Time: Sept 26 at 5:30 – 8 pm
Location: Blue Room (Human History Hall)
Cost: $21 (Includes RAM Admission)
Age: 15 and up
Don't let your history fade away!
Bring one small personal item (like a photograph, a christening gown, a doll, a coin, a book) and learn techniques to keep it looking like new for years!
RAM Conservators will show you how to keep your objects safe for the future, and how you can care for and preserve your personal collections, whatever they may be.
This workshop will give you an introduction to best practices in caring for any personal object. You'll gain practical knowledge and materials to protect and prepare your possessions to museum-quality standards
Please provide a description of your small item at the time of workshop registration.
Topics covered include:
- The types of objects and stories museums collect (provenance, collections, and types of objects)
- Understanding preservation and agents of deterioration
- Dos and don’ts – handling guidelines
- Understand the use and benefits of proper storage materials
Registration closes September 20.
FAQs
Will I get a valuation or appraisal of my item?
- No, we are not appraisers. We recommend that you reach out to the International Society of Appraisers’ Canadian Chapter if you are interested in getting a valuation at https://www.isa-appraisers.ca/find-an-appraiser/
Will you be able to tell me more about my item?
- While we will be able to speak to the materials and techniques in your piece, we will not be able to give you the kind of context that detailed historical research could bring. However, we can connect you with a museum curator who can share tips for how to find out more about your piece.
What if I want to donate my item to the museum?
- We will not be accepting donations on the day of the workshop but you are always welcome to reach out to us at ACSW.InfoRAM@gov.ab.ca and your donation offer will be routed to the relevant curator.
What kind of object can I bring to the workshop?
- Due to time and space constraints, we are limiting it to small and portable items only. Some examples could be a photograph, a christening gown, a doll, a coin, a book, a purse. Think something that could fit inside a carry-on bag on a flight! If we can’t accommodate your item for space or for any other reason, we will reach out to you prior to the workshop.
What kind of museum-quality housing can I expect after the workshop?
- It depends on your item, but possibilities could be a custom fitted and padded storage box made out of archival materials, a custom encapsulation sleeve, a custom padded hanger and garment bag, a custom silver storage bag that prevents tarnish, etc. Whatever may be the case, you can be assured that it will be customized to your object, and will be made from archival quality materials that protect your item for long term storage.
Is this a hands-on workshop?
- Yes! Please be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get crafty. Museum staff will give demonstrations and will be available to assist, but you’ll be creating the housing for your object!
Learn about the rest of our Museum Skills Workshops series: Insect Pinning, Bird Wing Prep, and Moccasin Preservation (Coming soon).