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American military 1821 pattern, bell-crowned leather cap.

Collections Management

Mackinac State Historic Parks’ collecting activity is governed by a formal Collections Policy, following standard museum practices.  Each acquisition is reviewed by a staff Collections Committee.  Final approval is made by the Park Commission.  Decisions are based on a scope of collections within the collections policy.  We seek to provide the highest level of care possible for our collection items.  Light and humidity levels in exhibit locations are monitored and controlled as much as possible.  Highly sensitive and noteworthy objects are exhibited in climate-controlled galleries or specially designed cases.  Items not on exhibit are stored at the fully-climate controlled and secure Heritage Center on Mackinac Island or the Petersen Center in Mackinaw City. 

       Collecting Priorities

The Mackinac Island State Park Commission established a collections development fund in 2004.  It is named in honor of Martin and Patricia Jahn, generous supporters and donors to our collections activity.   

The restricted account is managed by the staff Collections Committee.  The fund is supplemented by additional donations, deaccesssion proceeds and fund-raising programs.  Expenditures from the account are restricted to the purchase of objects for the permanent historical collection or the conservation of collection artifacts. 

Gifts to the fund are tax deductible.