Historical Commission Agenda and Packet 2022 07 20

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Louisville Historical Museum Collections Management Policy 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. It is intended that this policy will be communicated to and shared with the members of the Louisville Historical Commission, the directors of the Louisville History Foundation, and Museum staff and volunteers. 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. The Louisville Historical Commission is an advisory board to the Louisville City Council that, as part of its mission, establishes and monitors criteria for the collection, preservation, and display of historical artifacts, documents, and structures by the Louisville Historical Museum. 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 All items received by the Museum become property of the City of Louisville. As the steward of valuable collections, the Museum and the City of Louisville assume the responsibility to maintain and interpret the Museum collections and fulfill the Museum's mission. 2.3 Scope of Collections Items in the collections shall have an association with the history of the Louisville area in at least one of the following categories: 2