An Old Suit

I  took lots of photos and have many museum stories to share and from time to time I will blog about some of my experiences. 

When something comes into the historical museum as a donation, it needs approval to stay.  I can approve some things..some things sit around my office until enough board members have been by to vote one way or another.  It is a pain in the neck..I have a very small office that I share with the gift shop.

This quilt was donated.

I accepted it right away because we have nothing similar to it.  It is made from Men’s Suits.  If you look closely you can see suits from church long ago.  I knew right away that I had a perfect spot for it.

I filled out the paperwork. All donated items are called accessions..they are assigned a number. The number is marked on the item with a special pen.  The people that donate items receive a copy of the paper work and a thank you letter.  I photograph  everything..the museum has no camera..but I donate mine for the photography work.  The accession is then entered into a fancy smancy museum inventory program.  Nothing leaves my office until the paperwork has been filled out and a photo has been taken.

The quilt ended up in an antique wheelchair in the Military Room..little boys like to sit in this chair..now it may not be so inviting.  There are three chairs that can be used in this room..most times elderly men or women will sit in this room and just relax and look around.

When I have about ten accessions to record I begin the computer work..usually on a day when I know it is going to be quiet..and before our monthly meeting.  Accessions are part of what I report about during those meetings.

Many museums have a room where their accessions are stored until they go out for display.  Sometimes things need small repairs..a nail in a frame or some supporting documents attached.  For me all this happens in my office…sometimes my desk looks like a disaster area.

I was in my office the other day..I dropped off some catalogues and some research files that I had finished with.  It was colder in the building than it was outside.  My boots were a little snowy..I slid across my office floor..it was like a skating rink.  I was real happy to lock up and leave:)