4HóHLTHó402 Oklahoma 4-H: HOBBIES AND COLLECTABLES

Collectibles: Preserving the Past and Present for Future Generations

Life Skills Developm ent: Critical Thinking: asks questions before, during and after acquir- ing information Keeping Records: begins to sort and classify Planning/Organizing: does simple sorting and categorizing Decision Making: identifies alternatives; able to choose among a few selected alternatives Marketable Skills: gets exposure to a variety of job roles in community; learns math, reading, speaking, manual dexterity; takes field trips to explore careers; processes information with adults Stress Management/Healthy Lifestyle Choices –stimulate creativity, cognitive development and opportunities for positive mental health

It is exciting to discover a This interest often leads to and protecting items being hidden treasure in the attic, collecting. As a collector we stored or displayed. Each garage, basement, barn or make a considerable invest- antique or collectible has its even in grandma’s closet. A ment of both time and re- own unique set of characte- so called treasure, can be sources so it is important to ristics – such as the material defined by ones interests, protect and preserve our col- from which it was con- hobbies, heritage and even lections. Archeologists and structed (glass, wood, metal, personal taste. It could be historians have learned that textiles, clay, plastic, etc.) to that we enjoy the item for its the most well preserved the method by which it was aesthetics, novelty, use, his- treasures are protected from constructed. For example tory or value. the elements – air, light, not all metals are physically temperature, humidity and and chemically the same – We begin collecting when insects. Unfortunately we iron, tin, brass, aluminum, something or someone can’t store our treasures in steel, gold, silver, copper, peaks our interest to learn. an Egyptian tomb, but we etc. A collectable made from We want to learn more about can learn how to best care certain metals could be the item, its intended use; for and preserve our collec- ruined and even destroyed the artisan, manufacturer or tibles, heirlooms and prized during cleaning, restoration company who produced the possessions. or storage if we don’t pos- product; how it was made sess the knowledge or re- and what was used in its As a collector and conserva- sources to identify the metal construction; and even its tor it is our responsibility to compound and the finishes place in a historic context. learn the best practices for used on that metal. handling, cleaning, restoring Avoid Ruining Collectibles Restoration or Preservation? There are some general practices for collectors and There are pro’s and con’s to both conservators of paper, metal, glass, ceramics, plastic, restoration and preservation. As a collector and curator of your collec- wood and textiles. There is a lot of biological, chemical tion there are choices to make. It will and physical science involved with becoming a junior require thought and research to museum curator. make the best choice for the collecti- Light – Light is damaging. All light, but especially ultra- ble and the reason it is being saved violet light, speeds up the chemical reactions which – historical integrity or sentimental value. cause organic materials to decompose or break down over time. All collections should be kept out of direct sun Restoration is the physical manipu- light and receive limited indirect light to protect color and lation or repair of objects. moisture level. Light can cause materials to become dry Preservation is protecting the item and brittle, as well as helping to control humidity. with as little change as possible to the true nature of the item. Humidity – Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. Balance is important to collectors. Too little moisture Williams, senior conservator of the causes wood, paper and paint to shrink, crack and be- Smithsonian Institute, and Jaggar come brittle. Too much humidity will cause rust, mold (2005) state in the book Saving Stuff, and mildew and encourage insect infestation. Typical “You have choices with your collec- locations for storing our treasures include the attic, tibles. You can preserve them with no changes for as long as possible, where it is too hot and dry, or the basement, which is of- or you can choose to restore and re- ten too damp and mildewy. pair them. On the plus side, restor- Temperature – Extreme temperatures are not good for ing compensates for any damage or collectibles and antiques. Year-round temperatures of deterioration that has occurred. On 64 degrees are ideal. Gradually move items from one the con side, restoration changes extreme temperature to another. Rapid temperature your object permanently and often lessens its inherent value. Can you changes can cause thermal shock. This stress causes restore and preserve? Yes. If you cracks and fractures. restore a piece, you still need to pre- Handling – Handling is the act of touching, moving or vent any future degradation by fol- operating something with the hands. Oil, salts, acid and lowing preservation strategies.” even soil transferred from our skin to a collectible can cause deterioration or staining, much like a salad oil stain which cannot be removed from a tie or shirt. The W hat you can do in this 4-H white cotton gloves museum curators wear are for the project? protection of the antique. Pick a hobby or start a collection that interests you. Learn the difference between pre- servation and restoration. As a collector and conservationist learn the best practices for handling, cleaning, restoring and protecting items being stored or displayed. Learn to assess the value of your collection as an investment for the future. Organize a hobby show for clubs in your area. Teach a friend or club member how to become involved in the hobby of collecting. Cleaning – Know your collectible before beginning any References: cleaning or restoration. Carefully consider the use of Williams, D. and Jaggar, L. Saving Stuff – How to Care for and Preserve Your Collectibles, Heir- chemicals, detergents, cleaning products and profes- looms, and other Prized Possessions. Simon & sional/commercial cleaners. The chemicals and actual Schuster, 2005. ISBN 0-7432-6416-9 cleaning process can be much too harsh for fragile items Levenstein, M. K. and Biddle, C. F. Caring for Your such as textiles, jewelry, fashion accessories, toys and Cherished Possessions – the Experts’ Guide to Cleaning, Preserving and Protecting Your China, dolls. Furniture, Clothing, Paintings and More. Crown Publishers, Inc. 1989. ISBN 0-517-57087-4 To protect and preserve your collectibles and antiques, Sagraves, B. A Preservation Guide – Saving the always do your homework before starting the cleaning or Past & the Present for the Future. Ancestry Incor- restoration process. porated, 1995. ISBN0-916489-59—0 Simpson, M. T. and Huntley, M. Editors. Sotheby’s Some simple tools: an assortment of bristled brushes Caring for Antiques – The Complete Guide to Han- (soft to firm), cotton swabs, distilled water and moisture dling, Cleaning, Display and Restoration. Simon & Schuster, 1992. ISBN 0-671-75105-0 free canned air. Distilled water is the best choice as it Katz-Schwartz, J. Protecting Your Collectable does not have chemicals and minerals which can stain Treasurers: Secrets of a Collecting Diva. Martin- or damage. gale & Company, 2001. ISBN 1-56477-388-4 Insects and Rodents – Stored items are natural havens Related 4-H Project Areas: for insects and rodents. To minimize long-term damage, Health, Recreation, Arts and Hobbies, any consider all of the previous elements, each can contri- project area of interest can become a hobby bute to the inhabitation of insects and rodents. Know- for collectables. ledge and a plan are your best weapons against these Other Related Centennial Fair critters. Exhibit Project M aterials: Contaminants – The environment in which we live and 4HóHLTHó402 Collectables store our collectibles can be contaminating within itself. 4HóHLTHó403 Preserving Vintage Clothing and It is hard to avoid physical deposits and chemicals con- Textile Products – Part 1 4HóHLTHó404 Preserving Vintage Clothing and tained in the air. They leave a film that may or may not Textile Products – Part 2 be seen by the human eye. 4HóHLTHó405 Storage and Display of Heirloom Textiles in the Home Other times contaminants come from the things we care- 4HóHLTHó406 Preserving Photographs, Books fully wrap around items for protection. Examples: The and Paper Documents sulphur in a wool cloth will corrode silver and bronze. 4HóHLTHó407 Preserving Metal, Wood and The oxygen in air reacts to the surface of silver, brass Plastic Collectibles (not availa- and bronze causing oxidation – the formation of silver ble) 4HóHLTHó408 Preserving Memorabilia and copper oxide on these metals. Chemicals in ordi- 4HóHLTHó409 History Mysteries Part 1– Record- nary plastic kitchen wrap are corrosive agents for metals ing and retelling the history of 4- and do not allow textiles to breath. Acid in wood and H and its people through stories wood pulp paper cause damage to textiles and paper 4HóHLTHó410 History Mysteries Part 2– Writing products. Chemicals/detergents remaining in a towel or the Story – your treasures - from Clues sheet can be damaging to some antiques and collec- 4HóHLTHó411 Documenting and Cataloging tibles. Collectibles (not available) 4HóHLTHó412 Displaying Collections and Collec- Once again, always do your homework before making a tibles (not available) decision about where and how to store your precious 4HóPDLó111 Personal Development – Docu- collectibles and antiques. menting our Heritage ó ó 4H HLTH 413 Authentication Card

To learn more check out other related Centennial project materials.

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