Preservation of Displayed Collections Policy
Objects are at risk when they are on display. To mitigate that risk, the Museum promotes practices appropriate to the type, purpose, and priorities of each Museum collection.
Responsibilities
The Collections Manager is responsible for the preservation and display of all Museum collections. The Collections Manager advises the staff involved in displaying Museum collections about developing, planning, and implementing appropriate practices.
Preservation of Displayed Collections: Artifact Collection
The physical environment of a display must promote the preservation of the objects. The environment must meet the following requirements:
1. secure objects from physical damage, theft, or vandalism
- locking exhibit cases/vitrines
- enclosure of objects whenever appropriate
- stanchions (glass or rope) as a boundary
- furniture or pedestals to elevate the objects above the floor
- signage to deter handling
2. be chemically inert
- no acid migration
- no off-gassing
3. be mechanically inert
- furniture and mounts that are non-abrasive
- furniture and mounts that properly support objects
4. mitigate the effects of radiation (visible light and invisible light such as UV and IR)
- reduced light on objects where possible
- filtered glass/plexiglass
- mounts and designs that discourage differential fading (avoiding folding and layering of photosensitive materials)
5. mitigate temperature and relative humidity fluctuations
- microclimate for sensitive objects
- enclosure of objects whenever appropriate
6. mitigate dust and pests
- accessibility for cleaning
- enclosure of objects whenever appropriate
Preservation of Displayed Collections: Documentary Multimedia Collection
If needed for display, objects from the Documentary Multimedia Collection are displayed according to the same standards of preservation as those of the Artifact Collection.
Preservation of Displayed Collections: Teaching Collection
Objects from the Teaching Collection are displayed according to different standards of preservation based on use. Objects with a higher priority for preservation may be displayed according to the same standards of preservation as the Artifact Collection. Objects with a lower priority for preservation may be exhibited with more flexibility. For example, these objects may be folded or layered in an exhibit.
Preservation of Displayed Collections: Library Collection
If needed for display, objects from the Library Collection are displayed in a safe and cost-effective manner as determined by the Collections Manager.
Preservation of Displayed Collections: Props and Furnishings Collection
Objects from the Props and Furnishings Collection are displayed in office spaces and incorporated into exhibits. These objects are not considered a preservation priority for the Museum, but they are displayed in a safe and cost-effective manner as determined by the Collections Manager.