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Title
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Addison Siemon's History 3993 final exam
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Description
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Addison Siemon's final exam for History 3993 taught by Dr. Helen Dixon.
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Creator
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Siemon, Addison
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Date
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2020-05-04
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extracted text
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One of the most challenging things for those caring for historical objects is to anticipate in “real time”
what will be of historical interest long-term, to guide their collecting programs. Of course, we are in an
incontrovertibly historic moment now as we all cope with the global COVID-19 pandemic! For this essay,
I’d like you to propose a collecting and care plan for ECU to document our experiences, with the
following components:
a) Select and photograph four objects or documents from your own (or your family’s) personal
experience with lock down. With each photograph, describe in 4-5 sentences what the object or
document is, what it’s made of, who made it, why it’s significant to you and your experience, and how it
might tell the story of the pandemic to a wider, future audience.
Object 1: Wrapped Cap & Gown
During the COVID-19 pandemic, universities were abruptly shut down during their Spring semesters.
This prevented an overwhelming amount of students from formally celebrating their graduations;
commencement ceremonies were cancelled across the country, and graduation was reduced to digital
means of celebration. This wrapped cap and gown set remains as it was received, a testament to the
unrealized celebration of academic success. Composed of silk and cotton, creator unknown.
Object 2: Box of Library Textbooks
In the same vein as the cap and gown, this box of textbooks is a remnant from university life gone awry.
Visible on the spines of the books are library tags, indicating that these books are likely long overdue
because of the pandemic causing universities to shut down. Causing a sense of dread rivaling the
pandemic itself, the overdue fees associated with these books are another unfortunate and unforeseen
byproduct of the university shutdown. Cardboard box containing paper books, various authors. Provided
by Joyner Library.
Object 3: Box of Latex Gloves
A hallmark object of the pandemic, nothing was quite as essential to pandemic life as the box of gloves.
These were hard to come by, given the extreme demand, and were highly valued, often reused over
several outings. Latex gloves were a first line of defense against the disease, and prevented immediate
exposure to the virus. Composed of latex, creator unknown.
Object 4: Cloth Mask
Another essential piece of equipment when facing the pandemic. Cloth masks protected the wearer’s
mouth from any viral particulates made airborne by those who opted not to wear a mask. Cloth masks
were able to be washed and reused. Composed of cotton cloth, homemade by Chloe Gabriel.
b) Next, identify three types of objects or documents ECU should actively try to collect. To give you an
obvious example, you could argue that ECU should try to collect various different types of masks used by
students in lock down. For each type of object or document you discuss, spend 3-4 sentences discussing
what kinds of variation this collection would contain, and how it might tell the story of the pandemic to
a future audience.
Object Type 1: Disinfectant Products
Disinfectant products were an extremely useful tool when facing the virus. This collection would contain
various products, such as Lysol wipes, Clorox spray, and other brands of products used to disinfect
objects coming into the home. Measures like these were employed to ensure safe use of any objects
purchased.
Object Type 2: Paper Cleaning Products
Words cannot express the raving sensation that was paper products during quarantine; in particular, this
refers to toilet paper and paper towel products. These were coveted in certain areas during the
quarantine not due to a direct lack of supply, but because many hoarded more than they personally
needed, a testament to human greed and self-service.
Object Type 3: Home Streaming Products
While not worrying about their impending doom and cancelled plans, many employed the use of home
streaming services. This collection would include digital libraries of Netflix, Amazon (Video), or other
streaming services – perhaps not in their entirety, but just enough to demonstrate their function. This
collection could uniquely be explored digitally, and demonstrate the type of entertainment pandemicgoers would frequent.
c) Finally, think through a collections care plan, returning to the readings we’ve done about archive
organization, materials preservation, collection documentation, and exhibition considerations. Spend
about one page thinking through how the objects you’ve identified (from part a) and the types of
objects you’ve selected for collecting (from part b) will need to be cared for, preserved, and
documented in order to be used in an exhibit 5-10 years from now. What problems do you anticipate?
What knowledge is likely to be lost along the way?
The objects identified cover a wide range of materials and preservation needs. Foremost, the majority of
the vulnerable objects are composed of a form of cloth or paper. These are cared for in a similar
manner, and would need to be kept in a cool, dark environment, away from moisture. When not on
display, they should be carefully kept in individual boxes, protecting them from both the elements and
insect damage. Light exposure is limited to prevent UV-damage.
Latex is notoriously a long-lasting material, not likely to deteriorate or face insect damage. However,
light exposure could change its color, and therefore, it is advised that they are kept in a dark
environment, away from natural light.
The most interesting problem of preservation comes about when discussing the digital media; how can
one ensure that media will be able to be played in the future? MP3 files replaced records in a matter of
decades; MP4 replaced AVI. The answer is not a definite, but ensuring that files are kept in a variety of
file formats is the best way to ensure file conversion, should it be necessary or available. In regards to
hardware, memory devices should be kept in cool, dry areas that are well air conditioned. Moisture is
the primary enemy here.
In the span of a decade, I doubt much information would be lost in regards to these objects. Their
functions and role in the pandemic are outright obvious in some cases. The only information which I
could foresee lost is personal testaments and associated details; perhaps a way to prevent this would be
documentation of stories which pandemic-goers could tell about each object. This would not only add to
the exhibit, but provide a stage for personal testaments to be preserved.
