Artifacts, whether found in museums, our community, or our homes, offer glimpses into the past. Be they documents, photographs, books, or clothing, as custodians of our history, we’re faced with how to maintain these items. Professional conservator Kennis Kim tells us how. Topics discussed include: creating an accession list; the nature of conservation, restoration, and preservation; deciding on display, storage, or using the artifact; common threats such as light, humidity, insects, and rodents; and when to call a professional. Here is all that’s needed to determine what can be done to preserve precious articles for future generations.

Kennis has a master of art conservation from Queen’s University and a master of art history and mater of museum studies from Syracuse University. She has worked for the National Art Gallery, Ottawa; the Museum of Fine Art, Boston; and the Textile Conservation Workshop, South Salem, New York. She lives in Toronto.