Yale Bulletin and Calendar

November 1-8, 1999

Volume 28, Number 11

Support grant helps safeguard
the Peabody's marine collection

The Peabody Museum of Natural History will soon get a new environment for its marine collection, thanks to a $49,995 support grant from the Conservation Project of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

The Peabody recently won the grant, which is being matched by University funds, to provide new storage cabinets and acid-free trays for its collection of marine gastropods, echinoderms and soft corals, including starfish, sea urchins and sea fans.

The collection of nearly 300,000 aquatic specimens was acquired in connection with research conducted by Yale faculty and graduate students over the course of the museum's history. The collection, which is worldwide in scope, includes material of considerable historical importance, such as thousands of specimens from the landmark collection amassed by the U.S. Fish Commission along the Atlantic seaboard in the late 19th century.

"The IMLS grant provides much-needed support to increase accessibility of the collections for teaching and research purposes as well as to ensure their preservation for the next century," says Richard L. Berger, director of the Peabody Museum and professor of anthropology.

"I am proud of the role IMLS plays in helping museums across the country care for their collections so that future generations may share the treasures that are our heritage," adds Beverly Sheppard, director of the IMLS.

The grants, which are awarded by a competitive peer review process, support a wide range of projects to help museums safeguard their collections, including conservation training, surveys and treatment. The funding helps museums undertake their most critical conservation activities.

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Yale President to be cited for community leadership

Study shows long-lasting effects of low-dose amphetamine use has long-lasting

Noted sports-world entrepreneur to visit as Gordon Grand Fellow

Support grant helps safeguard the Peabody's marine collection

Would-be advocates get lesson in fine art of lobbying

Robert Penn Warren Lecture to examine poet's observations about illness

Bridgeport school is now a showcase for Yale ideas

DMCA series will focus on high-tech projects in the arts

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