requests funds from the national endowment for the humanities to rehouse 12,000 rare and historical maps stored flat to ensure long-term preservation and free public access. The project will use environmentally sustainable methods to remove failing flat file storage furniture, purchase and install new furniture that nearly quadruples storage capacity with minimal increase in footprint, improve protective housing throughout the flat map collection, and create space for the collection to continue to grow.]