Thanks to those who had great suggestions for my question about how to
classify and catalog reproduction exhibit items. We're going with a
third category outside of Permanent and Teaching Collections for those
objects, but keeping it under the supervision of Collections.

 

Now a new question (and yes, I have reference books, but they never seem
to address the specific problem!).  Locust Grove is a historic house
museum, c. 1795. We have original floors, some of ash and some of poplar
wood. No varnish or other finish on them. We have taken a fairly
conservative approach with conservation and cleaning - we used to wax
once a year, but have stopped that on the basis that it was not an
18th/early 19th century practice. We sweep and vacuum, and every now and
then mop with very little water. However, the floors are developing
spots and blotches from visitor activities, repair work, and other wear
and tear.  

 

So, should we protect the floors in some way? Wax? Other? Should we use
stronger cleaning materials? Do we treat the ash and poplar just the
same? 

 

We plan to put down rugs in most rooms in the next year, covering most
but not all of the floor surfaces. For now, we want to get the floors
looking their best, and protect them for the future.

 

Is there a resource I can consult, or do y'all have some thoughts?

 

Carol Ely

Historic Locust Grove

Louisville, KY


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