Caring for Family Collections: A museum perspective with expert Batja Bell

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Do you live with—and love—family collections and heirlooms? While museums preserve objects under carefully controlled conditions and often limit display, many of those methods are beyond the reach of the average household. The good news is that the same principles of preventive care can be applied at home.

On March 29, from 1 pm to 3 pm, Durand-Hedden will host a talk with museum professional Batja Bell, where you’ll be introduced to practical ways to care for treasured objects in your own collection. Learn how thoughtful documentation, handling, storage, and everyday use can help manage risk and extend the life of the things that matter to you—while still keeping them part of daily life. Participants will also learn to recognize when an item can be safely cared for at home and when professional conservation may be needed.

This two-hour presentation offers an introduction to collections care for personal heirlooms. Participants will also have the opportunity to view rarely displayed objects from Durand-Hedden’s holdings—many of which were once part of family collections themselves—and learn how museums care for them today.

Attendees are welcome to bring questions and photographs of objects from their own collections for discussion. Please do not bring original items. Examples of objects you may wish to ask about include photographs, scrapbooks, books, works of art on paper, ceramics, silverware, jewelry, textiles, and furniture.

Free tickets, as well as donation tickets, are available at DurandHedden.org.