Conservation Lab

Active Treatment

Museum conservation has moved away from the active treatment of specimens and objects to the practice of what we call preventive conservation. This is an approach used by the Peabody’s Conservation Laboratory, since active treatment generally involves invasive techniques that can alter specimens. There are times, however, when active treatment is necessary.

Treatment is undertaken when the life of a specimen is in danger, for example, when water-soluble salts in an artifact or specimen are causing it to crumble to dust. Infestation by webbing cloths moths or dermestid beetles also requires prompt treatment.

When artifacts and specimens are broken, they are usually repaired, especially if they are required for exhibition or education programs. Repairs are made to ensure the stability of a specimen and sometimes to keep detached elements from getting lost or broken. Repairs can also help researchers, for example, by enabling them to measure more accurately eggs in the collections.

Repairing a bird specimen
Repairing a broken egg
Repairing an Egyptian mask
Repairing an Eskimo mask
Removing water soluble salts from ceramics

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