PRESERVING PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTIONS AT HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
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Posted By: Catalina Deossa on July 23, 2024 The initiative led by the University of Delaware's Art Conservation Department in collaboration with various organizations to enhance the preservation of photographic collections at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Background and Partnerships: The University of Delaware's Art Conservation Department, in partnership with the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Library Alliance, SOLINET, and CCAHA, is undertaking a two-year initiative to address the preservation challenges faced by significant photographic collections housed at HBCUs. These collections are vital repositories of cultural and historical heritage but often lack sufficient resources and expertise for their preservation. Phases of the Project: (October 1-2, 2007): Training Workshop at University of Delaware The initiative began with a training workshop hosted at the University of Delaware, where ten pre-selected HBCUs sent their staff members to receive comprehensive training in the preservation of photographic materials. The workshop aimed to equip participants with updated practical knowledge and techniques essential for effective preservation practices. (Grant Proposal Submission by February 15, 2008): Conservation Consultants Evaluation Subsequently, five expert conservation consultants conducted visits to the ten HBCU sites. Their objective was to assess specific preservation needs and priorities related to photographic collections at each institution. Based on these assessments, consultants assisted in identifying suitable demonstration projects intended to showcase effective preservation strategies. (Starting March 2008): Project Implementation and Environmental Monitoring involves the implementation of preservation projects at the ten HBCU sites, focusing on the identified demonstration projects. These initiatives aim to address immediate preservation needs and serve as models for future efforts. Additionally, an environmental monitoring program will be established and managed by the Image Permanence Institute (IPI) to ensure optimal storage conditions for photographic materials. If necessary, further in-depth preservation assessments will be conducted by CCAHA and SOLINET staff to support HBCUs in enhancing the care of their library, archive, and museum holdings. (October 2008 and September 2009): Symposium and Panel Presentations seeks to disseminate knowledge and findings from the initiative to a broader audience. A full-day symposium on photograph preservation is scheduled for October 2008, coinciding with the biennial meeting of the HBCU Library Alliance. This symposium will provide a platform for sharing best practices, lessons learned, and success stories from preservation projects undertaken at HBCUs. Furthermore, a panel presentation focusing on urgent collection preservation needs at HBCU libraries, archives, and museums will be held at the September 2009 annual National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Conference, sponsored by the White House Initiative on HBCUs. This presentation aims to raise awareness among top-level administrators about the importance of preserving these collections and securing continued support for preservation efforts. Overall Goals and Impact: The collaborative initiative aims to strengthen the preservation infrastructure at HBCUs and safeguard their photographic collections for future generations. By providing training, expert consultation, implementation of preservation projects, and opportunities for knowledge exchange through symposiums and conferences, the project aims to empower HBCUs with the necessary tools and knowledge to preserve and promote their cultural heritage effectively. This initiative not only addresses immediate preservation needs but also fosters long-term sustainability in the care of photographic collections across Historically Black Colleges and Universities. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Catalina Deossa
Archaeologist, CHRONOS SAS Florida Int`l Univ class of 2011 Member Since April 2024 |
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