Biblical Responsibility

By Francisco Rodriguez-Conservator

The Museum of the Bible has a responsibility to maintain the highest standards of collection care to ensure the longevity of the objects on display and in storage. The Conservation Department is vital to fulfill this responsibility using preventive, interventive and analytical techniques to keep the collection in the best condition possible. The Conservation Lab in OKC needs renovation and the equipment necessary to carry out proper conservation treatments and photo documentation. The needs range from equipment like clean rooms, bookbinding tools and board cutters, to analytical tools such as microscopes and proper photo equipment. By improving our Conservation Department, the Museum of the Bible will be able to provide excellent collections care and will greatly improve the possibilities for research, leading to increased understanding of collections materials. Currently, there is not enough equipment or supplies to adequately house some items of the collection needing special environmental conditions. By investing in the Conservation Department, donors help the Museum fulfill its responsibility to collections care. The labs will become destinations for VIP guests and other conservation professionals. Proper storage in conservation labs also provides a rich source of material for potential exhibits, showing museum visitors the inner workings of maintaining a collection and opportunities to take traveling exhibitions to churches or other locations across Oklahoma and the United States.