Delaware Bay Museum & Folklife Center Collection Storage Upgrade

FAIN: PG-51451-11

Bayshore Discovery Project (Port Norris, NJ 08349-3126)
Meghan Elizabeth Wren (Project Director: May 2010 to October 2012)

The purchase of storage furniture and the hiring of a consultant to oversee, and train staff in preparation for, the move of the Delaware Bay Museum and Folklife Center's artifacts to a new storage facility. The museum's collection documents the maritime traditions and history of the Delaware Bay from the mid-19th century to the present and contains fishing equipment, photographs, business records and correspondence, oral histories, machinery, Native American tools, and other maritime artifacts.

The Bayshore Discovery Project (BDP) proposes hiring a preservation consultant to accomplish key recommendations of the Delaware Bay Museum & Folklife Center Preservation Needs Assessment Report - 2008. The consultant will guide the systematic moving of a portion of BDP's collection from a rented facility (highlighted in the needs assessment as lacking) to a recently donated facility with greatly improved environmental and security conditions. Powder coated steel shelving will be purchased and installed to augment the existing shelving and allow all artifacts to be off the floor - as per the report's recommendation. The consultant will review the moving plan/handling procedures, amend as necessary, conduct staff and volunteer trainings and guide the moving process. She will also review and guide the development of additional recommended policies/procedures including an exhibition policy, environmental requirements and housekeeping plan.