In my role as Chief Historical Interpreter, I worked with fellow staff members to conduct a complete inventory of the Murney Tower Museum collection. Through the creation of a master Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and the careful handling, photographing, and re-packaging of artifacts, we were able to ensure the accountability and proper preservation of the collection at both on and offsite museum storage locations.
With only outdated and incomplete digital records of artifacts, electronics, staff costumes, and replicas, the museum was in need of a thorough inventory with updated accession numbers, photographs, condition notes, and storage/location notes.
Completion of the Murney Tower Museum inventory during the 2018 season entailed:
- Working effectively as a team with fellow staff, which allowed for the efficient documentation of over 400 on-site artifacts and costumes over a span of 3 weeks while also attending to daily museum operations and projects
- Organizing and repackaging of the rest of the museum collection in offsite storage at the Queen's University Archives over the summer, resulting in the proper storage of delicate artifacts
- Photographing of artifact conditions that helped aid in evidence-based decisions that will work to enhance museum preservation efforts and policies
- Applying my computer skills through the use of Microsoft Excel, Adobe Photoshop (to enhance lighting), and Google Drive to digitally document and share the inventory
- Handling artifacts with care through the use of preservation procedures (i.e. washing hands, gloves, no food/liquids)
