The City of Brenton’s archives, dating back to the 1800s, lived in dusty ledgers and brittle maps—valuable resources at risk of deterioration. Tasked with preserving history, archivists followed a phased digitization plan: inventory, conservation treatment, high-resolution scanning, metadata entry, and public portal launch. Employing industry-standard imaging equipment and referencing archival best practices ensured faithful reproduction of original documents. Over 50,000 items now enjoy online access, reducing physical handling by 90% and increasing research inquiries by 200%. This project exemplifies how steadfast respect for original materials, combined with modern technology, safeguards cultural heritage for future generations, bridging centuries-old traditions with digital innovation.
