Behind the Scenes

There is a process occurring behind the scenes here at the Montana Historical Society. Work comes in to be catalogued, condition-reported and carefully put away. When we look at objects, or art, for possible exhibition, we assess items for their looks, sure, but also for their back story (their provenance), their condition (in need of conservation, or good to go?), and how well they fit the story we are trying to tell.

We look at their mount needs (how we will display them) and case needs (how we will protect them). We think about how long an item will need to be on exhibit and plan ways to mitigate exposure on items susceptible to damage caused by light. Clothing might need a mannequin; artwork, matting and framing; other items small mounts or supports to allow an item to “shine.” Archival and fragile items may need rotation.

It is a process we are used to, but from the outside it may seem as if, in between mounting exhibits, that we aren’t we’re doing much. Protecting and sharing our history is a charge we take seriously. And like so many professions, what one sees is only a small part of what we do.