When you visit a museum, the art, artifacts, and exhibits seem to seamlessly transport you into worlds of history, culture, and creativity. But behind the scenes, there’s a web of departments working tirelessly to make that experience possible. This week, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the most vital yet often overlooked departments: Collections.

What Is the Collections Department?

The Collections Department is the guardian of a museum’s treasures. Their role involves managing, preserving, and protecting the objects in the museum’s care. Whether it’s a centuries-old painting, a fossilized dinosaur bone, or a contemporary sculpture, the Collections team ensures that each piece is documented, conserved, and stored properly for future generations.

Key Responsibilities of the Collections Team

Cataloging and Documentation
Every object in the museum is cataloged with meticulous detail. This includes recording its provenance (history of ownership), condition, dimensions, materials, and other significant details. This information forms the foundation for research and exhibition planning.
Conservation and Preservation
Objects in a museum’s collection often require specialized care to prevent deterioration. The Collections team works closely with conservators to monitor environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and light, which can impact the longevity of artifacts.
Storage and Organization
Not every item in a museum’s collection is on display. The majority are stored in carefully controlled environments. The Collections team ensures that items are stored safely and can be retrieved efficiently when needed.
Loans and Exhibitions
Museums often loan objects to other institutions or incorporate loans into their exhibitions. The Collections team oversees this process, ensuring that objects are transported and handled with the utmost care.
Ethical Stewardship
Museums have a responsibility to ensure that their collections are acquired and maintained ethically. The Collections team plays a key role in adhering to laws, regulations, and guidelines related to repatriation, cultural sensitivity, and provenance research.

Why Is This Work Important?

Without the work of the Collections Department, many of the objects we cherish in museums would be at risk of loss or damage. Their work allows us to connect with history, understand diverse cultures, and appreciate the beauty of the world around us. They’re not just preserving objects—they’re safeguarding stories.

Fun Fact:

Did you know that many museums only display a small fraction of their total collection? For instance, it’s estimated that less than 10% of the Louvre’s collection is on view at any given time. The rest remains in storage, expertly cared for by Collections teams!

Stay tuned next Monday as we explore another fascinating department and uncover more behind-the-scenes magic of museums. Have questions about Collections or museum work? Drop them in the comments!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to bring the West Chicago City Museum to life? Beyond the galleries and exhibits, the West Chicago City Museum is a bustling ecosystem of dedicated professionals working tirelessly to preserve local history, inspire learning, and connect our community. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Museum Mondays, a new series where we’ll explore the inner workings of museums and the people who make it all happen.

A Bit About Us

The West Chicago City Museum, established in 1975 and housed in the historic 1884 Town Hall building, serves as a dynamic history and art center dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of West Chicago. As the first Illinois town created by the arrival of railroads, West Chicago has a unique and vibrant history.

Today, with a diverse population of over 25,000, the museum's collection reflects nearly 175 years of history, helping to make meaningful connections between past and present.

We offer two galleries of changing exhibits highlighting West Chicago's history and culture, present special traveling exhibits from state and national venues, and provide school, group, and public programs throughout the year. Our archives, photographic collections, reference library, and research files are available for public use, and we have researched and published several books on West Chicago's history and culture. We even feature the historic Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy Railroad depot, built in the 1860s, which includes a turntable model of the 1869 Chicago North Western Roundhouse.

What to Expect

Over the coming weeks, we’ll dive into the fascinating roles of several key departments, including:

Collections: The guardians of the museum’s treasures, responsible for preserving and managing the objects in their care.
Registration: The meticulous record-keepers who track every item that enters and exits the museum.
Education: The storytellers and educators who design programs and resources to engage visitors of all ages.
Administration: The organizational backbone that keeps the museum running smoothly.
Volunteers: The dedicated individuals who generously give their time and energy to support everything from welcoming visitors to assisting with exhibit preparation, ensuring the museum's success and community connection.

Each Monday, we’ll spotlight one of these departments, sharing insights into their work and why it’s vital to the museum’s mission. Whether you’re a local history enthusiast, an aspiring museum professional, or simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes at the West Chicago City Museum, this series is for you.

Get ready to discover the magic that happens beyond the exhibits. Stay tuned for our first post next week, where we’ll start with the Collections Department! Have questions or topics you’d like us to cover? Let us know in the comments!