What do I do with this stuff?: Uniform/Artifact Management Noraleen A. Young CA Keeping History - GSUSA September, 2009

Basics 1 st Steps IdentificationDescriptionArrangementStoragePreservation/ConservationUsing

First Steps Does it fit within the scope of your collection policy? Where did it come from? Any information on the container/envelope? Any issues – smell, mold, unwelcome visitors?

Identification “The Guide” “The Guide” Fabric types Fabric types Catalogues Catalogues Context of the item Context of the item Other sources Other sources

Description Physical description Physical description Provenance Provenance Photograph Photograph Labeling Labeling Standardize, standardize, standardize ! Standardize, standardize, standardize !

Accession Numbers Used to track items or groups of items Common format: year-number of collection – item number year-number of collection – item number Mark item Hidden from view Hidden from view Consistent place Consistent place

Preservation/Conservation Don’t do anything that cannot be reversed! Don’t do anything that cannot be reversed! What’s it made of? What’s it made of? Stable temperature and humidity. Stable temperature and humidity. Do the best you can! Do the best you can!

Storage Economy Economy Stable environment Stable environment Use what you have Use what you have Garment bags/Boxes Garment bags/Boxes 1 st Class 1 st Class Acid-free non-buffered tissue or unbleached muslin Acid-free non-buffered tissue or unbleached muslin Non-buffered boxes Non-buffered boxes

Using Exhibits Mounts Mounts Labeling Labeling Preservation issues Preservation issuesKits How handled How handled Contents Contents

Final Thoughts Take your time Take your time Be practical! Be practical! Check your collection policy! Check your collection policy! Be Prepared!