The question going through my mind is whether the actual dirt/mold/filth is
historically significant, or is it the dirty appearance that is truly
relevant. If the "residues" are potentially harmful to either object or
staff/visitors then they should be cleaned/stabilized. You can always
return them to their soiled state with approved archival filth-like
materials later. I guess you could save some of the authentic Katrina dirt
for future analysis/interpretation if you preferred. The only other option,
as David noted, would be to carefully house and exhibit the objects so the
materials can not spread or come in contact with visitors and staff. I do
not know if microwaving would be beneficial.

Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collections Manager
Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
Wichita State University
(316)978-5850


                                                                           
             Jodi Gidley                                                   
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                                       Re: Historically significant dirt   
                                                                           
             06/15/2006 09:24                                              
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I have heard that dirt can be cooked in the microwave to sterilize it
before
using it in exhibits. Perhaps these objects can be microwaved? Anybody else
know about this?

Jodi Wright-Gidley
Program Coordinator
Bell County Museum

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf
Of Sue Fischer
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 8:46 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Historically significant dirt

Hi listmates,

Here's an interesting question that we're wrestling with right now.  We're
collecting objects for a Hurricane Katrina traveling exhibit.  Almost
everything we're bringing in  is covered in mud, mold, or other nasty
residue, but cleaning would negate the significance of the objects.  How
would you deal with storage and display of museum objects that have these
issues, and how would you stabilize them so that the mud/mold  is visible
but won't come off on everything?  Weird, I know....

Thanks!

Suzanne Fischer
Curator of Material Culture
Louisiana State Museum
P.O. Box 2448
New Orleans, LA  70176
[log in to unmask] < mailto:[log in to unmask]>

504-568-5459 office
504-599-1950 fax

Visit us on the web at: http://lsm.crt.state.la.us/
<http://lsm.crt.state.la.us/>

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