The Polly Hill Arboretum recently completed its second conservation assessment through a grant administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Service’s Heritage Preservation Program. The assessment was an opportunity to update an original assessment which was completed in 2001.

The program provides a general assessment of an institution’s collections through a self-study questionnaire followed by a two-day on-site visit by a professional collections conservator. In October 2008 horticultural consultant Peter Bristol visited the arboretum to assess the polices, practices, and conditions which impact the care and preservation of the living collections. He also did a general assessment of arboretum library and archival collections, herbarium specimens and the historic buildings and landscape. His final report will help the arboretum set goals and make appropriate improvements for immediate, mid-range, and long-range care of its collections and buildings.

Mr. Bristol was also the assessor in 2001. Upon his return he found that many of his early recommendations had been accomplished.

Arboretum staff and board are pleased to have an updated document to help them plan for the future.