The Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) and the Tennessee State Museum (TSM) are working together to identify the preservation needs of Tennessee’s cultural heritage collections.  The IMLS Preservation Planning Grant will permit these two agencies to survey and identify conservation/environmental conditions and provide educational resources for conservation.  Endangered collections will be improved through heightened awareness of environmental conditions and disaster preparedness.  Goals to be completed include: a statewide survey of museums, archives, libraries, and historic sites; on-site consultation with staff to help consider specific improvements; and educational workshops on proper environmental conditions and disaster preparedness.

TSLA and TSM have had numerous requests for assistance to conserve valuable tangible artifacts of Tennessee history.  There are many sites throughout the state that maintain and want to maintain historic collections.  Due to budget restraints both agencies have not been able to provide the type of outreach services desired to help these dedicated local preservation groups.  The IMLS Connecting to Collections Grant will provide a tremendous leap forward towards understanding environmental conditions across the state and improving the stewardship of Tennessee’s history.

The project is underway this summer with the preparation of a mailing list of cultural heritage repositories such as historical sites, museums, and archives.  It will be the basis of participants in a survey based on the Heritage Health Index format of 2004.  We hope to have the survey in the mail by the end of the summer.

Next year’s activities will include workshops on improving environmental conditions that help preserve Tennessee’s rich collections of historical materials.

Any questions or information regarding historic sites that might be interested in participation call Carol Roberts, Project Coordinator;  Director of Preservation Services, TSLA 615-253-6446 or email carol.roberts@tn.gov.