Cookeville History Museum hosting preservation workshops April 21
COOKEVILLE – Want to keep your family heirlooms safe and beautiful for generations to come?
The Cookeville History Museum is hosting free family treasures preservation workshops April 21. Participants may call 520-5455 to register for the following time slots: 10-11:30 a.m., 12:30-2 p.m. or 2:30-4 p.m. Each session is limited to 10 people.
“In these small group workshops, you’ll learn how to safely archive your family’s photos, art pieces, textiles, metals, glass, ceramics, leather goods and more,” Beth Thompson, Cookeville museums manager, said. “You’ll also take home a free information packet for future reference and some archival materials to help you get started.”
The workshops – a partnership between Cookeville Leisure Services, Tennessee Tech University Archives and Putnam County Library – tie into Preservation Week, which is observed nationally. The focus is on preserving domestic treasures in the home, whether it’s a painting, sculpture or Grandma’s quilt.
“These items are irreplaceable,” she said, noting that different materials require different preservation methods. “They’re the only ones you have or will have, so it’s super important to preserve them so you can pass them down.”
Ashley McKee, museums educational specialist, said, “Each object has a story. If you don’t preserve those things, the story could get lost.”
Participants may bring photos to the workshop but should leave larger items at home.
Pam Philpot, exhibit specialist, looks forward to sharing preservation tips with the community.
“We do this every day at the museum, and it’s good to get the information out,” she said. “We can show you ways to preserve your treasures longer than by just putting them in the back of your closet.”
TTU archivist Megan Atkinson has provided archival gloves and photo sleeves for each participant to take home.
The Cookeville History Museum is located at 40 E. Broad St.
PHOTO CUTLINE: Learn how to preserve your photos and other family treasures during free preservation workshops April 21 at the Cookeville History Museum. To register, call 520-5455.