The waukesha county historical society & museum will develop a comprehensive collection management strategy and long-range collection preservation plan

The Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum, Inc. received a $129,535 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301) to develop a comprehensive collection management strategy and long-range collection preservation plan. The award, obligated on October 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2027, supports a systematic survey of artifacts across three collection rooms to improve institutional understanding of the museum's holdings and their historical significance.

The project will deliver several key products and services, including an updated registration and catalog system for artifacts accessioned before 1989, analysis of collection storage and archival conservation needs, and optimized use of collection space. These deliverables will enable the museum to better utilize survey findings in developing future exhibitions and educational programs, ultimately enhancing public access to Waukesha County's historical narratives for museum visitors, county residents, and education program participants.

The project is based on a collection survey of the artifacts in three collection rooms. This survey will provide museum staff with a better understanding of the stories reflected in the collection. These will be used in future exhibits and museum programs. The people of waukesha county, museum visitors, and those who take part in the museum's education programs are the beneficiaries of this project. This survey will allow the greater waukesha community to have a deeper understanding of, and access to, the stories of waukesha county and how they are reflected in the events and ideas of history. The goals of the project are to improve use of collection space, determine storage, archival, and conservation needs, and update the registration and catalog for artifacts accessioned before 1989.