Since the end of November, Susan Baker Leavitt and Zoë Quinn have been working to create a complete inventory of the objects stored and displayed on The House of the Seven Gables property. This project not only involves accounting for every item, but also rehousing them in a manner that will preserve them for the future, recording their locations and conditions, and making recommendations regarding the security and sustainability of each storage facility. Challenges are present in each of the campus’ storage facilities including lack of physical space, inadequate environmental controls, access to materials, and updating database entries.
Over the past month Susan and Zoë have completed an inventory of one of the seven storage areas on the campus, and rediscovered many gems along the way. Some of the highlights include ball gowns worn by residents of the home, a Chinoiserie sewing box, a 19th-century mouse trap, and a gorgeous Queen Anne chair.
Once the inventory of all the storage and public spaces is complete recommendations will be made for an updated collections policy that will help the organization better care for and make decisions for the future of its collections. All aspects of this project will help solidify The House of the Seven Gables as one of Massachusetts’ premier historical institutions.