Dynamic studies permit the observation of microscopical changes of materials over time as various factors alter an object. Using this methodology, processes important in art conservation and archaeology such as the wetting and drying of consolidated and unconsolidated building materials or the corrosion of metals from air pollutants can be studied <i>in situ</i> and <i>in tempora</i>. The development of the environmental scanning electron microscope (E-SEM) has made it possible to videotape these dynamic processes at nearly the same resolution limits as traditional SEM technologies without elaborate sample preparation. Experiments examining salt crystallization, shrinkage in adobe, and lead corrosion illustrate the value and applicability of the new E-SEM technology.