The Institute of Museum and Library Services has also recognized the importance of our collection with a major grant towards the conservation of 2,582 Native American baskets. The collection, the largest and finest of Native Californian baskets in the world – and also one of the Museum’s most fragile holdings – is particularly important because it represents all the state’s geographic and cultural regions, including more than 30 tribal groups, and
includes an impressive variety of basket types — from storage and cooking to cradles. More than half of the baskets were acquired by early 20th century ethnographer Charles P. Wilcomb, founding director of the Oakland Public Museum, one of our predecessor institutions and the foundation for our History Department and collection. This collection, together with our other vast holdings of more than 1 million objects not on view at the Museum, are now safely housed in our new California Collections and Research Center (CCRC). Indeed, this state-of-the-art facility was a key reason we were awarded the IMLS grant. Reviewers of the grant stated that the “Museum is a model facility for collection care and storage” and that the project could provide the standard for other museums. You’ll recall that the CCRC was made possible in large part due to Measure G and its completion was the first milestone in our Museum of California Campaign. Thank you Oakland voters and campaign donors!
As we acknowledge the Museum’s noteworthy facilities, we are delighted to let you know that our own landmark building is receiving $600,000 in capital improvement funds through the City of Oakland. The City has been unable to provide capital improvement funds for several years due to budget constraints, and this year’s award is a real reflection of the positive relationship between the City and Foundation and the clarity of the roles and responsibilities established between both entities as a result of our recently signed Management Operations Agreement. The funds will specifically address the waterproofing and roofing needs for the facility – a challenge we must address as one of the region’s first “green” buildings with terraced gardens directly over our galleries!
These gifts, and the many others entrusted to us each year, are a testament to the reputation the Museum enjoys among community members, collectors, funders, and professionals as an institution concerned with the highest standards for the care and display of the objects that are reflective of the vitality, the uniqueness and the diversity of our cultural and natural heritage.
|