The project, Three-Dimensional Collections Evaluation & Clean-up, focuses on the inventoried collections database from 2016-present, which includes just over 3,500 objects. Two temporary staff will be hired to assess these records, clean up the metadata and control language in the system, and take high quality photographs of each artifact. Once complete, the daily use of the collections database will be more efficient and the museum staff’s ability to locate and share information about the more than 30,000 artifacts in the collection will be more straightforward. The long-term goal is to allow the public greater access to the Stearns History Museum collection in an online format. The original digital inventory was completed in 2015 and this $120,342 evaluation project is the next step in that process. Work on the grant will begin December 1, 2022 and run through December 1, 2023. Look for job postings to be advertised on the SHM website in the coming weeks.

This project was made possible in part by the people of Minnesota through a grant funded by an appropriation to the Minnesota Historical Society from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. More information about the large grant awards can be found on the Minnesota Historical Society website. Questions about the project should be directed to Eric Cheever, Director of Exhibits & Curator for the Stearns History Museum at [email protected] or 320-253-8424.