Modern Management for Timeless Collections.
Preserving the past and supporting the future with innovative collections management strategies.
By the Numbers:
Corporations have successfully utilized HAI for professional archival services
Congressional offices provided with HAI records management and legacy preservation services
Nonprofit associations and institutions have utilized HAI for professional archival services
Megan O'Hern-Crook
Director of Archives and Information Management
mohern@historyassociates.com
301.279.9697
Brandon Werts
Assistant Director of Archives and Information Management
bwerts@historyassociates.com
301.279.9697
Let’s work together to create meaningful solutions that bring history to life.
Interested in learning more about our professional services or scheduling a consultative call?
We take the time to listen and help you make smart decisions that best meet your needs.
Questions about Museum Collections Management?
Please see our Museum Collections Management Frequently Asked Questions on this page for answers to actual clients' questions and concerns or contact HAI to discuss your organization's specific needs.
Museum Collections Management FAQs
Many of our clients aren’t trained museum professionals and they don’t know the best practices for managing their collections. That’s what we’re here for. When you reach out to us, we’ll get to know you and your organization, and we will discuss a menu of possible next steps and outcomes.
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HAI's 2026 AI Signature Research Report
Unlock Your Collections’ Full Potential — with HAI and PastView
Bring your history to life and make it work harder for your mission. HAI’s archival expertise and PastView’s powerful digital platform give you a seamless path from preservation to public engagement — all in one integrated solution.
- Digitize and organize your collections with expert precision
- Publish and share stories through an intuitive, accessible platform
- Grow engagement and revenue with interactive, searchable experiences
Ready to See What’s Possible?
Let's explore how HAI and PastView can elevate your collections. No pressure–Just a conversation about your goals and what’s possible.
book a demo today!
Built for Corporate Brands, Archives, Academic, and Cultural Institutions • Secure, Scalable, and Future‑Ready Heritage Tech • Human‑Guided AI + Proven Expertise
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July 15, 2022
Understanding Museum Collections Management Acronyms: DAM, MAM, CMS
June 14, 2022
Integrating Physical and Digital Museum Exhibits Post-Pandemic
Our Services
Collections Assessments
Bring your Vision Into Focus with a Collections AssessmentA crucial component of managing your collection is comprehensively understanding your current program and developing plans to realize your vision and meet best practices. During an assessment, HAI’s collections managers will evaluate the current state of your holdings, identify gaps in your practices, highlight immediate needs, and develop prioritized recommendations for future activities. An assessment will provide direction to help align the management of your collection with your institution’s mission and strategic goals.
Collections Inventory
Establish Effective Control over your CollectionAn accurate inventory of your holdings strengthens both intellectual and physical control for your collection. Whether your goal is to create a baseline inventory, update an existing one, or prepare for a collections move, HAI’s collections managers will record and verify each object’s unique identifier, location, and condition in a spreadsheet or your collections management system.
Cataloging
Enrich your Collection’s StoriesCreating a detailed catalog of your holdings provides a wealth of easily searchable information that ensures the efficient management of your collection, whether you’re preparing for an exhibition, tracking incoming and outgoing loans, or entering new accessions. HAI’s collections managers are well-versed in museum description and metadata standards as well as a variety of collections management systems that can help you record your objects’ histories and meanings.
Rehousing
Safeguard Your Holdings through Proper Object StorageSufficient object housing minimizes damage and increases accessibility of the collection. As part of a collections inventory, cataloging initiative, or as a stand-alone service, HAI’s collections managers can help safeguard your holdings by rehousing each item into museum-quality boxes and custom enclosures.
Collections Management System (CMS) Consulting
Unlock your Collection’s Potential with the Right CMSYour CMS impacts staff workflows and digital access to your collection, so it’s crucial that your institution uses the best CMS for your needs. Whether you are looking to implement your first CMS or are searching for a replacement for your current system, HAI’s collections managers will evaluate your holdings, existing catalog metadata, and any constraints to recommend systems that will help you realize your vision.
Policy, Program and Lifecycle Management
Establish Effective Collections GovernanceClearly documenting roles, responsibilities, and workflows is essential for maintaining a sustainable collections management program. HAI’s collections managers will work with your holdings and your stakeholders to recommend and develop needed policy documents.
- Mission statement
- Collections management policy
- Scope of collections statement
- Collections development policy
- Cataloging manual
- Acquisitions policy
- Accessioning and deaccessioning guidelines
- Templates
Funding Advisory Services
Strengthen Grant Applications with Expert Project Scoping and PlanningSecuring funding for a museum collections project is never easy. If you are applying for grant funding to support your project, HAI’s collections managers and project managers can create a detailed and tailored project approach that you can include in your submission package.
Supplemental Expert Staffing & Resources
Get On-Demand Museum Expertise with Flexible Staffing Solutions (HAI-as-a-Service)An effective collections management program requires regular and ongoing maintenance, but hiring a full-time collections manager or registrar may not fit in your budget or staffing capabilities. By embedding a dedicated HAI collections manager in your organization, you will benefit from the technical expertise of our collaborative and diverse team. Tasks can range from day-to-day maintenance to specific projects or initiatives. You can select the level of support you need—whether that’s 16 or 160 hours per month. We’re on call for you.
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Signature Research Report
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The Heritage Advantage CoLab
celebrate America's 250th
A Tribute to America's Systems
