Historical Commission Agenda and Packet 2015 07 01

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Louisville Historical Museum Collections Management Policy Draft — June 2015 The strengths of the collections are in the artifacts, maps, and records relating to coal mining in the area; historic photos of downtown Louisville; items relating to Louisville families and houses; items relating to immigrants who came to the Louisville area; and business items from the Louisville area. The Museum's holdings include not only artifacts that are exhibited and interpreted for visitors, but also archival materials that researchers use. The Museum is also the repository for historical items from the administration of the town. A two -page "Collection Policy" was adopted for the Museum in 2002. The purpose of this collections management policy, which replaces the 2002 policy, is to document in detail the current collections practices at the Museum and to establish standards and procedures relating to the Museum's collections. This policy also addresses changes that have occurred since 2002, such as the donation of digital images, the creation of a reference collection, purchases made by staff to add to the collections, and the increased usage of museum cataloging software. 1.2 Mission Statement The mission statement of the Museum, as adopted by the Historical Commission on June 12, 2002 and revised April 4, 2007, is as follows: "The mission of the Louisville Historical Museum, a facility owned and operated by the City of Louisville, is to promote, collect, preserve, and interpret the diverse history of Louisville from the time of settlement until present day with a special emphasis on the coal mining period, 1877 -1955. The museum is dedicated to protecting artifacts and documents of historical value and educating children and adults about the past." 1.3 Authority The primary responsibility for the daily application of this policy lies with the Museum staff. However, ultimate authority for all phases of collections management rests with the City of Louisville. 2. Purpose & Scope of Collections 2.1 Purpose of Collections The collections are used to fulfill the Museum's mission to promote, collect, preserve, and interpret the history of Louisville. Many different types of usage of the collections help to fulfill the mission of the Museum. For example, the Museum staff uses artifacts in exhibits to interpret Louisville area history to visitors. The domestic artifacts in the Tomeo House help teach elementary students about what life was like long ago. Images from the collection are used extensively in the Museum's publication, The Louisville Historian, which is mailed to hundreds of members each quarter. Many historic photos from the Museum have been digitized and are available to view online, making it possible for researchers, students, property owners, and others to use them easily. 2.2 Ownership of Collections 2