Preservation Assessment of Archaeological Objects

FAIN: PG-50770-10

Alutiiq Heritage Foundation (Kodiak, AK 99615-7326)
Jill Lipka (Project Director: May 2009 to September 2010)

Hiring two preservation consultants to assess the mounting and display of the Alutiiq Museum archaeological objects, provide on-site training in mount-making to six local organizations, and to develop a long-term plan to remount the museum's objects that are on rotating display. The museum holds 170,000 prehistoric artifacts from Alaskan cultures, the oldest object dating from 7,500 years ago.

The Alutiiq Heritage Foundation, through the Alutiiq Museum seeks to insure the preservation of exhibited artifacts by improving mounting and display practices in its permanent gallery. To meet this goal, the museum will undertake Safely Shared - a survey, training, and planning project. With the help of two professionals from the Alaska State Museum, we will review our current mounting and display practices, host on-site training in conservation sensitive mounting for museum staff and community colleagues, and develop a plan for upgrading long term exhibits.