The hispanic society museum and library will undertake a two-year project to assess, catalogue, and rehouse its collection of 45 historic rugs and textiles, including 28 AL-andalusian pieces

The Hispanic Society of America received a $149,275 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301), effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027. The two-year initiative focuses on the assessment, cataloging, and rehousing of 45 historic rugs and textiles in the institution's collection, with particular emphasis on 28 al-Andalusian pieces currently facing preservation risks due to inadequate storage methods. Under the direction of the museum's Head of Conservation, the project will conduct monthly condition assessments and conservation treatments on 2-3 items at a time, systematically addressing structural damage risks and implementing proper archival storage solutions.

The project deliverables include updated conservation records and high-resolution photographic documentation integrated into the museum's collections management database with public online access. Upon completion of all conservation milestones, these culturally significant works will benefit from improved safe handling protocols, enhanced accessibility for research and exhibitions, and increased availability for future loans and public display. The initiative aligns with Museums for America's core objectives of collections stewardship and public access while generating measurable outcomes tied to preservation best practices and digital collections documentation.

Currently, these items face preservation risks due to unsafe storage methods, with many at risk of structural damage. Led by the head of conservation, the team will conduct monthly condition assessments, conservation treatments, and rehousing of 2-3 items at a time. Records and high-resolution photographs will be updated in the museum's database and made accessible online. The project will improve safe handling, facilitate future exhibitions and loans, and benefit museum professionals and the public alike. Success will be measured by the completion of conservation milestones and enhanced access to these culturally significant works.