Conservation Treatments and Related Rehousing

With funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, 11 of the most fragile objects from the Morgan Collection were treated and rehoused by consulting conservator Gwen Spicer during 2000. Images of them before and after treatment show how urgent was the need for this work, and the details of what was done to stabilize their condition.

• Green kilt (NYSM 37079)
• Red overdress (NYSM 36615)
• Green overdress (NYSM 36644)
• Child's red overdress (NYSM 36650)
• Beaded skirt (NYSM 36664)
• Beaded skirt with ribbonwork (NYSM 36612)
• Woman's beaded leggings (NYSM 36617)
• Legging drops (NYSM 36668)
• Hatband with brooches (NYSM 36647)
• Basket sieve (NYSM 134)
• Bird trap (NYSM 36682)

Other Rehousing

Examples of custom-made supports and containers provided for objects in the collection that were not in need of conservation treatment at this time include the following. Each object in the collection now has such housing, appropriate to its materials, shape, and condition.

	Jim Walsh is one of the museum staff members who created custom housings for Morgan Collection objects that did not receive conservation treatment.
	Sash in custom-made container. Padded support sits above lower section of sash in container.
	Cradleboard in custom-made container.
	Snowshoes in custom-made container.
	Pipe in custom-made container. Tabs are used to help lift pieces out.
	War club in custom-made container, shaped to accommodate club and feathers.
	War club housing, detail, showing covers for feathers.
	Stirring paddle in custom-made container.
	Three ladles on custom-made supports.
	Top view of salt bottle in custom-made container.
	This container has a window in the bottom, to allow examination of the basket's structure and concave shape.
	The pieces of the hatband are supported and held in place on the mount by a tie. The tabs at either side of the support board are used to lift it in and out of the box.
	Wampum belt in custom-made container.

New Storage Cabinets

New storage cases contribute to overall better housing for the collection. Filters allow air circulation without introduction of dirt and other pollutants. Ball-bearing drawer mounts minimize damage from jerking and bumping. The oversized cabinet shown here can accommodate large garments without folding.

	This custom-made storage case, 84" W x 48" D x 79" H, is large enough to accommodate Morgan Collection skirts and other garments without having to fold or compress them.		Large storage case, showing drawers.