[Nhcoll-l] project to research and identify collections

[Cristin Waterbury]

Hi all,
I’m working on structuring a project focused on the identification and cataloging of our natural history and ethnographic collections. We are primarily a history museum (as well as an aquarium with living collections) and don’t have the expertise on staff to properly identify and catalog this segment of our collection. It includes items such as geological specimens, shells, fossils, and the ethnographic materials include baskets, stone tools, pottery, etc.

I am thinking we will need to bring in a consultants/scholars knowledgeable in the appropriate subject areas to review and identify the collections in question and then record the information according to standards of the field.

Has anyone undertaken a project to research and identify collections that represent a subject area beyond the scope of expertise of your in-house staff? How did you go about finding subject matter experts? How did you estimate how much time it would take to research and identify the specimens or objects? What else should I be thinking about?

Any and all suggestions are appreciated!
Thanks,
Cristin


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Cristin j. Waterbury
Director of Curatorial Services
cwaterbury at rivermuseum.com<mailto:cwaterbury at rivermuseum.com>
563-557-9545 ext. 204
350 E. 3rd St.
Dubuque, IA 52001
www.rivermuseum.com<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.rivermuseum.com_&d=DwIGaQ&c=cjytLXgP8ixuoHflwc-poQ&r=LpYc_Z_iN1KRw0hheb3x6-8MJUMu482qfHowpGYJqwc&m=XtNEaOgLkRIwVYup9uF5ZPJb1JIQi9944TCNl63DLok&s=mRgj6V9NWViPSuJeLCCCySMOJimDBEdMRyLzwEK0t4w&e=>


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