Conservation Center
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ford Center?
What services does the Ford Center provide?
What is the difference between conservation and restoration?
Conservation encompasses actions taken toward the long-term preservation of cultural property. Conservation activities include examination, documentation, treatment, and preventative care, supported by research and education. Treatment of objects consists of stabilization and, if desired, restoration.
Stabilization refers to treatment that preserves the original material of an object and minimizes or slows deterioration.
Restoration is an additional step meant to return an object to a known or assumed state, often through the addition of non-original material such as fillers or paint. In conservation treatments, all added material is isolated from the original so that it is detectable and may be reversed if necessary.
Can a conservator come to my home/institution to look at my item?
If you need to ship something to us for conservation, please contact us in advance so we can advise on the best methods for packing and shipping. Please do not ship items to the Ford Center without advance notice.
We can make arrangements to come to you to assess objects you cannot deliver or have shipped.
Do I need to make an appointment?
If you are picking an item up from the Ford Center, an appointment ensures that we have time to pack it securely and that the paperwork is ready for you to sign.
Can I get my item appraised at the Ford Center?
Does the Ford Center offer art storage?
Why is the name "Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center"? Do you only work with objects associated with President Ford?
The property was purchased by Omaha businessman James M. Paxson in 1974 and donated to the City of Omaha to be used as a site to honor President Ford. That gift created the Ford Birthsite Gardens. Later Paxson donated adjacent property to the Nebraska State Historical Society.
Are you open for tours?
Is your building available for rent?
Are there internships available?
Any employment opportunities are listed on our Career Opportunities page.
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