Researcher Visits Old Dutch Kite
The beginning of 2008 saw for the Drachen Foundation visiting researcher Thom 
Shanken in the office to find out more about Peter Lynn’s “Old Dutch Kite.” Shanken, with avid interest both in kites and the American colonial period, has spent much time in the study of paper artifacts related to this time period. Having learned about the kite through the DF Kite Journal, Shanken contacted DF in the fall of 2007 with the desire to spend time at the study center in serious analysis of the artifact.
Shanken spent three days examining the kite in various ways. He first made 
surface observations—learning what he could from the kite “at first glance.” These observations included detailed first impressions of the kite, how the parts were attached, what surface repairs could be noted, complete measurements, etc. Next, Shanken used diagnostic tools including infrared and ultraviolet scanning, backlighting, as well as microscopes to view the paper’s fibers
A professional forensic coroner, Shanken approached his study methodically and with great care—taking detailed notes with a tape recorder. With thorough 
knowledge of the paper making method from that time period, Shanken was able to determine that the paper used to make the kite had been made in a method that can be dated around the 1773 date written on the sail.
Now back at his home in New York State, Shanken will continue his study of the pear top—sharing photos and data with friends and colleagues in academia. He plans to use contacts in the Netherlands to further investigate more about the kite’s origin. His compiled research will take many, many months and will be published in a future issue of Drachen’s forthcoming journal—Discourse: At the End of the Line.
Shanken’s visit to the Drachen Foundation study center demonstrates the depth 
of research, study and documentation that will allow Drachen to fill out the historical profile of kites. Our desire is to find and preserve that which is in the world of kiting and work with qualified individuals and organizations to learn more about the history of these items, in order to make this information available to all.