Getting Started

Please, click here to fill out the form and tell us more about your project. (Due to the required file upload, you must have a Google account to fill out the form.) You can also contact us at (402) 595-1180 or hn.fordcenter@nebraska.gov.

1 – Contact and make an appointment to meet with a conservator.

An appointment ensures someone will meet with you and help you move or carry your object. We will prepare a safe place to put your object so it can be unpacked and examined. The conservator will examine your object(s) and give you a verbal indication of what needs to be done, what can be done, and how much it might cost.

2 –  Decide if you want a proposal and estimate.

If you choose to pursue conservation, we will then carry out some initial testing, to be sure planned treatment methods and materials are safe and effective. We will then prepare a proposal with treatment steps and a written cost estimate. These documents can take a considerable amount of time to prepare, so we do charge a proposal fee ($145 + sales tax, if applicable) upfront. The proposal and estimate will be sent to you and will include a minimum and maximum cost range for project time and materials.

3 – Decide if you want to proceed with treatment and sign the proposal.

The proposal and estimate will be sent to you. Read the proposal and estimate. If you do decide to have the work done, sign a copy of both the proposal and estimate and send them back to the Ford Center. This gives the conservator permission to proceed with the treatment.

4 – After treatment is completed, you will be billed for the work.

We will send you photo documentation and a written treatment report for your permanent records. Once payment is received, you can arrange a time to come and pick up your object.

Please note that each of the labs has a backlog for treatment and items are treated on a first-come, first-served basis. The conservator can give you an approximate idea of when treatment will be completed and can try to work with any necessary deadlines.