Tutorials
- Collections Care in Extreme Conditions
Learn about alternative ways to care for collections, including choosing high-quality enclosures, managing storage and use spaces, and combining environmental monitoring with appliances to manage extreme temperature and humidity. - Collection Labeling: Safely Applying Accession Numbers to Museum Objects
The presenters in this video describe the contents of a well-stocked collections labeling kit, methods of applying numbers to a variety of objects, and provide an overview of unacceptable marking methods and materials. The video also demonstrates the use of laser-printed paper labels, which adhered with non-solvent-based adhesives are more efficient and safer for people and objects, easier to read, and easier to remove. - Labeling Objects with Laser-Printed Paper Labels
Watch presenters demonstrate how to label museum objects using laser-printed paper labels and non-solvent-based adhesives. - Materials for Storage and Soft Packing
Learn about good and bad labeling techniques. This video covers the contents of a well-stocked collections labeling kit, methods for applying numbers to a variety of objects, and provides an overview of unacceptable marking methods and materials. - Beyond the Box: Using Coroplast for Creative and Cost-Effective Storage Solutions and Exhibit Mounts
In this video, presenters discuss how Coroplast, a corrugated plastic often used for commercial signage, can be used in museums. Applications include creating a storage rack for framed art using a simple shelf unit, making shipping crates without power tools, and fabricating custom book mounts, slant boards for artifact displays, and clothing mounts. - Making Custom Boxes and Dividers for Artifacts
This video tutorial demonstrates how to design, cut, and assemble corrugated boxes and dividers for artifact storage. Soft packing methods and examples of the supplies and materials you will need to build your boxes are also covered. - Rehousing Materials and Techniques for Museum Collections
This session introduces materials and basic and intermediate techniques for rehousing 3-dimensional collections for long-term storage. The video includes an introduction of the main archival materials used in collections and why they are used, a demonstration of techniques for making basic pallets, trays, wedges and boxes, and a demonstration of specific mounting techniques for ceramics, standing figurines, arrows, hats or headdresses, shards, and textiles. - Soft Storage and Packing: Muslin
In this video, the presenter talks about the use of polyethylene foam for soft packing and storage ideas in museum collections. Some of the topics covered include: the materiality, variety, and uses of polyethylene foam for storing objects in museums. - Soft Storage and Packing: Polyethylene Foam
Learn about the use of polyethylene foam for soft packing and storage ideas in museum collections. Some of the topics covered include: the materiality, variety, and uses of polyethylene foam for storing objects in museums. - Soft Storage and Packing: Polystyrene
Discover why polystyrene foam and hard plastic – both commonly available products – are not the best materials to use in a museum collection. - Appropriate and Safe Handling of Museum Objects
In this video tutorial, the presenter demonstrates how to appropriately handle museum objects such as baskets and pottery. Some of the topics covered include: the use of gloves for handling objects as well as the use of carts, boxes, and trays to transport objects from one place to another. - Respectful Handling of Sacred Medicine Bundles
This session delivers an Inspire Talk to call attention to how medicine bundles are viewed by tribes as living entities and require extra attention from the organizations now holding them. Ethics, respectful actions, and storage solutions created to care for a collection of medicine bundles held by the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming are reviewed. This presentation discusses the criteria for storage requirements, consultations with cultural specialists and experienced conservators, and the need to associate the bundles with names of their original carriers to facilitate repatriation. - Safely Handling Art and Artifacts in Native Collections
Watch a demonstration on how to safely handle art and artifacts. Topics covered include glove choice, identification of hazardous collections materials, dust elimination, and collections care methods for various media. Emphasis is placed on how art handling protocols can be modified to accommodate for handling restrictions and other issues relevant for Native collections. - Personal Safety When Working with Collections
Learn about the types of dangers that arise when working with archival and museum collections. Some of the topics in this session include how to identify hazardous materials, how to manage risks posed by hazardous materials, personal protective equipment, and personal safety during disaster response. - Arsenic Testing for Museum Objects
This session provides an overview of arsenic use as a pesticide in collections, other potential pesticides and step-by-step instructions to sample materials for arsenic testing.
Tools