Conclusion
Collections are the heart of museums, libraries and archives, and historical
societies. Care of those collections is a moral and fiduciary responsibility
of the institutions that hold them. Ongoing care and maintenance require a
stable financial base and a commitment of resources. Part of your role as a
historical society, library, archives or museum professional is to make sure
resources are committed to collections care. Conservators, preservation
officers and other collections care professionals can be active partners in
raising funds for collections care. Fund raising is not taboo--rather, it is
essential to survival. Broaden your view of fund raising. Spread the message
about collections care. As you inform funders and the public about the
processes of maintaining, preserving and conserving collections, you will
compel them to provide support. Soon the field will reap reward from
enlightening the lay person about object care, preservation and
conservation, much as the environmental conservation movement has benefited
from its efforts. The trend starts with you.
Next page:
Resource Organizations
Copyright © 1995 National Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Property,
3299 K Street, NW, Suite 602
Washington, D.C. 20007
(202) 625-1495; fax (202) 625-1485.
Last modified on Friday, April 27, 1995.
It is no small thing to outwit time.