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  • 1.  Cataloging Vehicle-Related Objects

    Posted 05-04-2023 03:44 PM
    Edited by Micaela Knox 05-04-2023 05:10 PM

    Hi all,

    I'm in the process of inventorying and updating the catalog of our vehicle collection. I had a question about what your institution would do with small objects with a relationship to a vehicle in the collection. In this case, I'm thinking about the ignition key for each vehicle.

    Let's say that the vehicle's object number is 2023.2.1.

    Do you count the key as a separate object in the collection with its own object number (2023.2.2)? Do you count it as a part of the vehicle, with the vehicle being the container of the key(2023.2.1b)? Do you even bother cataloging and inventorying it? How does this inform how you store the small object?

    On the topic of keys, how would you catalog a key ring with multiple keys on it? Is the key ring a container? Is each key a separate object?

    Thanks, all!



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    Micaela Knox
    Museum Coordinator
    Model T Museum
    Muncie IN
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  • 2.  RE: Cataloging Vehicle-Related Objects

    Posted 05-04-2023 03:49 PM

    I think similarly, I'm confused about documents the donor includes with the vehicle, such as restoration-related receipts or award certificates. Are these better kept in the object file but not cataloged? Should I catalog them as archival materials with a relation to the vehicle?



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    Micaela Knox
    Museum Coordinator
    Model T Museum
    Muncie IN
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  • 3.  RE: Cataloging Vehicle-Related Objects

    Posted 05-05-2023 08:21 AM
    Hi, Micaela - I would treat this like a clock! (From my background).  While there are potentially more than one justifiable method, I'd number these,  2023.2.1.and 2023.2.2. and, of course, relate them in your cms.  I'd catalogue the documentation as archives, but also linked.  Do your donors have numbers in your cms?  Obviously, the donor number should be the same.

    As for the key ring, unless the keys go to known objects in your collection, I'd give the group one number with detailed information about the number, description, etc. in that field.

    Vivian



    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Cataloging Vehicle-Related Objects

    Posted 05-05-2023 11:26 AM

    Hi Micaela,

    If the vehicle is 2023.2.1.A, I would recommend accessioning the ignition key as "2023.2.1.B" so that it is obvious the key is a "part" of the vehicle. If there are multiple keys – or other separate components to the vehicle – I would continue numbering them sequentially with letters (B is the first key, C is the second key, etc.).

    I would also save all object-related documents in the Object File (or the Donor File if they are confidential). They do not need catalogued if they are saved in the corresponding Object or Donor Files. I view the documents you mentioned as relevant to the object's history and not necessarily useful as archival records. However, this does depend on how your Archives are set up. Ours functions as an institutional history, so it would not be helpful to have award certificates that pre-date the object's history at the museum.



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    Rebekah Furey
    Collections Manager
    Conner Prairie Museum
    Fishers IN
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