The construction of transparent biochemically neutral spcimen containers for the protection of fragile natural history specimens is described. A materials list and detailed instructions are provided. The manner of securing a specimen is described. Archival wrappers to protect the container from dirt and light are also discussed. The article is introduced by a discussion of the problems and importance of natural history specimens collected and prepared. In the 19th century and special reference is made to the Wied-Neuwied collection purchased by the American Museum of Natural History.