Longyear Museum of Anthropology Collections Storage Improvement Project

FAIN: PG-51318-11

Colgate University (Hamilton, NY 13346-1338)
Carol Ann Lorenz (Project Director: May 2010 to August 2013)

The purchase of equipment to monitor temperature and relative humidity in storage and exhibition areas and preservation supplies to rehouse 80 fragile items from the Longyear Museum of Anthropology's worldwide ethnographic textile and basketry collections dating from the mid-18th century.

The goals of this project are, first, to initiate an environmental monitoring system for all collections storage areas and for the exhibition gallery and, second, to improve the storage of ethnographic and contemporary art in the permanent collections of the Longyear Museum. The project will focus on several areas of particular concern: the environment in collections storage and exhibition areas; dust control in the storage areas; improving the textiles (cloths and baskets) collections storage; and improving the works on paper collections storage. The goals of this conservation project are consistent with recommendations of a Conservation Assessment performed in April of this year. A Preservation Assistance Grant will support the purchase of environmental monitoring and storage equipment and preservation supplies to meet these goals.