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As report finds Delbridge Museum collection largely in good shape, city considers next steps

From Pigeon605.com (https://pigeon605.com/as-report-finds-delbridge-museum-collection-largely-in-good-shape-city-considers-next-steps/)

A survey and analysis of the Brockhouse Collection at the Great Plains Zoo’s Delbridge Museum of Natural History found the majority of the mounts are in good condition.

The city released a final survey report and specimen data from New York-based A.M. Art Conservation late last week as part of a report that also looked at insurance coverage options for the collection, estimates for a building that would house a reimagined Brockhouse Collection and potential nonprofit options for the collection.

The report follows a multiday visit by the consultants earlier this year with a team of conservators and taxidermists experienced with historical taxidermy collections. The team includes naturalists, hunters and preservation and restoration professionals who examined the condition of the zoo’s collection. Among them was  internationally known taxidermy expert George Dante.

“It is not the place of this project’s surveyors to recommend any particular course of action,” according to an executive summary included in the report.

“There is no ‘right” or “wrong’ answer on how the city of Sioux Falls and the Great Plains Zoo should proceed.”

The consultants determined that 125 out of the approximately 180 mounts were in good to exceptional condition, especially considering their age. The collection has been at the zoo since the 1980s and earlier was displayed in Henry Brockhouse’s store, West Sioux Hardware.

The consultants advised those working on the issue to consider that just as the zoo should not breed or keep live animals that it cannot responsibly care for, “the zoo must periodically evaluate of costs and mission-driven purpose of their living and taxidermy collection to ensure sustainable operations and due diligence to their mission.”

The report also addressed the presence of arsenic within the collection, which was the reason the city took it off public display last year.

“Most taxidermy prior to 1980 involved the use of arsenic in the preparation of mounts. Arsenic is a hazard, but when properly managed, poses little risk to the public or zoo staff,” the report said. “The city and GPZ should be guided to resources and information to understand how other institutions have safely managed this hazard. But the mere presence of arsenic alone should not be considered a reason to deaccession and dispose of mounts.”

A survey of the mounts found eight of them in exceptional condition, including the African elephant, polar bear, walrus and northern fur seal.

Those rated in poor condition and not recommended for treatment include the reticulated giraffe, red kangaroo and Sandhill crane.

Overall, “these specimens represent the highest level of taxidermy craft for their historic period and remain in stable, exhibitable condition,” the report said. “Other specimens have suffered damage from light, environmental factors, insects and rodents. Many have been restored in the past with incompatible materials and no longer represent their species successfully.”

There were a total of 18 mounts not recommended for treatment.

“The kind of damage and/or deterioration seen on the mounts is consistent with the method of preparation, age and prior use. Some undoubtedly showed damage before they were donated to the zoo,” the report said.

“While some of the collection care over the last 40 years may have fallen short of best practices, there is no indication that the zoo was derelict in its duty. The conditions noted during the site survey clearly show that the zoo has tried to maintain the mounts and habitat displays.”

While the majority of the specimens in the collection can be treated, “a realistic assessment of the time and costs involved in treatment is required to responsibly manage the collection,” the report said.

“The quality of the mount, condition and cost of restoration, the cost of new habitat exhibits, endangered or threatened status, all can be considered in deciding how to exhibit any selection of mounts in the collection.”

Mounts deemed unfit for restoration still can serve education or historical purposes, it said.

The report also noted the “marked decrease” seen in visitor interest in the collection.

“The static displays have reportedly failed to hold the interest of the average visitor. There remains some vocal support surrounding these exhibits as locals recall visiting the museum as students. Further, the zoo staff continue to utilize some of the specimens as educational tools for staff training,” it said.

“Many of the specimens hold scientific value beyond their exhibition value. Nevertheless, the data from a cellphone tracking study showed that visitors spend very little time in these spaces.”

If it’s determined the mounts still have a function and serve the zoo’s mission, the report recommends a concrete plan be developed with exhibit designers, fabricators and taxidermists/conservators tasked with restoring the specimens.

“With adequate funding, detailed planning and careful execution, a future exhibit could be a profound educational experience to promote wildlife understanding,” it said, while adding if the zoo and city are unable to secure the resources to properly use the mounts, they should engage with the natural history community to find a new home where the mounts will be used and appreciated.

“As professionals in the field of cultural heritage preservation, we feel heartened when there are signs that a community has a deep emotional connection to a collection or institution. We believe in the need to preserve,” it said.

“But we also believe that the decisions of the working group should be based not on visceral reactions, but on a careful assessment of how the mounts meet the institution’s present needs and the costs involved in being responsible stewards of this collection. If placed in an appropriate context, we believe that most of these mounts can provide education and enjoyment for many years to come.”

Members of the work group include City Council members Rich Merkouris and Richard Thomason, Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium board chair Jeanelle Lust, Parks and Recreation board member Mick Conlin and community members Ally Brandner and Jeff Scherschligt. The work group will continue to meet until it comes to a consensus on a surplus plan for the Brockhouse Collection that can be presented to City Council.

At a meeting last week, the group determined that the city of Sioux Falls should request proposals from nonprofits that might be interested in acquiring some or all of the taxidermy collection, so that options are known as the group considers a recommendation.

There is space for a new facility identified in the zoo’s newly released master plan. It’s estimated to take more than $7 million to build the space with glass enclosures and restore the mounts for exhibit.