The museum cares for a large and diverse collection. Collections are housed at the Museum's Research Facility at Isel Park, Hilliard St, Stoke
The Library and Archives preserves and makes original historic documents and other items accessible for research
Items are recorded catalogued, cared for and packaged at the Research Facility
Collections are stored in temperature and humidity controlled storerooms
Collections are packaged and moved from the Research Facility to Town Acre 445 for exhibition, and returned to the Research Facility for storage
The museum staff are trained in and practice preventive conservation. This focuses on the control of the four major threats to the long life of collection objects: the environment (temperature, humidity, light), pests, handling and transportation.
The environment at the Museum and in the Research Facility storerooms is monitored using electronic data loggers and mechanical thermohygrographs.
Large fluctuations in temperature and humidity are avoided to prevent expansion and contraction of organic materials and the damage that may result. To prevent fading, cracking and drying to fragile organic materials such as textiles, artworks on paper and archival documents, light exposure is limited (this explains why some exhibition areas may seem rather dark) and items on display changed.
Non-toxic methods of pest control such as freezing (for several days at very low temperatures) is used in preference to chemical fumigation. Humidity control is important to stop mould from flourishing.
For a more complete description of the operation of the Isel Park Research Facility click the link below to read an artcle by the Museum's Manager, Collection Services, Paula Haines-Bellamy.
Please click here to download the article (PDF)
For more information about looking after collections and your family heirlooms visit these sites
http://www.museums-aotearoa.org.nz/Site/links/links.aspx