Open Forum

Hi all, 

My museum recently received a donation of a mailed coconut from 1922. While it is an interesting object, I want to be sure how to care for it properly before we accept it into our collection. I've done a little bit of digging, but I unfortunately haven't been able to find much information in how to care for them. Any one have any hints? Thanks!

(If it helps, the coconut seems in good condition as it is, there are a few small cracks on one end.) 

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Elizabeth Palmer
Archives Coordinator
Ella Sharp Museum Association of Jackson
Jackson MI
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Hi,

I have never had a coconut, but I have worked with some difficult wooden materials that had the possibility to leak. If it was me, I would make/buy a corroplast box for it, and line the box with dartek. I would store it on a bottom shelf away from other objects in case it leaks. I would think at this point the likelihood of it leaking is slim, but as I said I am not a coconut expert. I would check the tissue in the box for residue pretty regularly for awhile just to see if anything is happening. Good luck!

Laura Nemmers

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Laura Nemmers
Collections Consultant
Gainesville FL
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-30-2017 01:28 PM
From: Elizabeth Palmer
Subject: Collections Care

Hi all, 

My museum recently received a donation of a mailed coconut from 1922. While it is an interesting object, I want to be sure how to care for it properly before we accept it into our collection. I've done a little bit of digging, but I unfortunately haven't been able to find much information in how to care for them. Any one have any hints? Thanks!

(If it helps, the coconut seems in good condition as it is, there are a few small cracks on one end.) 

------------------------------
Elizabeth Palmer
Archives Coordinator
Ella Sharp Museum Association of Jackson
Jackson MI
------------------------------