INDUSTRIAL COLLECTIONS MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS
INDUSTRIAL COLLECTIONS MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS
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Issue Date
2006
Authors
Kamiyama, Julie C. Kamiyama
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore ways to improve how the California State Parks cares for its industrial collection- large objects associated with the industry of California such as railroad and mining equipment. The California State Parks is comprised of many sites throughout the state which have in their collections industrial objects or objects that are cared for in the same way. These sites include the Empire Mines in Grass Valley and the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, the case studies for this project.
Despite holding a large collection of industrial artifacts and assuming the responsibility for maintaining those artifacts for the public good, the California State Park's industrial collection is not cared for in a way that ensures the preservation of the artifacts. Most of the objects in the Parks collections are large and stored outdoors despite being made of materials sensitive to the elements. Also, some artifacts are operated for educational purposes, regardless of the fact that such use is detrimental to the preservation of many of the objects.
The result of the study is a template for a maintenance checklist which collections managers and other staff members of the California State Parks can follow to help ensure the better care for their industrial collection. This will allow the California State Parks to be proactive in a cost effective manner, preventing the need for expensive conservation and restoration through the use of proper care and storage.