Collaborative Object and Archival Materials Testing
The Massillon Museum recently engaged in a collaborative project with Lake Erie College, Aultman College, and Walsh University's Museum Studies program to test for the presence of hazardous materials within 19th- and early 20th-century objects and archival materials.
"Museum professionals are passionate about developing the next generation to carry on the important work that we do, so it didn't surprise me when Alex [MassMu Executive Director Alexandra Nicholis Coon] reached out to see if [Walsh University student] Brianna [Birkle] would be interested in participating in this project,” said Megan Pellegrino, Director of the Museum Studies program at Walsh University. “The Walsh Museum Studies program has enjoyed many years of collaboration with the Massillon Museum through internships, field trips, and projects like this and we look forward to many more in the future!”
Using specialized equipment on loan from Lake Erie College and wearing proper personal protective equipment, Lake Erie College student Janet Wittine examined artifacts in the Massillon Museum’s collection using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to look for the presence of dangerous elements like mercury and arsenic.
The objective was to document findings as part of The Poison Book Project research and to know how to properly store and handle items, if they tested positive for harmful elements. Only one fashion plate in the sampling of MassMu’s collection was found to contain high levels arsenic, while many of the books in the collection contained copper, zinc, and lead.
“As a college president, I miss my time spent doing research in chemistry,” said Jean R. Paddock, PhD, Aultman College president. “I learned about The Poison Book Project through a joint meeting of several local sections of the American Chemical Society. Arsenic in books? ‘Treasure’ hunting? Art and science? What a great project! Principal investigators Drs. Rosie Grayburn and Melissa Tedone knew the power in networking and I was lucky they connected me with Lake Erie College student Janet Wittine who had already spent time completing research with Rosie and Melissa. I’m grateful to the Massillon Museum, which subsequently opened its doors to an undergraduate student researcher like Janet Wittine and welcomed Walsh University museum studies student Brianna Birkle to investigate several artifacts for arsenical content. It was so fun to have a ‘hit!’ The best part for me? Seeing two young women (and a curious museum staff) interested in science, history, preservation, art, and chemistry. Wouldn’t it be great if one day Janet and Brianna published a research paper together? I’m lucky to be a connector in this process.”
The Massillon Museum preserves more than 34,000 artifacts and more than 1.5 million documents and photographs representing the community’s heritage in state-of-the-art storage conditions under the care of professional staff.
The Massillon Museum receives operating support from the Ohio Arts Council, ArtsinStark, and the citizens of Massillon, as well as marketing support from Visit Canton. Many MassMu events and exhibitions are supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
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