Rocks of Disaster: Preventative Conservation Efforts for the E.L. Quarantelli Objects Collection

• Spencer Reel, Art Conservation, University of Delaware

• Valerie Marlowe, Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware
• Melissa Shutz, Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware

The E.L. Quarantelli Objects Collection at the Disaster Research Center contains approximately 500-600 objects, including liquids, organic specimens, and disaster-related memorabilia. This pilot study is designed to be a trial assessment to establish a foundation for long-term care and documentation; twenty-nine, mostly geological, objects were gathered for this trial. In the past, the collection has had inconsistent documentation. Many objects lack contextual information including provenance, material, and date of origin due to dissociation. Objects have also been stored impromptu within the collection leading to inconsistent labeling, storage, and condition standards. Past labeling of objects included the use of white-out and pen ink to apply accession numbers to objects. To address the gaps and inconsistencies within the collection, a revised condition report template was developed. This template captures necessary condition issues, photographic documentation, and any known background information. Twenty out of the twenty-nine objects held documentation pointing to probable ties to a disaster event and place of origin and seven had traceable acquisition histories. For labeling purposes Polaroid B-72 was obtained to affix direct labels onto future objects, external labels are used for objects where B-72 poses risk to the stability of the object. Archival storage containers were created to ensure the future safety of the objects and to keep objects with multiple parts together. The findings of the study prove the need for consistent documentation and universal instructions for object care and treatment. The methods and guidelines developed in this study will be applied across the remainder of the objects collection with priority given to objects of high research value or those with severe condition issues.