This must have been a very emotional moment for you! Few of us can connect that far back with our ancestors (especially not with something as intimate and personal as a diary). I'm looking forward to seeing more of this very special trip, and all the links you find to your ancestor along the way.
Interestingly, I watched a UA-cam video featuring a historically significant antique book (can't remember the book, library or museum in question) where the host was specifically instructed not to wear gloves when handling it. Apparently the lower dexterity from wearing gloves was deemed a bigger risk to handling the books than the oils from ungloved hands were.
This must have been a very emotional moment for you! Few of us can connect that far back with our ancestors (especially not with something as intimate and personal as a diary). I'm looking forward to seeing more of this very special trip, and all the links you find to your ancestor along the way.
It was very special and I’m still pinching myself. 😊 I’m glad to have you along for the ride.
You should be wearing gloves and the State Library has beached protocols on handling history documents.
Interestingly, I watched a UA-cam video featuring a historically significant antique book (can't remember the book, library or museum in question) where the host was specifically instructed not to wear gloves when handling it. Apparently the lower dexterity from wearing gloves was deemed a bigger risk to handling the books than the oils from ungloved hands were.
I didn’t breach any protocols. I asked if I should be wearing gloves and was told I didn’t need to so long as I had clean hands.