How can you gain intellectual control of a physically dispersed collection?
Client Challenge
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration holds over 100,000 heritage assets in dozens of offices around the country. NOAA had a recorded inventory of these dispersed objects but limited capacity to understand and research them or conduct collections care. 
Background
About 2,000 of NOAA’s assets were held in various locations across the Mid-Atlantic, including Silver Spring, Maryland; Corbin, Virginia; Norfolk, Virginia; and Washington, DC. The immediate goal was to assess the current state of these assets and understand best standards and practices, which could later be applied to the entire heritage collection on both coasts. NOAA also wanted to conduct collections research and digitization of select objects to support their ongoing curatorial initiatives.
Approach/Solution
HAI’s collections managers methodically assessed the heritage assets, storage environments, and collection management procedures at each Mid-Atlantic office over several months. They discovered a collection with a wealth of objects, including scientific tools and instruments, lithographic printing plates, surveyor’s equipment, maps, models, dinnerware uniforms, prints, and paintings.
At each location, HAI’s collection managers took note of accessioned and unaccessioned heritage objects, duplicates, storage conditions, and overall workflow. They engaged staff members to understand their responsibilities, identify concerns regarding the collection, and learn about their most interesting objects. The latter became a foundation for the team to conduct individual object research reports, collecting both primary and secondary resources on NOAA’s cultural heritage. Finally, HAI worked with Frameless Technologies to capture 2D and 3D imagery of several objects on NOAA’s main campus in Silver Spring.
“HAI did an outstanding job in their work for NOAA Heritage. Our situation is very much in flux and they demonstrated great attention to detail, flexibility and technical skill to complete our project so successfully. We hope to work with HAI in the future as we continue to refine our program and management of heritage assets.”
– Mark T. Weber, Curator of the NOAA Heritage Program
Outcome
HAI delivered an assessment report with detailed recommendations, including immediate, short-term, and long-term goals. HAI recommended that NOAA immediately (within 0-1 year) create a cataloging manual and processing plan; remove duplicates and non-scope material from the collection; and consider hiring additional staff devoted to the heritage collection.
Short and long-term recommendations included processing, cataloging, and rehousing collections, centralizing collection management responsibilities, transitioning the catalog into a collection management system (CMS) designed for heritage assets, and consolidating materials into a central storage location. In addition, the team wrote 57 object research reports, which included fields for the object ID number, name, date, description, material, manufacturer, traditional use, significance, donor, provenance, related items, exhibit history, and publication history. Frameless Technologies delivered 2D and 3D image files for select assets.
Want to learn more about what HAI can do for your heritage assets? Read our blog on the U.S. Maritime Administration here.
Preserve and Activate Your Heritage
Organizations across sectors — from universities and museums to corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies — rely on strong heritage practices to protect the stories, collections, and records that shape identity and inspire future generations.
HAI's Heritage Services include:
- Archival Services & Collections Processing
- Digitization & Digital Preservation
- Records & Information Management
- Historical Research & Storytelling
- Exhibits, Interpretation & Digital Experiences
- ArchivalOne and PastView Partnership
- HeritageAdvantage CoLab
We help institutions safeguard their past so they can lead with clarity, credibility, and purpose. Let's preserve and activate your organization's heritage together.