Do you have your mother’s wedding dress stored in your attic but don’t know how to keep it fresh? What about a family bible handed down for generations? Are your old photographs strewn about in some old shoebox? Are you worried about the way you are storing a precious keepsake, and fear doing it damage? Are you a fan of Antiques Roadshow?
If you answered yes to any of these, or have similar questions, you are in for a treat! The Preservation Fair is coming once again to the Carnegie Museum’s Music Hall Foyer, on Saturday, October 22. Visit the official website for details.
The Preservation Fair is a one-day public information event at which you can get expert advice on how to protect and correctly display many different types of family keepsakes and treasures. Over 30 professional conservators, archivists, and librarians will be on hand to discuss your individual interests. Exhibitors include conservators specializing in books, documents, paintings, textiles, photographs and films. Historical Societies, Genealogical Societies, Community Preservation Organizations, and vendors dealing in conservation and preservation supplies will also be represented. Ongoing free demonstrations and lectures will be presented throughout the event, with a keynote address at 12:00 noon by Rick Sebak, the award-winning documentary producer!
The event is free with Museum admission.
Here is a special bonus not to miss! Bring in a family treasure, one item per visitor, for free basic conservation advice. No appraisals or valuations will be given.
Can’t make it? Don’t worry! The library has lots of resources.
Your librarians have created a few useful guides to pertinent subjects:
Antiques & Collectibles – Identify and price your antiques with these print and online resources. This will point you to specific guides like Antique Furniture and Saving Your Family Treasures.
Art Research Databases – Helpful tips for locating resources in print and online, and for learning about art.
Researching Your Art – Evaluation and Appraisal – Where did this come from? Who is this artist? Are they famous? and of course, how much is it worth?!?
Historic Preservation – Resources and organizations for preserving historic homes, buildings, etc.
Historical Societies & Commissions – Join a local group to learn about local history.
Biography & Genealogy – Genealogy resources.
Audio-Visual Resources in Pittsburgh – Vendors that convert film, video, photographs, and analog audio to digital (along with other guides).
These are links to subject headings in our catalog for areas we do not (yet) provide resource guides:
Books Conservation And Restoration Handbooks Manuals Etc
Bookbinding — Repairing — Handbooks, manuals, etc.
Textile Fabrics Conservation And Restoration
Photographs Conservation And Restoration
-Joelle
Eleventh Stack 