Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums Awarded Institute for Museums and Library Services Grant for Collections Care

The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums are excited to announce that they have been awarded a $24,954 Institute for Museums and Library Sciences (IMLS) Museums for American grant to support care for collections. The Museums will improve the stewardship of their collections by devoting a full year to focused cataloging and rehousing activities. The project team will include a new part-time collections manager and interns who will rehouse the collections in closed cabinets and boxes to protect objects from UV damage and dust; transfer information in the existing paper catalog files to a new collections management database; and enhance catalog records with updated locations, photographs of objects, keywords, and descriptions. The project will address both access and environmental risks identified in a previous conservation assessment survey by reducing the direct handling of objects and providing an accessible and searchable database for use by staff, volunteers, and researchers.

Museum Director Diana Bolander stresses the importance of caring for the Museums’ collections, stating that “the Bevans Lead Mine and the collection are irreplaceable resources that tell the story of our region’s mining history.”  IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew said “As centers of learning and catalysts of community change, libraries and museums connect people with programs, services, collections, information, and new ideas in the arts, sciences, and humanities. They serve as vital spaces where people can connect with each other. IMLS is proud to support their work through our grant making as they inform and inspire all in their communities.”

About the Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums

The Mining and Rollo Jamison Museums pursue excellence in regional and mining history.  We are located at the eastern end of Platteville’s Historic District. Visit us to tour the 1845 Bevans Lead Mine, ride in a 1931 mine train (weather permitting), and learn about the local history of Platteville and lead and zinc mining of the Upper Mississippi Valley. Find out more at www.mining.jamison.museum.

 
About IMLS 

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission has been to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. For the past 20 years, our grant making, policy development, and research has helped libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.