First Quarter IMLS Grant Update for 2023
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.
![Conservation_Lab_IMLS_Grant View of the Staff working in the Conservation Lab](/SitefinityImages/0x0-c9715f84-d30d-6b61-be8b-ff010073bae4.jpg)
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.
![Dolphin-mold-during-cleaning Dolphin Mold during the cleaning process](/SitefinityImages/0x0-f2715f84-d30d-6b61-be8b-ff010073bae4.jpg)
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.
![Dolphin Pattern Culinary Mold Dolphin Mold after cleaning process is complete](/SitefinityImages/0x0-05725f84-d30d-6b61-be8b-ff010073bae4.jpg)
The inscription reads: “OF ALL Y FISHES IN Y SEA / I AM DOLPHIN EAT OF ME” / THF192318
![Glass-washboard-62.71 Glass washboard before cleaning](/SitefinityImages/0x0-18725f84-d30d-6b61-be8b-ff010073bae4.jpg)
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.
![Washboard, circa 1918 Washboard, circa 1918](/SitefinityImages/0x0-2b725f84-d30d-6b61-be8b-ff010073bae4.jpg)
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
![Brass Washboard with Verdigris Brass washboard pre cleaning showing verdigris](/SitefinityImages/0x0-3e725f84-d30d-6b61-be8b-ff010073bae4.jpg)
This washboard had a layer of verdigris (copper oxidation) on the brass portion. It was removed with a brush and mineral spirits.
![Brass-Washboard-After Brash washboard after cleaning is complete](/SitefinityImages/0x0-51725f84-d30d-6b61-be8b-ff010073bae4.jpg)
To protect the surface, three layers of acrylic resin were applied to create a barrier between the object and moisture in the air.
![Piggin-71.1v2 Early American wood piggin pre cleaning](/SitefinityImages/0x0-64725f84-d30d-6b61-be8b-ff010073bae4.jpg)
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.
![Piggin-71.1 Early American wood piggin re-assembled](/SitefinityImages/0x0-77725f84-d30d-6b61-be8b-ff010073bae4.jpg)
After conserving with wood glue, the reunited pieces formed the shape of the pail.
![Corn-grinder-35.677v2 corn grinder pre cleaning](/SitefinityImages/0x0-8a725f84-d30d-6b61-be8b-ff010073bae4.jpg)
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.
![Corn-grinder-35.677 corn grinder post cleaning](/SitefinityImages/0x0-9d725f84-d30d-6b61-be8b-ff010073bae4.jpg)
After cleaning and stabilization of the corroded metal, the grinder is in much better shape. / THF192361.
![Mouse Trap 2022.0.22.1 (1) Peerless mouse trap pre cleaning](/SitefinityImages/0x0-b0725f84-d30d-6b61-be8b-ff010073bae4.jpg)
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.
![Mouse Trap 2022.0.22.1 (2) - THF192352 Peerless Mouse Trap, circa 1920](/SitefinityImages/0x0-c3725f84-d30d-6b61-be8b-ff010073bae4.jpg)
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.