Gerald Ford Conservation Center

A post about a cat painting that was recently treated in the Paintings Lab and belongs to the Nebraska History Museum.

On June 7, 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee of five men to draft a statement declaring the American Colonies independent of British rule.

One of the most important Native American artists of the early 20th century was born in Nebraska.  Angel DeCora was born on May 3, 1871 on the Winnebago Reservation.

May 1^st, or May Day, is the day set aside by cultural institutions to make sure they are prepared in case of emergencies.

These certificates are now more stable and with proper storage and handling will be for many years to come.

Is the object going to be “preserved”, “restored,” or “conserved”?   What is the difference and why does it matter?  Let’s find out.

We knew we couldn’t halt the rapid degradation of the silk, but luckily there was a simple way to salvage what remained and prevent further loss of original material.  

It’s a new year and a good time to remind our blog readers of what we do at the Ford Center.  

The painting was the centerpiece of an exhibit on John Falter at the Nebraska History Museum in 2012.  It was in good condition but needed a little help to be exhibit-ready.

It’s easy to take paper for granted.  We use it for everything: writing, printing, books, receipts, packaging, money, even for cleaning. But what did people use before paper?