CONSERVATION

Our conservation program fits into the Museum's mission by directly acting to preserve the artifacts belonging to Seminole heritage and culture. In the conservation lab, we care for Seminole artifacts within our collection through examination, documentation, treatment and preventative conservation. Conservation treatments are decided upon through careful consideration and documentation of the physical nature of the object as well as taking into account the object’s place within Seminole culture. Most materials will eventually return to dust, so it is the job of the conservator to slow down this process and preserve the original material of an artifact as it exists today. The conservation activities are integrated into the workings of the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum as a whole, including environmental monitoring, collections care, acquisitions, exhibitions, and education.

At the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum we are equipped to conserve objects and textiles within our collection. For referrals to practicing conservators in your area, please contact the American Institute for Conservation.

General information on how to care for your artwork at home is provided on the Taking Care section of the website belonging to the Museum Conservation Institute at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.