Improving Storage Conditions for Two At-Risk Collections

FAIN: PG-263530-19

Central Washington University (Ellensburg, WA 98926-7599)
Lynn A. Bethke (Project Director: April 2018 to March 2021)

The purchase and installation of storage racks and shelving for an ethnographic collection that includes strong holdings from the Pacific Northwest, Central and South America, New Guinea, and West Africa.  The racks and shelving would improve storage conditions for the collection’s most vulnerable objects, a set of large carved and decorated wooden shields from Papua New Guinea and a collection of Native American dance regalia from central Washington State.  The collections play an important role in the university’s Museum Studies courses, and are used in exhibits, and by students, faculty, and outside researchers.

The Museum of Culture and Environment (MCE) requests funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities Preservation Assistance Grant for Smaller institutions for: the purchase and installation of art racking for a collection of eight Mengen shields from New Britain, Papua New Guinea and the purchase of shelving and storage supplies for a collection of sixteen pieces of Native American dance regalia, clothing, and accessories. The MCE’s eclectic holdings reflect the varied history of collecting by individuals in central Washington State. The objects are vital for display at the MCE, for study by individuals at Central Washington University and beyond, and for supporting the training of students enrolled in the Museum Studies minor. These dual rehousing projects contribute to the Museum’s goal of long term preservation of its collections at the highest professional standards. The MCE requests $5673 for the completion of these projects.