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all artifacts acquired by museums are in pristine condition and protection of
museum quality artifacts often requires conservation. Four such artifacts have
been donated to the N.C. Maritime Museum in Beaufort and their conservation will
require funding in order to restore them to mint condition. The museum has
established an “Adopt an Artifact Program” through the Friends of the Museum
that makes it possible for anyone interested in preservation to contribute to
the conservation of these unique items.
Up for adoption are three early to
mid-nineteenth century “Trade Figures.” These three are representations of
seamen and one is made of wood and the other two of plaster. Their conservation
is estimated to cost $750.
The forth item is a ship captain’s
commode, likely of 18th century European origin this was used by the
captain in his quarters to preserve his privacy. Donated by a lady in Arapahoe,
N.C., the commode was bought by the donor and her late husband, a naval officer,
at auction. Estimated cost of conservation is $1,000.
If you are interested in “adopting” one of
these artifacts by funding its conservation please contact Brent Creelman,
Executive Director of the Friends of the N.C. Maritime Museum, 315 Front
Street., Beaufort, NC 28516, phone 252-728-2762, Email: info@NCMM-Friends.org.
For additional information about the Adopt an Artifact Program contact Darlene
Perry, Collections Manager at 252-728-7317, or Email
Darlene.perry@ncmail.net.
