Published: July 03, 2009 05:56 pm         

State parks receive conservation resources

Treasured objects and artifacts held by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks and Reservoirs will be preserved for future generations’ enjoyment with help from the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ Connecting to Collections Bookshelf, a core set of conservation books and online resources donated by the IMLS.

“When IMLS launched this initiative to improve the dire state of our nation’s collections, we understood that the materials gathered for the Bookshelf would serve as important tools for museums, libraries and archives nationwide,” said Anne-Imelda Radice, IMLS director.

IMLS has now awarded almost 3,000 free sets of the IMLS Bookshelf, in cooperation with the American Association for State and Local History.

“We are grateful to the Institute of Museum and Library Services for these resources. As we begin to prepare for Indiana State Parks’ centennial in 2016, we are working to ensure that our archival materials, artifacts and historic structures are well-preserved and will continue to tell our story for another 100 years. These preservation management materials will provide guidance for that effort,” said Dan Bortner, Indiana SPR director.

While the Indiana State Archives and the Indiana State Museum are the primary places for preserving significant artifacts and papers related to the state’s history, there are some materials that properties keep for display in exhibits or use in research at parks and reservoirs around the state.

The IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. Learn more about the Institute at www.imls.gov.