A group of people, including three men and two women, are gathered around a long table, examining a large rolled-out document or map. They seem engaged and focused. A flag is visible in the background, and large windows let in natural light.

Caring for Your Collection

Caring for Your Heirlooms

Learn how to document your collections by taking an inventory, photographing your belongings, and more.

The first step to caring for your collection, whether it is family heirlooms, Mardi Gras throws, or sports memorabilia, is to know what you have.

In this virtual program, Decorative Arts of the Gulf South (DAGS) research fellows Elizabeth Palms and James Kelleher, show how to document your collection by taking an inventory and photographing your belongings. They will demonstrate proper techniques for handling antique objects as well as how to assess to condition issues. HNOC moderators Lydia Blackmore and Sarah Duggan, curators of the exhibition Pieces of History: Ten Years of Decorative Arts Fieldwork, discuss collection use and answer questions.

Workshop: Caring For Your Collections

Caring For Your Collections Resource Guide

Download HNOC’s Resource Guide for caring for your collections, which includes a list of vetted vendors who can help with your preservation or research efforts.

Resources: Caring For Your Collection Download Download

Explore Caring for Your Collection

Since 1992, HNOC has developed programs about caring for the personal collections of our community. Explore our series of workshops designed to help you learn to properly inventory, handle, care for, and augment your objects and papers with HNOC staff and outside experts.

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Four women gather around a table examining a historical document. One woman wearing gloves points at the document. They appear engaged in discussion. A small teacup is visible on the table. The setting is a well-lit office or conference room.

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