CURATOR | Historical Society of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Museum, Research Library & Archives, and Historic Cemetery
March 2012-July 2016 | 3500+ hours |
HSMC was founded in 1881 and concurrently began collecting. I managed the collection both physically and digitally, using a combination of historic accession books and PastPerfect. One major goal was to connect original accession information to artifacts whose provenance was currently listed as unknown. After cataloging artifacts, I rehoused them in appropriate storage materials and shelved them. I also oversaw donations of new artifacts and served on the Collections Committee. In conjunction with the archivist, I rewrote many of our collections policies and guidelines, created new forms, and updated loan paperwork. I used my understanding of preventive conservation to improve the condition of the collection as a whole, as the budget did not allow for conservation of individual objects. I began the use of dataloggers for environmental monitoring and, based on my monitoring of temperature and relative humidity in collections spaces, made recommendations to the Board of Trustees. I was able to relocate a number of collections to more appropriate areas to ensure better long-term preservation. Other aspects of my position included design of exhibits and oversight of collections volunteers. I was in charge of temporary exhibits in the community college and city library. I also created didactic panels for presentations at local history events and the gatehouse of Historic Montgomery Cemetery. My colleagues and I staged the first exhibit at the Society’s gallery had in nearly a decade, which was a success and led to further exhibits. Before then, the Exhibit Gallery was used for overflow collections storage space, and I created small exhibits tailored to the limited space available. With the archivist, I introduced Found in Collection, HSMC’s collections blog, and wrote posts about collections objects. Other associated duties included overseeing the research desk on a rotating basis, responding to research inquiries, and assisting patrons. |
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CURATOR | Mill Grove Historic House Museum
1762 National Landmark & First Home in America of John James Audubon
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January 2012-February 2016 | 3000+ hours |
At Mill Grove, I managed a multimillion-dollar collection consisting of artwork, murals, archives, and artifacts. At the core of the collection is a set of the Birds of America Double Elephant Folio, created by John James Audubon between 1827 and 1839 and valued at over $10M. I digitally managed the collection using PastPerfect, updating existing collections records and adding new acquisitions. I also prepared items in the collection for storage and display. Major accomplishments include creation and implementation of a historic housekeeping plan and introduction of dataloggers to provide environmental monitoring for management of temperature and relative humidity throughout the house. In addition, I worked to limit light levels in areas displaying art and created a disaster preparedness plan. Other tasks included overseeing collections volunteers, handling research and related requests, and serving on the Collections Committee of the county. As curator for the county, I joined the National Audubon Society curator at the site. As I was employed by the owners of the site, my tasks primarily focused on collection management and preservation. As can be imagined, tensions often arose between the owners and the operators of the site, which I was in the position to resolve. I liaised between the county and the on-site staff on issues related to display, ownership, care of the collections, and events, to name a few. While keeping the preservation of the collection as my priority, I reached compromises and results that both groups could stand behind. I also collaborated with architects, historic preservation specialists, exhibit designers, and other staff during planning for a new visitor center and renovations to the historic mansion. I acted as the voice for the collection in designing new collections storage and display spaces, and I emphasized preservation standards to ensure the collection’s long-term care. |
PROJECT CURATOR | Mill Grove Historic House Museum
1762 National Landmark & First Home in America of John James Audubon
August-December 2011 | 500 hours |
Mill Grove is a historic site owned by the County of Montgomery, Pennsylvania, and operated day-to-day by the National Audubon Society. I was hired by the county to oversee the collection and the historic house during an HVAC renovation project. In that position, I was tasked with completing an inventory justification before preparing the collection for the renovation. I managed packing and storage of the collection, as well as documentation of work completed onsite. During the project, I also reorganized long-term collections storage areas and reconsidered display spaces. Due to my performance in the position, I was offered a permanent position. |
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