Perhaps the Smithsonian might help you:
 
_Dig It! The Secrets of Soil_ (http://forces.si.edu/soils/)  
 
"...Discover the amazing world of soils with images and information from  
the Dig It! The Secrets of Soil exhibit on display  at the Smithsonian's 
National Museum of Natural History. The exhibit  closes on Jan 3, 2010...."
 
Here is their contact page-
http://www.mnh.si.edu/email.html
 
Barbara Hass, retires librarian
 
 

 
 
In a message dated 12/10/2009 2:19:10 P.M. Mountain Standard Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

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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