Behind the Scenes
Preserving Memories
 How do you save your collections at home? In a cabinet
drawer? In a special box? In a storage chest? Do you keep written
information about the objects in the same storage space, or is all of the
information stored in your head?
The more we save, the more complicated it becomes to find storage
space and to record information about our important objects.
The museum has been saving the material memories of Michigan’s
family for more than 125 years. What and how we save and how we keep
track of it have all changed as our collections and our knowledge have
grown.
Keeping the Donation Intact
Objects come to us via bag, box or hanger. We keep the
objects grouped by donor until the Collections Review Committee decides
whether to accept them.
After acceptance, we assign a number to the donation and then send a
thank-you letter and a Gift Agreement form for the donor to sign. The
signed form and any correspondence or notes become part of the
permanent record of the donation.
Recording the Information
 We assign a specific number to each object in a donation and
then affix
this number to the object itself. This number is the permanent link
between the object and its documentation.
We measure and photograph the object and record a full physical
description of it. Any object history, story, biographical or
genealogical information is also noted.
All of this information is entered on our computer database. The data
and the papers and correspondence become the permanent record of this
object.
Preserving the Artifact
The object is now a part of the museum collection—a museum
artifact. Our efforts now turn to providing the best physical
environment in order to preserve it for the enjoyment and enrichment of
future generations.
We begin with the basic step of removing dirt or rust from the
artifact.
We provide additional protection of the artifact by using acid-free
envelopes or boxes, polyethylene bags, and acid-free tags.
We roll textiles on acid-free tubes and store documents flat rather
than folded to prevent creasing, which damages both textiles and paper.
Controlling the Environment
We are also concerned with the artifact's physical safety and environmental factors
such as heat, light, air and humidity.
Artifacts are now grouped by their material. Quilts, tablecloths and
baby blankets share storage space because their environmental needs are
the same. Ceramic plates, whether from one donor or from ten, share the
same storage shelf because they all require the same sort of care.
Keeping up with the science of conservation and professional
preservation standards is a constant challenge.
History Goes Public
As these objects pass from private use and enjoyment to the museum
collection, they are used for the enjoyment and enrichment of
thousands for generations to come.
In this public repository, the artifacts remain accessible to donor
descendants, but they are also accessible to researchers.
These collections provide the wide range of artifacts that
present a three-dimensional history of Michigan within our permanent and
special exhibits here.
By entering the museum collections, these private artifacts become
our public history—our common heritage.
 The Michigan Historical Museum has collections because people like
you saved things that were meaningful to them. Then they chose to secure
a place in history for their treasured objects by donating them to the
museum. Once in the museum, these objects became
"artifacts."
In an attic, most objects have only personal significance. But, in a
museum, combined with other artifacts, they can tell us stories about ourselves
as a community, our work and play, our triumphs and sorrows, our
opportunities and failures. Taken together, all of these personal
objects become part of our state’s collective memory — our history.
Specific Needs
In more than 125 years of collecting, we have
accumulated more than 200,000 artifacts. Protecting and preserving this
collection is a challenge. Therefore, we must be selective about
what we add to the collection.
We are actively seeking:
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Musical instruments of all time periods used by private
individuals or professional musicians or crafted by Michiganians.
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Objects associated with Michigan's various ethnic, racial, cultural
and religious groups.
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Objects associated with Michigan industries, such as:
carriage and bicycle manufacturing; farming; shipbuilding;
automotive parts and accessories.
-
Objects relating to Michigan sports and leisure
activities—from individual pursuits to children’s and school
sports, from amateur to professional sports.
(Read more about how to donate
artifacts to the Michigan Historical Museum. Find ideas for caring
for your own artifacts and mementos.)
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