I have followed with interest several threads in this group and would like to comment on Conservators. We have a fine collection of militaria focusing on the First World War. Although not accredited as a museum, we still maintain a display/study area open by appointment and create a number of public displays including displays for the US Navy. Small Museums such as ours and private collectors of militaria often hold large and valuable collections. Many of these contain material of historic nature. We strive to further our knowledge of recording, display, and conservation methods. I believe there is a vacuum in the area of conservation for militaria collections. Most collectors have no idea a person such as a Conservator exists. I have seen little effort by established museums or conservators to offer services (either free seminars, or paid services) to this large repository of artifacts. I have seen collectors fail to use simple precautions such as mothballs to preserve textiles. Likewise inappropriate use of conservation methods may damage material which some day would benefit the collection of a more formal museum. A little sales job may have to be done to convince many collectors that professional help for conservation is as valuable as the collection itself. However, I believe we would all benefit from the effort. Over the next 10 years we hope to build our collection to the point it is recognized as a valuable enough asset to attract development of a formal museum program and building. In the meantime we read everything we can get on conservation, recording, display creation, and collection management. Wayne Hart Curator/Historian/Director/ Conservator Museum of Valor Spotsylvania, Virginia [log in to unmask]