Collections Care: Natural History Collections

Natural history collections offer scientists specimens to study changes in our environment over time and the general public a better understanding of the natural world. The sheer breadth of materials, from organic to inorganic, as well as health and safety concerns make it difficult to determine a one-size-fits-all policy for the preservation of these collections.

As with any museum or personal collection, however, appropriate handling techniques and storage are the first line of defense. 

• Avoid fluctuating and inappropriate temperatures and humidity levels in storage and exhibition areas
• Understand the special handling requirements for the type of collection, such as transporting objects using trays
• Handling only when necessary and with the understanding that these items are irreplaceable
• Using nitrile gloves with many biological collections and clean, bare hands with fossils
• Practicing general good housekeeping in storage and exhibition areas. 

See also other “Collections Care” toolkits based on materials, such as “Glass, Ceramics, and Stone” and “Organic Materials.”

General Care & Cautions

• National Park Service:
  • “Guidelines for the Handling of Pesticide Contaminated Collections” (Conserve O Gram, January 2002, number 2/19)
  • Museum Handbook: Appendix Q, “Curatorial Care of Natural History Collections”

Biological, Entomological, Vertebrate/Invertebrate & Taxidermy Collections

• Connecting to Collections Care: “Troublesome Trophies and Fragile Feathered Friends: Introduction to the Care of Historic Taxidermy” Webinar (Presenters: George Dante, Wildlife Preservations, and Eugenie Milroy, American Institute of Conservation (AIC)
• Fuller, Tamsen: “Storage Methods for Taxidermy Specimens” (Western Association for Art Conservation Newsletter, volume 14 number 2)
• National Park Service:
  • “Curation of Insect Specimens” (Conserve O Gram, September 2006, number 11/8)
  • “Handling and Care of Dry Bird and Mammal Specimens” (Conserve O Gram, September 2006, number 11/9)
  • “Labeling Natural History Collections” (Conserve O Gram, September 2005, number 11/6)
  • Museum Handbook: Appendix T, “Curatorial Care of Biological Collections”
  • “Safe Storage and Handling of Natural History Specimens preserved in Fluid” (Conserve O Gram, September 2001, number 2/18)
  • “Vertebrate Skeletons: Preparation and Storage” (Conserve O Gram, September 2006, number 11/7)

Paleontological & Geological Collections

• National Park Service:
  • “Health and Safety Issues with Geological Specimens” (Conserve O Gram, September 2006, number 11/11)
  • Museum Handbook: Appendix U, “Curatorial Care of Paleontological and Geological Collections”
  • “Radioactive Minerals” (Conserve O Gram, September 2006, number 11/10)
  • “Storage Concerns for Geological Collections” (Conserve O Gram, April 1998, number 11/2)