[BCMA] Chase Museum Fire - Update

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

On July 21st Tracy Satin, the Conservator at the Kelowna Museums, went
to Chase to meet with Theresa Scott and Joan Anderson to assess the
damage from the fires at the Chase and District Museum and Archives.

As the cause of the 2 devastating fires is still under investigation,
they were not permitted to enter the site. Photos were taken of the
exterior of the building and interior images were taken from the
entrance and side door accesses.

Theresa and Joan were able to move the Archival Collection, which
suffered minimal smoke damage, to an external storage facility located
at the Cemetery. This Collection is now being moved to a storage
facility where the humidity can be controlled better. When stable,
remedial cleaning will be conducted and the items will be placed in
new Archival storage files, envelopes and boxes.

Once the site is accessible Theresa, Joan and Tracy will photograph
the interior of the Museum and assess all of the objects. When this is
complete the objects will be moved to a storage container. The objects
that can be saved will be cleaned, treated for smoke and fire damage
and some pieces may be conserved or restored.

The Chase Volunteer Fire Department will be holding a Car Wash
Fundraiser on August 21st, 2011. So if your car needs cleaning head to
Chase to help support the Museum, it’s a beautiful drive!

Theresa and Joan will send everyone an update when they have a chance
and are thankful to all who has offered help and condolences through
the BCMA Mailing List.

Tracy Satin - Associate Director, Collections & Conservation
Kelowna Museums
The Ursula Surtees Regional Conservation Laboratory
470 Queensway Ave.
Kelowna, BC  V1Y 6S7
Tel: 250-763-2417 ext.26
Fax: 250-763-5722
tsatin at kelownamuseums.ca
www.kelownamuseums.ca