We have real dirt in small amounts in an exhibit on baseball, around the feet of the pitcher and catcher. When we got the dirt the staff divided it and took it home and baked it in the oven at 500 degrees for 2 hours, I think. This kills anything in the dirt. It has been up now for at least 3 years and we haven't had any problems. I think you can actually google baking dirt and get lots of tips. Baking dirt really smells so one thing we learned was to bake it in one of those plastic bags that you can put a turkey in. This contained a lot of the smell.



Mandy Langfald
Curator of Collection
Wyoming State Museum
307-777-7033
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>>> Alexandra Trumbull <[log in to unmask]> 12/10/2009 7:41 AM >>>
I work for a company that is in the process of developing an exhibit to tell its story. Part of the story involves travel, so the contracted exhibit team wants to use real earth in one of the cases. 

One major concern is that the exhibit will be housed in a mixed-use space where food will be served on occasion. Luckily there are only very few authentic objects being exhibited, and the case with the dirt will have only duplicate photos and letters. 

I know that the earth might be a pest attractant, especially since it will come from whatever local garden shop is accessible. Besides sequestering the dirt in an incoming collections area, perhaps spreading it out and letting it sit for a few weeks before introduced it to the exhibit, what suggestions do people have for mitigating its likelihood to attract pests or retain moisture within the case?

Any suggestions or insights are welcome on or off-list. I am in the position to make suggestions to the team, but not to prohibit their plans alltogether.

Thank you,

Alexandra Trumbull


      

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