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