E Malama i ka Hulu Makua, Caring for Unique Collections

FAIN: PG-280757-21

Hula Preservation Society (Kaneohe, HI 96744-3814)
Keau George (Project Director: January 2021 to October 2023)

The purchase of storage furniture and preservation materials, along with training, to construct object housing for hula implements from the 1930s to the present. The collection is used in workshops, panel discussions, performances, and other programs to educate the public on the history of Hawaiian Hula, an art form that encompasses dance, poetry, religion, music, indigenous language, and cultural traditions. The project would also include a community workshop to share the results of the rehousing and teach participants how to care for hula materials they have in their family collections.

This project will implement recommendations from the 2020 Preservation Assessment of the HPS Archive in the areas of Collections Storage Space and Housings and Microclimates, and enhance the impact of the effort through a community educational program. It will support select assessment recommendations including maximizing the current storage space, installing shelving, and creating housing for cultural heritage objects. Conservator Linda Hee will provide hands-on training for three team members in the creation of object housing, specifically for hula implements. Ms. Hee will also help the Team create documents that detail housing lessons and best practices to serve as guides for future preservation work. HPS will present a public program with Ms. Hee to share the work of the project and offer guidance to the public in caring for cultural objects in their own family collections.