National Willa Cather Center Selected to Appear in Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) Program

The National Willa Cather Center announces that it is one of 75 institutions in the United States selected to participate in the Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) program.

CAP helps museums improve the care of their collections by providing support for a general conservation assessment of the museum’s collections and buildings. The museum will work with a team of preservation professionals to identify preventive conservation priorities. The final assessment report will help the museum prioritize its collections care efforts in the coming years.

In 2019, the Center's rich collections grew substantially with the addition of six historic properties and approximately 8,000 artifacts. These artifacts include thousands of items that belonged to the Cather family, as well as other period pieces, and archival materials such as photographs, manuscripts, rare books, correspondence, and newspapers.

"We’re grateful for this opportunity after several years of tremendous growth,” says archivist Tracy Tucker. “This assessment will help us plan for and prioritize conservation and care of these new objects, as well as the buildings where collections are housed.”

The CAP program is administered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation through a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Foundation for Advancement in Conservation (FAIC) saves cultural heritage for future generations, protecting it from decay and destruction. Learn more about FAIC at www.culturalheritage.org/foundation.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grant-making, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter