Preserving History: The Accessioning Process
The smooth and efficient operation of the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum relies significantly on its dedicated volunteer workforce. Crucial to this success is the Accessioning team, operating diligently behind the scenes to maintain the high standards established by predecessors Mary Lou Graham, Joan Patrick, and Gabrielle Gough.
The archives contain thousands of artifacts, each catalogued and organized carefully by volunteers, using a computer system and logging by hand the significance of each item. Within the accessioning building, exhibits are put together, often using mannequins, images and personal stories to tie everything together. Every piece of history is either used on display, to do research or to answer inquiries about squadron or family heritage. For over 20 years, the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum has been taking donations of varying value and importance. Using them to craft meaningful exhibits and allow for visitors to take a step back in time and view Greenwood’s start as a Royal Air Force Station in 1942.
The Importance of Accessioning
The process of accessioning starts with a donation from military personnel, family members and often other museums or 14 Wing Greenwood itself. The museum relies on these donations as well as the volunteers caring for them, creating a fascinating atmosphere within the museum, including meticulous exhibits, organization and unique stories, describing a past never seen before. Come on in and take a walk through history!
The museum continually receives diverse and invaluable donations, encompassing everything from aircraft components and uniforms to historical log books, records, and photographs. The meticulous task of recording the information and history associated with these items is paramount. This formal process, known as accessioning, transforms a donation into a fully documented artifact within the museum's permanent collection.
Effective accessioning ensures the long-term utility and integrity of the artifacts, enabling the museum to fulfill its core mandate by:
Integrating artifacts into future exhibits and educational programs;
Supporting military history tracing and critical research;
Facilitating loans to other institutions and museums;
Permanently preserving and celebrating the rich history of 14 Wing Greenwood and Canadian aviation.
This diligent, behind-the-scenes work is fundamental to fulfilling the museum's commitment to stewardship and public education.