ARTIFACT RESTORATION

Although the 1998 fire in the Old Kentucky Home was a devastating event, the collections managers were happy to discover that most of the artifact collection was salvageable. The contents of the dining room and several pieces of furniture stored in a second-story bedroom were destroyed. The remaining artifacts-china, furniture, books, paper items, and many miscellaneous small objects-were affected by the smoke, water and intense heat.

Conservation specialists began work immediately following the fire. They first set up a triage area behind the house and in the visitor center. Artifacts were catalogued, smaller items were packed in boxes, and everything was moved to secure storage. As soon as restoration firms could be contacted, the artifacts entered into the conservation process. As of April 1, 2001, twenty percent of the items had been returned from conservation. Upon completion of the memorial restoration, the artifact collection will be returned to its place on display in the boarding house.

An important note: the artifact restoration project is funded entirely by the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Advisory Committee, a non-profit support organization. This funding includes payment from a Fine Arts insurance policy and individual contributions.