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To: [log in to unmask]
From: Susan Buhr <[log in to unmask]>
Sent by: The Natural Science Collections Association discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
Date: 02/02/2011 02:11PM
Subject: Natural History in small museums
Hello,
We have a fairly substantial and largely uncatalogued natural history collection at the Greenwich Heritage Centre, but none of it has been on display since we moved premises 7.5 years ago, and there hasn't been a staff member with natural history expertise since the 1970s. I'm applying for a grant to fund an assessment of the collection, dispose of elements which don't fit the museum's aims, collecting policy, or resources, and develop programming which does use those elements that are significant to the local area. I'm making my argument on the grounds that lots of older small museums have natural history collections but usually just have curators from social history/fine art/archaeology backgrounds and that we could set an example for other small museums facing this issue.The help I'm looking for is in the area of research or statistics to back up my (basically made up) claims. I remember a large national survey that was published last year showed that the subject area that most people in the UK wanted to see in museums was natural history, but I cannot for the life of me remember what the survey was called and google is not helping. Also my premise that most small museums with natural history collections don't have proper staff knowledge is completely based on anecdotal assumptions, and I could even be wrong. Does anyone know of any specific research on this? Just for scale, our organisation has the equivalent of 3 full time staff members in collections roles, and 2 of these are dedicated to the local studies archive. I've had a look through the archives but can't find any pointers.
Thank you much, in advance!
Susan Buhr
Collections Manager (Maternity Cover)
Greenwich Heritage Centre
Artillery Square
Royal Arsenal
London SE18 4DX
0208 854 2452
Please note I am part-time, and my usual days of work are Wed-Fri
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This message is for the named person's use only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it and notify the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the intended recipient. Greenwich Council reserves the right to monitor all e-mail communications through its networks, in accordance with legislation.
Greenwich Council has scanned this e-mail for viruses but does not accept any responsibility once this e-mail has been transmitted. You should scan attachments (if any) for viruses.
Greenwich Council can be contacted by telephone on +44 (0) 20 8854 8888
Destination Greenwich - Host borough for 2012