Adirondack History Museum to Host ‘Hands On’ Workshop

Conservator Jennifer Baker reviews plans for the new Arto Monaco exhibit at the Adirondack History Museum in Elizabethtown with Director Aurora McCaffrey and Collections Assistant Owen Gibbs. Baker will lead a free workshop on wood and photo conservation at the Museum for historians and history enthusiasts on Oct. 16. (Photo provided by the Adirondack History Museum)

Essex County historians and history enthusiasts will have the opportunity to get in touch with local history on Friday, Oct. 16.

The Adirondack History Museum in Elizabethtown will host a free Conservation Workshop from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The workshop is open to both professional and amateur historians.

“The workshop is designed for individuals with an interest in Essex County and local history and professionals who want specific advice on wood-based conservation,” said Museum Director Aurora McCaffrey. “The workshop will feature a hands-on clinic where participants can discuss the handling of wood and paper-based items with an expert.”

Jennifer Baker, a fine arts conservationist from North Ferrisburgh, Vt., will lead this free workshop on wood and photo conservation. Baker is an experienced conservator with more than twenty years’ experience. She is skilled with painted wooden surfaces and has worked with flood damaged material. Baker has also has consulted with other local museums and historical societies on general conservation issues such as storage, climate control, lighting, and exhibitions.

Individuals are encouraged to bring either wood-based items for conservation appraisals, or photos and photo albums to discuss proper methods of maintenance. The museum will supply several wood and photo album examples from its collection to demonstrate common and specific maintenance concerns.

“We’ve been lucky to work with Jen. She’s been an invaluable resource for our museum as we’ve worked on accessioning and stabilizing the items we received from the Arto Monaco Historical Society,” said McCaffrey. “Other historians will appreciate the opportunity to benefit from her knowledge.”

Museum trustee and photo expert Margaret Bartley will also be on hand to discuss techniques for dating historical pictures.

While the museum closes for the season on Oct. 12, workshop participants will have the chance to tour the building, including the 2015 seasonal exhibits and new Arto Monaco exhibit. After lunch, there will be an informal round table discussion.

“We hope that this workshop will offer both educational opportunities and dialogues among local historians,” said McCaffrey.

The workshop is sponsored by the Adirondack History Museum and a grant from the Institute for Library and Museum Services. Lunch will be provided for participants. RSVPs are required, and must be received by Oct. 13.

The Adirondack History Museum seeks to serve as Essex County’s center for the stories that reveal the roots and values of its people. The museum is open daily from May 25 to Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $2 for students.

For more information or to RSVP for the workshop, please contact the museum at (518) 873-6466 or echs@adkhistorymuseum.org, or visit the Museum’s website at www.adkhistorymuseum.org.