Preserving the Museum’s maritime photo collection

Applying for competitive grants is never an easy task, but securing funding is only the beginning of a much larger commitment Last year, Maritime Museum Tasmania was fortunate to receive several grants, which is fantastic news, but it also means a significant workload for our dedicated team

In the spring edition of Maritime Times last year, we proudly announced that we had been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme (MMAPSS) This funding is being used to rehouse a crucial part of our photographic collection in best-practice archival materials. Our collection serves as Tasmania’s primary maritime photographic archive and is widely used for research. This project ensures both its long-term preservation and enhanced accessibility for the community

Our team of volunteers has been diligently working to catalogue and protect this collection. The process involves sorting the photographs, placing them into archival sleeves, and storing them in archival folders. These measures allow the photographs to be handled without risk of damage, ensuring reduced physical contact while maintaining easy access for researchers and enthusiasts alike

The collection primarily consists of vessel photographs that document ships visiting Hobart over the years, providing invaluable insights into the port’s activity and evolution

Thanks to the MMAPSS grant, we are making significant strides in preserving these historical treasures We also extend our gratitude to our volunteers, members, and supporters who make this work possible