Improving the Storage Environment of the Museum's Collections

FAIN: PG-50670-09

Museum of Printing History (Houston, TX 77019-4036)
Amanda Stevenson (Project Director: May 2008 to October 2011)

The purchase of storage furniture, preservation supplies, and environmental monitoring equipment. A consultant will train the museum curator in the use and installation of the datalogger as well as in the interpretation of the data. Collection items to be rehoused include prints and books from the fifteenth century to the present, miniature books, and American newspapers dating from the seventeenth century to the present.

The Museum of Printing History requests a Preservation Assistance Grant in the amount of $5958 to purchase storage furniture and preservation supplies to rehouse the book and paper items in the permanent collection. The grant will also support the purchase of dataloggers to develop an environmental monitoring system for collections storage and for the permanent galleries. The goals of the conservation project are derived from recommendations based on a Conservation Assessment Program collection survey performed in 2002. The Museum of Printing History displays a dynamic collection of historical documents, fine art prints, and antique printing equipment. Based on previous improvements made to the storage and display of the permanent collection, purchasing necessary equipment and supplies is an appropriate next step in caring for the collection over the long term.