Deadline: There are no deadlines for application – apply anytime.

Cost: AAP evaluations are performed at no cost to the organization.

Eligibility:

To be eligible to receive this service organizations must:

• Be a non-profit located in New Jersey
• Maintain publicly accessible collections that relate to New Jersey
• Hold artifact collections in the public trust

Priority is given to:

• Small to mid-sized museums, historical organizations, and libraries that lack a full-time staff and/or qualified collection specialists (e.g. curators, registrars, collection managers)

 Types of Services Offered:

Initial Collection Survey (includes in-person site visit):

• Survey and evaluate environmental conditions in storage and exhibition areas
• Survey and evaluate condition of artifacts in storage and on exhibition 
• Survey and evaluate storage arrangement and collection management
• processes 
• Survey and evaluate documentation systems, processes, and intellectual access
   

Follow-up Visit (can include but not limited to):

• Evaluation of a significant new collection or project
• Aid in disaster preparedness or response
• Evaluation of move to a new building or location
• Scope of Work for Grant Funded Project
   

AAP Virtual Visit (no in-person site visit):

• A virtual conversation with a collections care professional on a specific topic
• Topics can include artifact display/storage, artifact storage plan or move, document review
• Follow-up programs may be conducted virtually
   

Disclosure:

Reports will not be widely discussed by consultants but will be available to staff and consultants of NJHC and NJAM’s representatives on an as needed basis. The New Jersey State Archives is the final repository for the artifact assessment program’s reports. Membership in the New Jersey Association of Museums is not required (but always appreciated) to receive service. All consultants are members of the New Jersey Association of Museums.

 

To apply:

Complete the online AAP application form and submit it. Large print and print versions are avaialble upon request. Call the New Jersey Historical Commission at 609-292-6062 to request a large print version of the application.

 

Artifact Assessment Program

A service of the New Jersey Association of Museums

The New Jersey Association of Museums received a co-sponsored project grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State, to provide artifact assessments.

Reminder: Eligible organizations must be a non-profit located in New Jersey; maintain publicly accessible collections that relate to New Jersey; hold artifact collections in the public trust

If applying for a follow-up visit, a new application must be submitted. A written review of the progress accomplished regarding recommendations in any previous AAP report must be submitted to the AAP Coordinator in evaluating a second or follow-up visit request.

Is there a person responsible for collections such as a curator, registrar, or collections manager? 

Estimate of the types and amount of artifacts as you have, please give the relative percentages (e.g. 1% - 100%): 

As a condition of participation, this institution agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless, the New Jersey Association of Museum and NJAM board members, funders, consultants, employees, members, agents, and volunteers from any and all claims, demands, lawsuits, causes of actions, assessments, penalties, or any other liabilities whatsoever, arising from or related to the Artifact Assessment Program including, but not limited to, damages sustained by the property or individuals associated with the institution either through action, lack of action or reliance on the advice generated by this program. Artifact assessment is not to be considered or used as a financial appraisal. Any disputes arising under or related to this Agreement shall first be mediated and then arbitrated.