Well, it’s the middle of August, which means it’s time for the Iowa State Fair. Living in Des Moines, we’re only about a ten minute drive from the fairgrounds, which makes it very convenient. My husband and I weren’t planning to visit the Fair this year, but after finding ourselves enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Iowa
Award-Winning Connections
It’s time for another post featuring an article from the Des Moines University Magazine! For my past posts, please see here and here. While my previous posts have focused on DMU’s book collection, today I want to highlight a very unique alum and his famous grandson. Originally published in the Spring 2010 issue, “An Early … Continue reading
Deaccessioning and Ethics
Ah, ethics. I just emailed a client regarding an upcoming auction. They have a lot of items in their collection with no provenance (prizes from past dumpster dives), are in very poor condition, and/or are duplicates. While I helped sort through these potential auction items and feel confident about our decisions, I did want to … Continue reading
Crashing a Trade Show
About a week and a half ago, my husband and I decided to take a stroll through the Des Moines Home and Garden Show. After all, we kept hearing about it on television and the radio (um, Ty Pennington was on all of the commercials, but I don’t think he actually made an appearance?) and … Continue reading
Through a Child’s Eyes
Today, Museum Minute welcomes our first guest blogger! Take it away, Jenn: Thank you to Lindsey for letting me guest blog. Having both attended Eastern Illinois University’s Historical Administration program at different times, then serving on the alumni board of same program, we’ve known each other semi-professionally over the years. Then, when she moved to … Continue reading
Brunnier, Wyeth and the Baby-Sitters Club
I recently ventured north to Ames, Iowa and visited the Brunnier Art Museum at Iowa State University. ISU has four museums on campus: the Brunnier Art Museum, the Christian Peterson Art Museum, the Farm House Museum and the Textiles and Clothing Museum. In addition, there is also a sculpture garden on campus, the Anderson Sculpture … Continue reading
My Favorite Book
I’ve been writing this blog for about six weeks now and it’s occurred to me that I’ve barely mentioned my work in the Des Moines University Archives and Rare Book Room. I have a sneaky feeling that I’ve avoided it because I’ve been trying to get a departmental newsletter off the ground for ages, and … Continue reading
Collection = Found!
There is nothing better than discovering–or rediscovering–something neat in your collection. This could be something that you didn’t know existed, something that had been misplaced, or maybe something that was properly documented but you just didn’t know you had it (especially if you’re new on staff and still getting to know the collection.) I recently … Continue reading
Archival Products at Archival Products
I recently had the opportunity to tour the offices at Archival Products, a local archival supply company. Per their website: Archival Products presents elegant solutions for preservation for colleges and universities, museums, historical societies, art and music libraries, medical schools and government offices as well as for the private conservator. The offices and warehouse were … Continue reading
Fishing Lessons (not really)
In addition to my many other jobs, I also teach preservation classes for the Des Moines Public Schools Community Education Program. I’ve been teaching a photo preservation class called “Saving Your Family Photos” for about a year and a half now, and will debut a paper and book preservation class this spring. (I believe registration … Continue reading
Museum Minute 