Museums and other cultural institutions exhibit collections that help us all to enjoy the history and heritage of our communities, our nation, and our world. Yet, nature takes its toll on our keepsakes and works of art as they are subject to the ravages of light, temperature, humidity, insects, and other agents. Scientific conservation involves understanding the agents of deterioration as well as the proper treatments to preserve objects for exhibit, research, and perpetuity.
The Anthropology Department at CSU, Chico, is one of the few universities that offers scientific conservation as part of its upper-division course offerings for both undergraduate and graduate students. The course, ANTH 465, Conservation of Archaeological and Ethnographic Resources, trains students in the use of scientific laboratory procedures for the stabilization and treatment of objects, as well as preventative conservation and is an integral part of our Archaeology and Museum Studies programs.