CONSERVATION

The Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center is steward to a large and varied collection of objects that help tell the stories of our community’s past.The Museum strives to maintain the highest professional standards in caring for its collection. All objects are kept in a climate controlled environment, handled only by trained staff members and packed in special materials to keep them stable.Sometimes the level of care that is required for an object goes beyond what the Museum staff can provide on its own.When this is the case, a professional conservator is hired to provide cleaning or repair to objects that need work.

Each year, the Museum sends numerous objects to conservators for specialized care.Some are sent for cleaning before being placed on exhibit. Others are sent because they arrived at the Museum in a compromised state and must be stabilized to prevent further damage or loss.The type of work performed and the professional who is hired vary with the needs of the objects. In the past year alone, the Museum used the professional services of conservators specializing in the following: paintings, textiles, frames, weapons, metals, and architecture. Thirteen different objects, as well as all the weapons in the Johnson Gun Collection, had some type of conservation work done.

As do many institutions, FAMCC relies on donors to underwrite the costs of conservation. These donors understand the importance of saving our past for future generations to enjoy. While many of last year’s conservation projects were generously sponsored, we are still seeking sponsors to underwrite the cost of conserving other objects. If you would like to partner with the Museum in our Adopt an Object program, please contact us to learn more.