Charters of Freedom Encasements - National Archives

Heery’s long-term relationship with the General Services Administration was extended in a  prestigious assignment leading the design team for the encasements that protect the “Charters of Freedom” - the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence.  Heery, in consultation with the National Archives, quickly determined that the unusual nature of the encasement project would require a special design development and manufacturing process, one that would take advantage of emerging technologies regarding metal alloys and gas content analysis.

The challenge of utilizing the latest cutting-edge technology to protect the Charters, some 200 years after their writing, was met by a highly specialized team.  Heery brought together conservation design experts, parchment consultants, mechanical engineers and exhibit designers to accomplish the task.  Once the Heery team developed the concept design, the National Institute of Standards & Technology, who had designed the encasements 50 years ago, was brought in to research material options and develop the prototype.

Heery also managed the renovation of the National Archives rotunda, where the Charters are housed. The Charters of Freedom were placed on display in their new encasements in the Rotunda of Archives I in September 2003, when the National Archives reopened to rave reviews.  Heery continued managing Phase Two of the project, which included a new theater and renovation of additional non-public areas.  The project was completed by the end of 2004.