BLOG Introduction

Author

  Kelly Bourassa, B.Sc, Graduate Diploma

Conservation Lab - University of Lincoln 

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon SK CANADA

Graduate Diploma in Conservation of Historical Objects
University of Lincoln, Lincoln UNITED KINGDOM

Why Call It Kellys Conservation Corner?

My classmates and I at University of Lincoln in the UK very quickly christened a place upstairs in a local pub as "Conservation Corner".  It was a very short distance from our classroom building in the Cathedral Quarter of old Lincoln.  This BLOG name is my tribute to that place where so many conservation issues were resolved and, as in many pub discussions over a pint, we came up with viable solutions to many of the world's problems (LOL).

BLOG Intention

To share ideas on what conservation work can be undertaken on historical artifacts in a community museum setting where funding is always a challenge.  I will document my activities at the Kings County Museum in Kentville, Nova Scotia CANADA.  I will be posting, as frequently as  time permits, the details of my volunteer conservation work while also identifying simple techniques and low cost materials that can be used to achieve positive results under the heading Conservation Tips.  My goal is to make everyone aware of what can be done by way of preventive care and conservation treatment.   I will be cleaning, stabilizing, and treating artifacts but also, designing proper storage and preparing exhibits.

Museum

Kings County Museum is located in Kentville Nova Scotia Canada in the heart of the Annapolis Valley.  The museum is located in the retired courthouse in down town Kentville.  It hosts thousands of artifacts but with little room for exhibits most are in storage.  Like most community museums there is a need to conserve some of the artifacts but little funding to do so.  I am interested in artifacts of all kinds and can volunteer my time to work on those things needing the most important attention.

Methodology

All conservation projects undertaken have the following steps:

1. Initial assessment of the artifacts to determine the effort and costs and expected outcomes.
2. Discuss the assessment with the curator and obtain approval to proceed (curator makes the final decision)
3. Cleaning, stabilizing, documenting (database updates, record photography), and preparing storage for each artifact
4. Communicating the history of the artifacts and conservation work undertaken on them with the public
5. Document every step in this process and provide a copy of it to the museum as a permanent record.