This past November, the Plymouth Antiquarian Society welcomed two esteemed textile conservators, Katy O’Donnell of KWO Textiles and Renee Walker-Tuttle of ConText LLC, to the Hedge House for a preliminary assessment of our remarkable historic clothing collection. Spanning over a century of acquisitions, this collection reflects the lives and stories of generations past. The conservators’ visit marks the first step in an ambitious effort to better preserve and exhibit these artifacts, with a comprehensive inventory reconciliation planned as a priority for 2025.
During their visit, the conservators conducted a detailed examination of storage spaces and cataloging practices. They assessed the cubic footage of storage areas, noted item types and quantities—from hats to shoes to garments—and identified potential risks such as environmental factors and pest vulnerabilities. Their initial recommendations include improvements to climate control, lighting, and safety measures, aligning with national conservation standards.
Beyond their on-site work, the conservators will provide PAS with a strategic roadmap for collection care and management. This plan will address improved storage solutions, workspace needs for cataloging textiles, and strategies for potential deaccessioning of duplicate or non-mission-aligned items. They will also share resources such as grant opportunities and connections to museum storage experts to help PAS implement these recommendations.
This project is essential for the long-term preservation of our historic clothing collection, one of PAS’s most significant cultural assets. By addressing current challenges and planning for future growth, including hiring a part-time Collections Manager, we are ensuring these artifacts can continue to educate and inspire. The inventory reconciliation in 2025 will be transformative, helping us better understand our collection and opening new opportunities for public engagement through exhibitions and educational programs. This initiative represents an exciting new chapter for PAS as we safeguard these irreplaceable pieces of history for generations to come.
