As a general rule, I do NOT put dirty objects on exhibit as it can impact the environment around them. It is one thing to want to keep the “ambiance” of a piece – it looks used and old and that’s great. But to not even provide basic cleaning before display is not a good idea. You can dust it without ruining the overall look of the piece. That’s just my two cents. Mary Helen Dellinger, Curator Manassas Museum From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Wanda Edwards Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 11:05 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Exhibit Advice Dear Colleagues, We are planning an exhibit on a bar that was a landmark in Pensacola in the 1950s-1990s. It was filled with photos and objects (like model planes) related to naval aviation that, in the bar, were never dusted or cleaned. We’ll be using many of the objects in the exhibit to recreate a least a portion of the bar. My curatorial instincts tell me to at least dust the items. However other coworkers feel that would lessen the “ambiance” we’re trying to create. I worry about visitors with allergies to dust and receiving complaints about a “dirty” exhibit. Any comments from the field? Thanks, Wanda __________________ Wanda Edwards Chief Curator UWF Historic Trust P.O. Box 12866 Pensacola, FL 32591 [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> (850) 595-5840 ext.105 fax (850)595-5841 www.historicpensacola.org<http://www.historicpensacola.org> ________________________________ To unsubscribe from the MUSEUM-L list, click the following link: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa-HOME.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L&A=1 ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).