Harvey Dunn Restoration Project

In 1998, the Museum initiated a more proactive and preventative course of action to ensure the well being of its permanent collection. This was accomplished through the implementation of a long-range preservation plan. The rehousing of all of the museums collections (6012 objects) was identified as a critical need to further ensure the long-term preservation.  Individual collections were prioritized according to those that would be most affected by improved storage conditions, those that would reduce the rate of deterioration and those that would reduce the amount of handling and time needed to locate objects needed for exhibit or education.

In 2000, the Museum was fortunate to obtain funding provided by the Larson Foundation to rehouse nearly 5000 three-dimensional objects in its holdings including Native American artifacts, ceramics, textiles and unframed works on paper. In 2001 the Museum received funding from the Institute for Museum and Library Services, through the Conservation Project Support program, to rehouse 264 two-dimensional works of art on a state-of the-art sliding rack system. In 2002, the Museum received funding from the National Endowment for Humanities, Preservation Assistance Grant, to address storage concerns with the Paul Goble collection. This project allowed staff to properly store 780 drawings and paintings on paper. In 2004, the Museum with encouragement and support from Governor Rounds, the South Dakota Board of Regents, SDSU and numerous donors, undertook efforts to address stabilization concerns with the Harvey Dunn collection. At total of $118,000 has been pledged with 50% from private donors and the remaining 50% from South Dakota State University.  In 2005, The Museum again received funding from the National Endowment for Humanities to address concerns about 28 works of art by Native American artist Oscar Howe. Through a Preservation Assistance Grant, staff were able to properly hinge, matt, frame and provide appropriate storage conditions for the works. In 2005, The Museum received a Mentorship Grant provided by Midwest Art Conservation Center to identify, prioritize and address concerns with the Native American artifact collection. As a result of the Mentorship, the Museum is actively addressing storage, conservation and cultural concerns related to the objects. This is being accomplished in part by establishing a volunteer group to assist staff in constructing individual storage containers for objects and documenting objects as well as training of Museum staff.

Future efforts towards fulfillment of the long-term preservation plan include seeking funding to address concerns with 1. The Native American collection to include addressing cultural considerations, documentation, specific storage concerns and conservation treatment of specific objects.  2. The works on paper collection to include documentation, specific storage concerns and treatment of individual works.  The long-range preservation plan is a dynamic tool used by the Museum and is periodically reviewed to assess and identify current and changing concerns of the collection. It is designed and used as a means to prevent deterioration and damage to works that are a reflection of our common heritage and culture.