Based on recommendations from its participation in the conservation assessment for preservation (cap) program the hanford mills museum will evaluate and process undocumented and found-in-collections…

The Hanford Mills Museum will evaluate and process undocumented and found-in-collections objects identified in a recent full-site collections inventory under a $334,823 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Over a three-year period ending August 2025, the Museum will reconcile found objects with existing records, accession and catalog 12,000 objects into its permanent collection, process education and non-collection objects, and determine recommendations for deaccessioning. The Museum aims to improve intellectual control and ongoing collection management through this work supported by the Museums for America program of IMLS. The federal grant program focuses on advancing museum mission and strategic goals through high-priority activities.

Based on recommendations from its participation in the conservation assessment for preservation (cap) program the hanford mills museum will evaluate and process undocumented and found-in-collections (FIC) objects identified during a recent full-site collections inventory. Museum staff will coordinate the project with the assistance of two paid interns. Project activities will include reconciling FIC objects with existing records; accessioning and cataloging FIC objects into the permanent collection; processing objects determined to be education or non-collections objects; and determining which objects should be recommended for deaccession. With a goal of processing 12,000 objects, the museum will improve both the intellectual control and the ongoing management of its collections.