To celebrate the completion of the first six months of work on our 2022-2024 IMLS Museums for America – Collections Stewardship Program, the Conservation staff are highlighting some standout objects we have cleaned and repaired. This grant began late last year as part of a two-year project to conserve, rehouse, relocate and create fully digital catalog records for 1,800 objects related to agriculture and the environment that have resided in the Collections Storage Building. Many of these objects will be used to support our Edible Education and Green Museum initiatives.
Stop by the back of the museum, near the steam engines, to get a peek through the windows of the Conservation lab and see what staff are currently conserving.
One of the first objects chosen for the grant was this entertaining dolphin-patterned culinary mold that received a thorough cleaning. The image above was taken during cleaning.
The inscription reads: “OF ALL Y FISHES IN Y SEA / I AM DOLPHIN EAT OF ME” / THF192318
This glass washboard was cracked in nine places and previously mended, but the glue was discolored from aging. The tin soap tray mounted in the wooden frame was corroded.
After cleaning, excess old glue was removed and replaced with new glue. The inscription on the tin tray reads: “NATIONAL WASHBOARD CO. / CHICAGO SAGINAW MEMPHIS / SOAP SAVER / TRADE MARK REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. MADE IN U.S.A. / NO. 195 / PATENT 1152766-1283148" / THF194129, THF194131
This washboard had a layer of verdigris (copper oxidation) on the brass portion. It was removed with a brush and mineral spirits.
To protect the surface, three layers of acrylic resin were applied to create a barrier between the object and moisture in the air.
This is an early American wooden piggin (pail) with wrought-iron bands that was used in dairy processing. While sorting through the storage building, pieces of the pail were found separately.
After conserving with wood glue, the reunited pieces formed the shape of the pail.
This corn grinder is a culinary tool donated by Mr. & Mrs. Harold Edison of Grand Rapids. It was found with flaking corrosion and covered with dirt. The handle attachment had been repaired with numerous hand-wrought nails.
After cleaning and stabilization of the corroded metal, the grinder is in much better shape. / THF192361.
This Peerless mouse trap is one of the most interesting objects. There was a piece of old dried cheese between the net doors. Overall, the surface of the object was dusty and rusty.
Once cleaned and stabilized, the trap door was found to be operable. / THF192352.
Jee Eun Lim is IMLS project conservator at The Henry Ford. Eleanor Glenn, conservation specialist and Marlene Gray, senior conservator, are assisting Jee on the grant.
