Conservation Case Studies: Collections Core

These short case studies explore the conservation of materials on display in the in the Lois V. Gerstner, Jr. Collections Core exhibit in the Museum's Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation. Each takes an in-depth look at one array, reflecting on how it was prepared for exhibit. 

In preparation for the opening of the Collections Core Exhibit, AMNH Science Conservation prepared 2869 specimens and cultural objects from departments throughout the museum. This effort was a highly collaborative one in which conservators worked closely with registrars, curators and collection staff, as well as designers, preparators, and content developers in the Exhibition department.

Each object underwent a careful examination to understand its construction, its condition, and what steps would be necessary to ready it for permanent display. Learn more about how conservators at the AMNH approach collection care, and how their efforts help to protect these materials for future generations.

Case Study Bats Conservation of bat study skins and skeletal material. Case Study Corals A look at cleaning methods and structural repair techniques for dry coral specimens. Case Study Echinoderms Learn how a collection of sea urchins and sand dollars was prepared for exhibit. Case Study Grouper Skeleton Conservation of a large, articulated fish skeleton. Case Study Horns and Antlers A look at different mammal skulls and their conservation for the Collections Core exhibit. Case Study Jacketed Fossil Specimens Cleaning and stabilization of several open and closed fossil jackets exhibited in the Collections Core. Case Study Parrots The conservation of 20 colorful parrot taxidermy mounts. Case Study Spiders Learn how a tarantula taxidermy specimen is prepared. Case Study Turtle Shells Learn about how box turtle shells were prepared for display.