The mckissick museum at the university of south carolina will reorganize their natural history collection to enhance efficiency and accessibility, ensure security, and promote future research and…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the University of South Carolina $127,454 on September 1, 2026, under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301) to reorganize the natural history collection at the McKissick Museum. The award funds a comprehensive site assessment including documentation of environmental risks and layout planning for cases and cabinets, relocation of the collection, and enhancement of organization strategy. The project will acquire specialized secure cases designed for costly and high-risk specimens, including toxic materials requiring proper handling and protective equipment. Performance occurs in Columbia, South Carolina, with a completion date of August 31, 2027. The primary outcome is improved care and accessibility of the natural history collection to enhance efficiency, ensure security, and promote future research and public outreach.

The mckissick museum at the university of south carolina will reorganize their natural history collection to enhance efficiency and accessibility, ensure security, and promote future research and outreach opportunities for the campus and public. Project activities will include conducting a comprehensive site assessment including documenting potential environmental risks and determining the layout for the cases and cabinets, relocating the natural history collection, and enhancing the current organization strategy. The project will involve acquiring special cases that are versatile and secure for costly specimens as well as high-risk specimens that are toxic to humans and require proper handling methods and gear. The primary outcome of the project will be improved care for the natural history collection.