Special Projects

MUSEUM

In the spring of 2018, all of the outdoor Over the last 20 years, the Civil War sculptures were cleaned and waxed Horse had shifted on its pedestal. Last fall, by conservator Andrew Baxter. Wax conservator Ben Gage used a silicone is crucial for outdoor sculpture as it adhesive to affix the statue to the base. provides a layer of protection against Though not permanent, it will ensure that the weather and other outdoor the horse will remain firmly in place. elements. Ideally, this process should be completed twice a year. LIBRARY In 2018, the Library completed its reprocessing project in the F. Ambrose Clark Rare Book Room. The project, which began in 2017, included pulling and reorganizing all titles in the Library’s rare collections. Each volume was cataloged and assessed for condition. During this project the Library staff identified 200 volumes in need of conservation and repair, which will be included in the Library’s annual Book Adoption Program. During the project there were several ephemera collections identified, organized, and cataloged, making these papers, photographs, and other objects findable to researchers. The Library has since undertaken a new special project: cataloging all its periodical holdings. NSLM holds hundreds of periodical titles, including magazines, journals, stud books, newspapers, and much more. This project is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2019. 16

FACILITIES

All ceiling tiles were replaced and tray ceilings painted in the Library Main Reading Room and Director’s Office. New “Exit” signs were also installed.

Museum insulation improvements were made to stop moisture, and its associated hazards. The old batten was removed, and the underroof structure was insulated using spray foam. Two other areas, one in the Library and the other in the Museum’s receiving area/under the cottage, also benefited from new spray foam insulation.

The Museum’s main water line, which was replaced in 2017, required a VDOT bond to be fulfilled. A large area of asphalt had to be replaced on Route 50. This was completed, and the VDOT bond was released.

Major heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) repairs and improvements were implemented at both the Library and Museum. (not shown)

Year-long campuswide masonry projects were completed. All walkways and stairs, the cobblestone parking area, and Library patio had to have new drainage systems and sealers applied throughout. The Library patio was also installed with hidden anchors to accommodate the frequent use of tent rentals.