Smithsonian museums continue to be closed to support the effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. No re-opening date is available at this time. Check our website and social media for updates. Read a message from our director.

Profile profile for jellis

Janice Stagnitto Ellis

Senior Paper Conservator
Preservation Services

Master of Science degree and Certificate in Library and Archives Conservation from Columbia University
Bachelor of Science degree in Business administration and Art History from Rutgers College.

Role in Museum: 

Responsible for the conservation, preservation, storage and exhibition of paper-based artifacts such as documents, art on paper and historic books. Surveys paper-based objects going on exhibition or loan to assess their condition and determine treatment needs. Responsible for the cleaning, stabilization and repair of artifacts in preparation for exhibition and loan. Supervision of contractors and interns and management of the day-to-day operations of the Paper Conservation Lab.

Projects: 
  • Jefferson Bible Conservation Project- lead conservator
  • 1939
  • American Stories
  • Arias
  • Avedon Kennedy Portraits
  • Buffalo Bill's Wild West Warriors: Photographs by Gertrude Käsebier
  • Celluloid
  • First Ladies
  • Food
  • Girl Scouts
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Pictures for Everyone
  • Scurlock
  • September 11: Bearing Witness to History
  • Snowboarding
  • Sweet and Sour
  • Toys from the Attic
  • Warner Brothers
Professional Affiliations: 
  • American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, Professional Associate
  • Washington Conservation Guild

Publications

"Conservation." In The Jefferson Bible, Smithsonian Edition. Smithsonian Books, 2011.

Chapter describing the unique features and conservation treatment of “The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth Extracted Textually from the Gospels in Greek, Latin, French & English”, a book made by Thomas Jefferson for his own use, and now usually known as the Jefferson Bible.

"Books." In Conservation Resources for Art and Antiques. Washington Conservation Guild, 2001.

A guideline for collectors on art and antiquities conservation, and what to expect when seeking book conservation services.

"Aloft in a Balloon: Treatment of a Scrapbook of Early Aeronautica Collected by William Upcott, 1783-1840." AIC Book and Paper Group Annual 1997, v. 16, p. 9-13.

A description of the conservation treatment of a scrapbook of early aeronautica in the collection of the National Air and Space Museum’s rare book collection.

"The Shrink Wrap Project at Rutgers University Special Collections and Archives." The Abbey Newsletter 1994, v.18, no. 3.

A description of the use of shrink wrap to protect 30,000 rare books during a collection storage renovation.

"The Shrink Wrap Project at Rutgers University Special Collections and Archives." AIC Book and Paper Group Annual 1993, v. 12, p. 56-60.

A description of the use of shrink wrap to protect 30,000 rare books during a collection storage renovation.

"Caring for your Collections: Protecting your Books from Deterioration and Damage." Orator, Smithsonian Institution, National African American Museum Project, Volume 1, No. 1, February 1993.

Guidelines for the general public on preservation recommendations for books.