If you can hang them with multiple supports that can reduce the distortion, but best case would be to store them flat, on a piece of cardboard or coroplast with a cover of some sort (muslin, tyvek, poly sheeting). You can stack them on boards without the expense of custom boxes by using blocks of ethafoam (not touching the hoops) at the edges and center of the cardboard. Having them on boards also makes them easier to move or look at without actually handling the hoops at all. 

Elizabeth Walton



-----Original Message-----
>From: Christa McCay <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Oct 16, 2007 7:44 AM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Storage of Dress Hoops
>
>Good Morning All,
>We have in our collection a couple of Pre-Civil War Hoops that go  
>under the dress.  I was wondering how other museum's store their  
>hoops.  Obviously hanging them causes strain and storing them in long  
>boxes can distort the round shape.  I just need some ideas and  
>feedback.  Please feel free to email me of the listserv as well.
>
>Christa McCay
>Registrar
>Marietta Museum of History
>770-794-5726
>www.mariettahistory.org
>
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