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Artifact Assessment

Artifact Assessment Program

The New Jersey Association of Museums is pleased to offer the
Artifact Assessment Program (AAP).

A FREE service for non-profit history, museum, and science organizations in New Jersey

that collect and care for the artifacts that help tell our unique history.

AAP is funded by the New Jersey Historical Commission and managed by NJAM.

The program is designed to guide organizations on how to best provide optimal care for the objects entrusted to them, so that current and future generations can continue to benefit from a close connection to history.

AAP is here to help!

*NEW*

Now offering AAP Virtual Visits!

Collections care and management surveys conducted 100% on-line through a virtual meeting

with an AAP consultant

Scroll down for more info, including how to apply!

What can AAP do for my organization?

The assessment includes a review and evaluation of the documentation, storage and condition of the artifacts in your collection by a professional curator, who is a member of the New Jersey Association of Museums.

Your organization will receive a detailed report, which can then be used to apply for grants to help you meet the report’s suggestions and recommendations. Follow-up services can include evaluation of specific collections, help in disaster preparedness or response, evaluation of a move to a new building or location or scope of work for a grant-funded project. All at no cost to your organization!

TESTIMONIALS

Who is eligible for AAP?

To be eligible for an AAP survey, organizations must:

Be non-profit located in New Jersey
Have collections related to New Jersey
Make their collections available to the public
Hold artifact collections in the public trust

Choose the option that best suits your needs:

Initial Collection Survey (includes in-person site visit):

Survey and evaluate environmental conditions in storage and exhibition areas
Survey and evaluate condition of artifacts in storage and on exhibition
Survey and evaluate storage arrangement and collection management processes
Survey and evaluate documentation systems, processes, and intellectual access

Follow-up Visit (can include but not limited to):

Evaluation of a specific collection or project
Aid in disaster preparedness or response
Evaluation of move to a new building or location
Scope of Work for Grant Funded Project

*NEW* AAP Virtual Visit (no in-person site visit):

Survey and evaluate documentation systems, processes and intellectual access
Artifact display/storage
Artifact storage plan or move
Document review
Follow-up Visit may be conducted virtually

How can we apply for an AAP Survey?

Online application now available HERE

OR Download and fill in a paper application HERE

Mail the completed application to:

New Jersey Historical Commission
Attention: AAP
P. O. Box 305
Trenton, NJ 08625-0305

For non U.S. mail delivery:

New Jersey Historical Commission
Attention: AAP
225 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625

Questions?

For help with questions or for more information,
please contact NJAM's Artifact Assessment Program Coordinator:

aapcoordinator@gmail.com

Disclosure: Reports will not be widely discussed by consultants but will be available to staff and consultants of NJHC and NJAM’s representatives on an as needed basis. The New Jersey State Archives is the final repository for the artifact assessment program’s reports. Membership in the New Jersey Association of Museums is not required (but always appreciated) to receive service. All consultants are members of the New Jersey Association of Museums.

The New Jersey Association of Museums received a project grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission,
a division of the Department of State, to provide artefact assessment surveys.

Resources

Discover websites, professional organizations, suppliers, service vendors, contract professionals, and more to assist your organization - download HERE

An appendix to the resource list, Public Law 2011, Chapter Law 109, provides the process to address museum loans that have been forgotten by their owners - download HERE

New Jersey Association of Museums, 555 Grand Ave., PO Box 77316, Ewing, NJ 08628

Contact NJAM