General Preservation Assessment of Archival Material and Artifacts

FAIN: PG-50824-10

Minnetrista Cultural Foundation, Inc. (Muncie, IN 47303-2925)
Karen M. Vincent (Project Director: May 2009 to December 2011)

A general preservation assessment of approximately 20,000 artifacts and 600 linear feet of company and family records, many of them connected with the Ball Brothers' glass works, which operated in Muncie from 1887 to 1962. The collection includes canning jars, bottles, clothing, furniture, folk and decorative arts, and other materials related to the heritage of east-central Indiana.

Minnetrista will hire a professional conservation specialist to conduct a general preservation/conservation assessment of its artifact and archival collections. The purpose of the general preservation/conservation assessment is to gather the information necessary to develop a long-range preservation/conservation plan and to identify areas of immediate concern in collections care and handling, storage, and environmental conditions. The consultant will also advise on the development of the long-range preservation/conservation plan. Data gathered will also drive any necessary revisions in the collections management policy.