Museums at the Crossroads Consortium of Champaign County

Museum Preservation and Care of Artifacts:
History of Shoes in the Sholem Collection

Early American Museum
Mahomet, Illinois

Handling:

When we pick up artifacts we have to be careful! Here are some tips on how to pick up old things.

Always use both hands

Wear gloves or make sure your hands are very clean (we use white cotton gloves for most things)

Carry one object at a time

Always support it from below

NEVER pick something up by the handle -- that's where it's weakest.

Go Slowly!

Know where you're going to put it down before you pick it up

Get someone to open doors for you. Don't try to open them when you're carrying something.

Click here to learn how to preserve artifacts.

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