Tips on Historical Housekeeping from Maine's Cultural Resources Information Center

This article was first published in the Maine Archives & Museums Newsletter.

CRIC Looks at Spring Cleaning - or Fall Cleaning!

As the seasons change, many museums, libraries, and historic houses turn to "spring cleaning." Getting ready for the visitor season ahead, shaking off the dust left behind by heating and mud season, or simply keeping up appearances are among the many excellent reasons to perform regular housekeeping on your collections. Whether you are caring for objects on display, books in use, or records, books or objects in storage, remember that all of these items benefit from cleaning.

But, as with most things, the "preservation way" of cleaning differs from what we might do around the house. Dusting, vacuuming, washing and polishing have their place - if you use the proper techniques and tools. An additional adage is that knowing when not to clean is very important! So start with a careful look at everything from the room to the objects, books or documents displayed or stored in it, from ceiling to floor. Regular, attentive housekeeping will keep you alert to potential problems such as insect infestation. Make housekeeping into an opportunity for close inspection, and you can prevent much future damage.

To help you to keep a "clean" resolution, the CRIC Office has some helpful resources to consult or borrow. Contact us if you have specific questions.

*An hour-long video entitled "Housekeeping for Historic Sites" (1996) gives a good overview of the reasons for careful housekeeping, along with tips and techniques for safe cleaning of historic objects. Clearly outlined and summarized, this video inspires the attentiveness required for great collections care. It covers preparing to clean - The Plan; equipment and supplies - The Tools; and handling specific types of objects. Jointly produced by the National Park Service, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation, and the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, this video is recommended for use "in conjunction with hands-on training developed to meet the specific needs of your own site." But it inspires good planning and reminds us of the importance of careful handling.

*The National Trust has a publication on "Housekeeping for Historic Homes and House Museums," written by Melissa Heaver. This includes sample cleaning schedules to help you create your own plan; general handling and cleaning tips, and specific techniques for architectural elements, books and bookshelves, ceramics, furniture, and many other types of objects. Useful lists of supplies, suppliers, and sources of technical assistance round out this very helpful resource. Copies at $15 each can be obtained through the National Trust for Historic Preservation; call 202-588-6296 or order on-line at www.preservationbooks.org

* Specific care for different types of objects can best be guided by a professional conservator, but preventative care remains key. The excellent and succinct Canadian Conservation Institute "Notes" on the care of various objects are another resource offered by CRIC.

*If it's time to call in an expert, CRIC can assist you in finding a nearby conservator to help with particular object condition problems, storage issues, and other situations.

* Finally, no current review of resources would be complete without a reference to electronic resources available on-line. The American Institute for Conservation publishes, on-line, a series of pamphlets on care of historic objects; see http://aic.stanford.edu/library/online/brochures/ .

Many helpful references can be found through the Conservation On-Line website. Start with the page entitled Conservation/Preservation References for the General Public at http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/bytopic/genpub/

Happy housekeeping! Celebrate the change of seasons - and ensure the longevity of your collections!

For more information or technical assistance,

contact CRIC at:
#84 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0084
Leave a telephone message at 207-287-7591
Or email us at Maine.cric@maine.gov
The office is staffed on a limited basis -- but we do return all messages and inquiries.