The Michigan History Center is an organization that is devoted to collecting, preserving, and interpreting Michigan’s past. As a collections intern, my responsibilities were to assist with inventory and relocating relics, updating ARGUS database records, and reading assigned materials on the history and museum work.
ABOUT THE COLLECTION
The Michigan Relics are fraudulent artifacts that were manufactured by contemporary makers during the later 1890s and early 1900s. The makers of the relics attempted to pass them off as ancient archaeological discoveries by staging finds in several Michigan counties. Though they were debuted by numerous experts on linguistics and archaeology, the relics gained a loyal following who promoted the frauds and offered them for sale.
EXPERIENCE
As a collections intern for the Michigan History Center, my responsibilities included cleaning and transporting artifacts from the museum to the warehouse, and cataloging them into the database for record-keeping. It was an opportunity to expand and grow from my previous archaeological experience.
Taking my hands-on experience from outdoors to indoors, I found several skills important. The one that interested me the most was learning how to preserve artifacts made from different materials such as wood, metal, or rubber. By properly caring for them, it can help prevent the loss of any properties and maintain its structure. In addition, properly securing, storing, and transporting can help aid in the maintenance of artifacts.
While working in the warehouse, I learned that the preservation of artifacts can be affected by two factors. First, the temperature can be a major factor in long-lasting materials. Too much heat or cold air could damage them. But with different artifacts being housed together, made of different materials, it can be a difficult task to solve. The second factor to consider is insects. By making sure the building is secure with no cracks or opening for insects to get into the warehouse, it can prolong various objects for future research or exhibition.
Additionally, through the guidance of my supervisor, I worked with the ARGUS database inputting information, not only the collections department requires, but also other departments, such as the exhibition. As artifacts are transported from the warehouse to the museum, the record of the location, placement, and dates are vital to tracking their movement in the case that objects get misplaced or even lost.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to thank Eric, my supervisor, for his sense of humor that made everyday fun and how knowledgeable he is about his work, education, and life.