We are so pleased to announce that we have been awarded $39,236 from the Institute of Museum & Library Services “Inspire! Grants for Small Museums” to digitize and rehouse 1,352 objects in our collection. This project includes complete removal, inventory, installation, and rehousing of high density rolling shelving.

This project is a small subset of our collection of 17,976 local history materials. The 1,352 objects in this portion consist of mainly material culture objects that are all located in one of three small collections storage rooms. These objects are currently the most at risk for potential collections management issues related to substandard storage furniture, crowded conditions, and minimally cataloged. This winter we will undertake a complete rehousing and associated inventory and digitization of these objects that have not been adequately documented in our modern database.

Planned activities consist of complete removal of all objects in the room, installation of high density rolling storage units, record updates and photography, and rehousing with accurate location details. It will will culminate in a completely reorganized, well stored, and well documented collection. Updated records will be exported to the web as part of our online database. It will also help our further interpretive efforts by permitting increased access for educators, researchers, and the public. As a small organization with a limited budget, this small investment will have a large institutional impact and allow us to determine how to undertake future projects in our collection. It will help us to better manage our collection internally and better interpret it to the public, which will further allow us to broaden our audience and support.

“As pillars of our communities, libraries and museums bring people together by providing important programs, services, and collections. These institutions are trusted spaces where people can learn, explore and grow,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “IMLS is proud to support their initiatives through our grants as they educate and enhance their communities.”

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow IMLS on Facebook and Twitter.