Pest Mitigation and Preliminary Conservation Assessment

47 objects were frozen at -20 degrees F and vacuumed by contracted and part-time staff to kill and remove the presence of moths.
Object care reports were completed for all pieces cleaned. Photos were taken of cleaning process and documenting before and after cleaning for all pieces.
32 objects were examined for mold, and condition reports were prepared for each.
Recommendations were made for next steps to address presence of mold.
Museum staff was trained on collection care in regards to moth infestation and prevention: All were trained on moth monitoring and data collection in the galleries, 2 staff were trained in freezing, cleaning and affected object storage policy.
A draft overall Collections Policy and Plan is in process, in collaboration between Mai Vang and Somali Museum team

These results were achieved due to the hard work and commitment of the project team, as well as the effective support of allies of the Somali Museum including building landlord (who accommodated needs for additional space and unconventional use of facilities) and Museum patrons (who continued to show their support for the Museum's work). The scope of projects treated for moths was larger than projected due to a newly discovered immediate danger to the collection; the scope of work completed to clean the presence of mold was less than proposed due to additional time required for moth work and the realization that the team available for the project did not have adequate capacity to effectively treat mold-impacted pieces.