SURVEY OF PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION OF LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTIONS IN NIGERIA

SURVEY OF PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION OF LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTIONS IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This research study aims at identifying the presentation and conservation of Local history collections in Nigeria, a case study of National War Museum, Umuahia, Abia State.
In the process of carry out this research, the researcher identifies the problems/constrain, methods/techniques adopted, the classes of artifacts kept and also proffer solutions to the effective procedures for preservation and of local history collection in a museum under study. In the study, the researcher observed among numerous variables that fumigation gives the best method of preserving the artifacts. In line with fumigation, the establishment also place priority attention by using air conditioner to control weather condition and which in its true senses brought about prolonging the life-span of artifacts.
Based on the findings and available literature in the field, mentioned has been made concerning the necessity of computer application in the preservation and conservation of local history collections. For efficient management, the researcher recommends the provision of standby generating set as to support the ICT. Programme recommended, above all it is noted that there is a cordial relationship among the component units that constitute the establishment.
The study also revealed why it is possible for the establishment to preserve its artifact successfully, that a separate unit is designated to observe the preservation culture and back up fully with adequate security networking.
Names such as curator, is the head of museum management while conservator is a person in charge with the skills in preserving and conserving the artifacts. This work is divided into five (5) chapters. Chapter one is the introduction of the work while chapter two is the review of related literature, research methodology is in chapter three, chapter four deals with the presentation and analysis of data. Finally, chapter five presents the conclusion and the related recommendations.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION 
1.1 OVERVIEW
The importance attached to any museum object derives its value in cultural and historical context which may span over areas such as religion, education on, politics, economy and warfare. It is pertinent to note those museums are categorizes according to the type of their collections, locations and their purpose.
A: According to type of object in their collections.
1. ART MUSEUM: It collects the elites artistic products of human society, painting, drawings, photographs, statues, furniture, jewelry, textiles, metals ware and craft products.
2. HISTORY MUSEUM: It is concerned with history. All objects made or used by human beings are potentials interest to the history museum.
3. ENCYCLOPEDIC OR GENERAL MUSEUM: It deals with several or all fields instead of just art, or history or geology etc.

SURVEY OF PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION OF LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTIONS IN NIGERIA