A brief summary of the historical background and materials used in the construction of the Statue of Liberty is provided. Upon reassembly in the United States in 1885, the statue's head was not properly aligned over the pylon's central axis according to Eiffel's design, and the shoulder and torch arm were accordingly offset; new rivet holes were made in the copper sheets of the copper skin, leaving the original holes exposed to the elements. These construction problems have permitted accelerated deterioration of the structure. The five major problems requiring immediate conservation attention were identified in 1981 and are discussed in detail; procedures being taken to restore the statue are described. See also AATA 22-1019. -- AATA