[Nhcoll-l] Taxidermy bird conservation advice

[Ritchie, Fran E]

Hi Holly!

I’m the Chair of the Conservation Committee for SPNHC. The resources that others have already sent you are really great and part of what I suggest to people as well. MANY of them were even created by members of our Committee. 😊

Cleaning (e.g. brushing and vacuuming) is a big step in the conservation of historic taxidermy, and one can use the same techniques used in cleaning other museum objects. I’ve done a few webinars on the topic that are available for free on YouTube, here’s one version (I see that John sent it to you, as well): https://youtu.be/POZtVBwj6jw?si=084Hm3l4jdmQnHfo  It’s amazing what dust removal can do for a specimen, even if the mount itself might not be of the highest quality.

If you have any questions beyond cleaning (or more in general!), I’d recommend reaching out to natural science conservators in Australia. I feel comfortable providing you with the emails of Sheldon Teare (sheldon.teare at austmus.gov.au<mailto:sheldon.teare at austmus.gov.au>) and Dani Measday (dmeasday at museum.vic.gov.au<mailto:dmeasday at museum.vic.gov.au>) on this public list, as I know they are active in helping emerging conservators (if you’re reading this, Sheldon and Dani, hope you don’t mind!).

The Institute for Natural History Arts provides a hands-on, two-day course led by Bethany Palumbo (also of SPNHC) and myself where students can practice on actual pieces. This year’s class just took place last month, but keep an eye out for future offerings.

As for the arsenic, even if you are unable to test them, just wear your protective nitrile or latex gloves (if you don’t have a latex allergy), and be sure to wash your hands after removing the gloves. Also be sure NOT to touch your face/mouth while wearing the gloves, and promptly remove them once done working on the mounts. Studies have found great success in vacuuming the work area with a HEPA vacuum to prevent the spread of any heavy metal particles that may fall out of the mount while working. As I’ve been told, “The HEPA vacuum is your friend!” I even vacuum my clothes when I’m done.

Hope this is a helpful start!
Best,
Fran

Fran Ritchie, Conservator (Objects)
she/her
Harpers Ferry Center
Fran_Ritchie at nps.gov<mailto:Fran_Ritchie at nps.gov>

American Institute for Conservation Professional Associate (peer-reviewed)

NPS Conserve O Grams - Museums & Collections (U.S. National Park Service)<https://www.nps.gov/subjects/museums/conserve-o-grams.htm>

From: Nhcoll-l <nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu> On Behalf Of Holly Brown
Sent: Monday, July 21, 2025 2:49 AM
To: nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu
Subject: [EXTERNAL] [Nhcoll-l] Taxidermy bird conservation advice




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Hello!

I am an emerging conservator based in Australia and was guided to Nhcoll for advice by my lecturer at the University of Melbourne.

I am working part time as a Museum Officer for a collection that has some taxidermy bird specimens.

There has been no conservation action on these taxidermy birds (hawk and eagle specimens), and I would appreciate advice on best practice conservation care and preventative conservation measures I could try.

I am currently planning on testing the birds for arsenic using a basic arsenic test kit I have seen online to ensure they are safe to handle and display.  Other than that, I would be open to any other suggestions on how best to care for these objects.

Thank you so much in advance!

Holly Brown
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