A dirty face mask used by a conservator.
You may have seen our recent Facebook post on March 26 about a donation DHR made of masks and gloves to our local first responders. Some folks have asked why we had those supplies. The answer is simple—artifacts are dirty and we don't want our staff to inhale whatever is on those items as they are cleaned and stabilized.
Regardless of when or where they were recovered, all artifacts have some level of dirt and decay that must be addressed before they can be accessed for research purposes, placed on display, or stored for the future. Removing dust, rust, soil, and other encrusting solids can create small particles of debris that float in the air. A low-power vacuum hose can remove some of these particles but because our conservators work closely with the objects, they can inhale some of these particles unless they wear a mask.
We take other precautions as well. Conservation and collections management programs include substantial safety training. If you would like to learn about this and many other issues related to collections work, we recommend the National Park Service's Museum Management Program series of "Conserv O Grams."
These are somewhat technical articles but have a lot of valuable information that you can use to take care of your own precious objects at home. To read more about DHR collections, visit our Spotlight on Collections blogs.
Related Blogs
Ask an Archaeologist: Ancient Stone Tools Discovered in Hanover County Yield Many Questions, Few Answers
A Star Is Reborn: The Rehabilitation of Wytheville’s Millwald Theatre
Quarterly Newsletter Spring 2023
State Superlatives in Historic Preservation
DHR Hosts Virtual Battlefield Grant Program Workshop
Virginia Landmarks Register Spotlight: Rosemont of Powhatan County
A Study in Preservation Excellence: Bedford Training School
Grave Matters: The African American Cemetery & Graves Fund
Old Mansion in Caroline County: History, Houses, and Horses