Preserving the Collection: Disaster Planning, Response & Recovery

  Do you have audiovisual material damaged by fire? The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia provides some advice to follow for first aid and salvage. https://www.nfsa.gov.au/preservation/guide/home/first-aid-fire

  Where there's fire, water often follows. This case study from the Valvilla Wool Mill Museum in Finland highlights the importance of planning ahead. http://e-conservation.org/issue-1/23-preservation-in-disaster-situations

 The National Endowment for the Humanities has released a notice of Preservation Assistance Grants for Smaller Institutions. The program encourages applications from small and mid-sized institutions that have never received an NEH grant.  Applications are due January 13, 2022, with projects expected to begin September 1, 2022 for a period of up to 18 months, with an award of up to $10,000. There will be a webinar for prospective applicants November 29, 2021. For full details, visit the grant website: https://www.neh.gov/grants/preservation/preservation-assistance-grants-smaller-institutions

  This webinar by AIC and FAIC discusses how to develop a housekeeping plan for your museum, which will not only keep it clean, but also allow for the monitoring of pests and mold. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpg6VCbvyeM

  Hurricane Pamela made landfall on the west coast of Mexico today. While it will weaken, central and northern Texas should prepare for potential heavy rains and flash flooding. If you have questions about salvaging your collections, our phone line is actively monitored: (669) 237-2243.    This FEMA Fact Sheet on salvaging family treasures will help get you started: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Flood_FIMA_Fact_Sheet_advice_salvaging.pdf  

  Don't forget to check out the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for a great list of resources for libraries and archives that have been affected by disasters.   https://www.tsl.texas.gov/hurricanesafety