Monitoring the Collections Storage Spaces and Improving the Collections Workspace

FAIN: PG-50715-10

Good Will-Hinckley (Hinckley, ME 04944-0159)
Deborah W. Staber (Project Director: May 2009 to September 2011)

Funding supports the purchase of shelving and environmental monitoring equipment and the hiring of a consultant to oversee the equipment's implementation and use by the staff of this historic house museum that contains more than 5,000 objects documenting the history of the Good Will-Hinkley Orphanage.

The L.C.Bates Museum's project goal is to improve the handling and storage of its significant historic object and archival collections. To achieve this goal, we propose to work with conservator, Ron Harvey to implement the recommendations of our conservation assessments for improving the collections storage environment and for improving collections handling in our work space. The project preservation activities include: 1.] Implementing and evaluating a climate and light monitoring program in all 2nd floor storage areas and the collections work space. 2. At the end of 1 year of monitoring, having the conservator review the monitoring data and based on the data, make written recommendations for planning and implementing climate controls for these storage spaces. 3.] With Maine Archives and Museum, have the conservator present a workshop for regional museums on monitoring museums environments. And 4.] Purchase 4 shelving units for the storage work area.