Bright Past, Fragile Future

Late 19th-century political parties rallied their followers by holding torchlight parades.

Organizers raised banners, decorated wagons and sought out bands, uniformed precision marchers and groups of local supporters to take part in the hours-long event.

In the evening, marchers lit up the street carrying torches, lamps and lanterns.

Screen printed paper lanterns held candles and glowed with patriotic imagery or the image or name of the party's candidate(s).

These delicate lanterns were intended for one-time use. Made of inexpensive paper and cardboard with metal wire handles, their survival for more than 100 years is remarkable.

Finely pleated construction, acidic paper materials, and harsh environments threatened the relatively few paper lanterns that did survive.

Skilled conservators began the risky, time-consuming process of stabilizing the lanterns.

They gently removed surface dirt and stains, then exposed the lanterns to humidity in a controlled environment.

To slow the degradation process, the lanterns were de-acidified and – after being photographed – placed in custom made acid-free boxes.

Though they may not survive another hundred years, thanks to the efforts of The Henry Ford’s conservators and photographers these rare and delicate examples of America’s political past will live on in digital form.