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suffering from extreme fluctuations of temperature and humidity, from inadequate enclosure, and from rust dropping from the building frames. Some of the steel objects are suffering pitting; some alloys have advanced metal disease; electrolysis is occurring where unlike metals are in contact; rust and dirt are staining paints and fabrics; organic materials (fabrics, woods and papers) are suffering from aging and even disintegrating. The preservation efforts of the collections maintenance staff cannot prevent this, given the present storage conditions.

A further problem with the Garber facility is that storage space is in short supply; many objects remain outside because there is no enclosure to receive them. Storage has been compressed to the point of congestion. Planes that were assembled for display storage have been disassembled again to save space, and objects have been stored in the aisles, impeding access to the collections.

With the opening of an Extension, the Garber Facility will have to be entirely vacated by the National Air and Space Museum in order to make the Suitland site available for use by other bureaus.


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