This paper describes the conservation treatment undertaken to stabilize a painted commemorative wood section in African Oak (Oldfieldia africana) cut from the Paddlewheeler S.S. Beaver. Due to damp condition and the composite nature of this object, an innovative conservation approach using controlled slow drying was selected. Monitoring of the moisture content of the wood using screw electrodes and a resistance moisture meter helped to minimize damage to the object during drying. -- CAL