Cultural Collections
Betty Kam, Vice President for Cultural Collections
The Cultural Resources Division includes the Library and Archives, and Cultural Collections. Our staff of librarians, archivists, collections specialists, technicians, and researchers care for, develop, and provide access to the collection of cultural materials, library titles, and archival documents preserved by Bishop Museum.
We also contribute to the creation of collections-based educational products in support of the Museum's mission.
The care and access to the cultural collection is carried out according to local, national and international laws and regulations governing cultural property and natural heritage.
- New digital camera
A new camera can be used to document collections, access programs and collection procedures in all the cultural collections. Another good camera will really be needed as we document collections and installation for Hawaiian Hall (we’d like a digital Canon Rebel!)
$1500 - Laptop
Staff now collect information on the environmental conditions in storage and display areas by downloading from dataloggers to laptops. With an additional laptop, staff will be able to collect data more efficiently.
$2000 - 2 Dataloggers
While the renovated Hawaiian Hall will have a controlled environment (temperature and relative humidity), the Museum still needs to monitor the conditions throughout the complex in order to ensure prime environmental conditions for the longevity of each artifact.
$200 each - 4 Computers
Bishop Museum computers are heavy-duty workers, and must be replaced every 2-3 years. This is an ongoing need, and a growing cost.
$1600 each - Museum board
In order to keep odd shaped artifacts firm set in place on their moveable shelf, each is secured to a mount made of museum gray board to provide extra stability. At times, special boxes are made with gray board to protect items.
$250 - HEPA filter hand vacuum:
Yes, the staff vacuumed the Hawaiian Hall whale, and the best type of vacuum for this and other dusty needs is a HEPA filter hand vacuum. The whale really sank our existing vacuum, and a good replacement would be appreciated.
$350 - Heavy duty cart:
A heavy duty hand cart will be absolutely crucial as we transport artifacts to Hawaiian Hall for the installation! Every supporter of this item can provide a name for their cart - we’ll report on the cart with the most accomplishments when Hawaiian Hall is re-opened!
$500 - Freezer container
Help preserve the collections! Preserving the collection has a lot to do with ensuring that insects are not causing irreparable damage. One measure to prevent insect infestation is sterilization by freezing. For appropriate artifact and other objects, Bishop Museum uses a large freezing unit, a shipping container (!) to accomplish this. Temperatures are brought down to below freeze level for a sufficient amount of time to insure that insects and eggs are terminated. Bishop Museum is now looking for a replacement for the unit that has served in recent. Gifts towards this purchase would certainly be appreciated and gladly accepted!
$6000