April 2024 Museum Courses
Get $100.00 off if you order a full length class by March 2, 2024! Use discount code EARLYBIRD with your order.
1. Want to learn how and when to do condition reports on your collection objects? Join us for this short course and learn the ins and outs of condition assessments.
MS 010: Condition Assessments
April 15 to 26, 2024
Instructor: Elizabeth Burton
Description:
Whenever an object leaves or enters your museum, it should have a dated condition report completed. A condition report is so much more than "good" or "poor." Learn about different types of condition reports, what is essential and what is optional information in each, the function of a condition report, and how to use an online condition assessment tool.
2. Planning for a new collections storage facility? Want to improve an existing storage area? This course is for you!
MS 202: Museum Storage Facilities and Furniture
April 1 to 26, 2024
Instructor: Molly Winslow
Description:
If you are building a new storage facility or retrofitting an old one, this course provides the blueprint for how to approach architects and engineers as well as redesigning your facility yourself. The course covers the philosophy of storage, the construction requirements, security, fire and water prevention, types of furniture, and how to plan for collections growth.
The course will start with a refresher on the agents of deterioration and environmental issues to assure that the students have a common base to begin.
After this introduction, topics include determining storage and defining space, architectural design considerations and issues such as lighting, security and planning. We will discuss general information about storage furniture types and storage materials, how to modify existing cabinets and information on homemade storage systems. The last section includes specific information from a variety of vendors, specifics on writing a Request for Proposal (RFP), and what to consider when making a decision on a furniture type and vendor.
The instructor will add readings and other information depending upon the students and their individual institutional problems and concerns.
3. Learn how to create safe and effective mounts for your exhibited objects.
MS 238: Design and Construction of Exhibit Mounts
April 1 to May 11, 2024
Instructor: Ariel Rolfe
Description:
Sprucing up your exhibits with safe, effective, inexpensive mounts can be easier and more fun than you thought. With a few tools, good technique and a bit of practice, you will be well on the way to presenting your objects in their most interesting light, with an eye on long-term safety and security. Design and Construction of Exhibit Mounts presents the basics of mountmaking for the small to medium-sized museum including tools, techniques and materials. Be prepared to construct mounts during the course. Students will be sent a list of materials and tools to acquire before the course commences. Come along and exercise your creative side while doing the collection a world of good.
Feel free to contact me with questions.