Care of Collections:
Why Can't We See it All?
Donors and visitors often want to know why they can’t see everything in a museum’s collections. The easy answer is, there just isn’t enough space. But like many easy answers, it doesn’t tell the whole story. There are also issues of preservation, conservation, security, exhibit content and visitor interest to consider.
Space
The CIS Collections, like those of most major museums, contain so many objects that it would be impossible to exhibit all of them at the same time. In CIS’ secure storage areas, objects are shelved side-by-side and shelf-over-shelf. The shelves are so high that staff must use ladders to get to the top levels. It would take many more exhibit cases and thousands more square feet of gallery space to present them all at one time.
Preservation
Exposure to light, temperature and humidity fluctuations, and other environmental conditions can cause deterioration of collections objects. Some objects simply need regular rest from environmental fluctuations. Ever wonder why some lighting is so dim in museums? Just as a family room rug fades when exposed to strong sunlight, an object’s colors can fade too. If the object is very old or delicate, it may fade dramatically even when light levels are very low. Unlike family room rugs, many of the objects in the CIS Collections are so rare that they cannot be replaced. By exchanging objects in and out of the exhibits, CIS museum professionals provide visitors a reasonable degree of access now, and still help preserve them for future generations..
Conservation
In spite of careful placement in exhibits, and constant monitoring of environmental conditions, museum objects occasionally require conservation (repair/restoration) treatment. Something as simple as the affect of gravity can result in the need for conservation measures. Some of this work can be done by CIS staff and well-trained volunteers, and some of it requires skilled contract specialists.
Security
Security measures and systems are in place to protect objects in the CIS Collections. These include a secure storage facility and careful monitoring of the exhibits. Understandably, no additional details will be published.
Exhibit Content and Visitor Interest
Museum visitors expect to see more than just a display of goodies. At CIS on-going Member and Visitor Surveys are already helping inform exhibit plans and improvements. Today, families, individuals, and students expect museums to present objects in a context that adds to their meaning. In the near future, new CIS changing exhibits will feature objects carefully selected to help tell fascinating stories. Whether the story presents concepts of early human development; a current issue such as violent weather events and patterns; or information about butterfly migrations, it will be developed using CIS Collections. But, truly very few people would really want to see everything. The great thing about exhibits is that besides being informative, they can be like an introduction at a great party to someone you really want to get to know.