following a $500,000 restoration of the Government Archives.

Since last June workmen have installed state-of-the-art technology allowing staff to control temperature and humidity to protect books and papers.

A special humidity controlled area has been put into place allowing people to read documents in an environmentally controlled area and the public viewing area has also been improved.

Sen. Yvette Swan, Minister for Community and Cultural Affairs, said: "The work will increase the lifespan of the archives' documents by slowing the rate of deterioration caused by Bermuda's humid, sub-tropical climate.'' Planning for the renovations began in 1992 when the Archives brought in US expert William Lull to carry out an environmental survey and develop a plan for the area.

Equipment was made by Munters Cargocaire, of Massachusetts, under contract to Air Care Ltd. in Bermuda.

It is similar to equipment for other projects to be undertaken in some US institutions and will provide the public with assurances that what is placed in the archives will be fully protected.

The Archives contain some of Bermuda's richest treasures including the 1663 Norwood Survey Map, which was recently sent to the US for preservation, the Charter for the Bermuda Company, dated 1615, and Minutes from the Executive Council, dated 1693.