Program

Preservation and Access: Preservation Assistance Grants

Period of Performance

1/1/2018 - 6/30/2019

Funding Totals

$6,000.00 (approved)
$5,985.80 (awarded)


Medford Historical Society & Museum, Collections Preservation Assessment

FAIN: PG-258399-18

Medford Historical Society (Medford, MA 02155-3007)
Allison Andrews (Project Director: May 2017 to March 2018)
Lani O'Donnell (Project Director: March 2018 to August 2019)

A preservation assessment of a local history collection consisting of 20 linear feet of letters, land documents, scrapbooks, and other archival records; 30 linear feet of reference books and journal articles; 15 linear feet of photographs; and more than one thousand Native American artifacts and other historic objects related to the history of Medford, Massachusetts.

The Medford Historical Society & Museum (MHSM) preserves and shares with the public a diverse collection of unique and valuable items documenting the rich history of Medford, Massachusetts and its role in the development of the nation. Its humanities collections consist of archives and objects, largely items from the 18th and 19th centuries and a major Civil War photograph collection, as well as Native American and 20th century. Significant figures from Colonial through the post-Revolutionary eras - military, government, and industry; also authors and abolitionists - are represented, as well as items from ordinary citizens which tell the story of daily life. The museum serves the local and broad public through exhibits, programs, educational outreach, and research resources. The grant would provide a comprehensive collections assessment with the goal of preserving and properly maintaining the wide variety of materials to serve this mission.





Associated Products

Preservation Assesement of the Object Collection at the Medford Historical Society and Museum LAB #OB-2659 (Report)
Title: Preservation Assesement of the Object Collection at the Medford Historical Society and Museum LAB #OB-2659
Author: Helene Gillette-Woodard
Abstract: The report is a general preservation assessment of the object collection at the Medford Historical Society and Museum. It includes analysis and recommendations regarding inventory, security, and the care and condition of artifacts. Recommendations include environmental (temperature and humidity), pest identification and control, housekeeping, proper storage, control of dust and dirt pollution, preparation for a major building renovation project, mold remediation, control of light levels, and cost-conscious rehousing of artifacts.
Date: 12/4/2018
Access Model: This document is for internal use only.

Report of a Preservation Needs Assessment (Report)
Title: Report of a Preservation Needs Assessment
Author: Sean Ferguson
Abstract: This report addressed Organizational Issues, Collection Management and Preservation Planning, the Building and Environment, Collection Storage and Handling, Conservation, Digitization, Exhibition Practices, and Preparation for Building Renovation. The report also provided a summary of recommendations, a methodology ("Implementation Matrix") for prioritizing activities, and a comprehensive list of additional resources.
Date: 12/14/18
Access Model: This document is for internal use only.