American Memorial Park: Museum Scope of Collection Statement

Richert, Samantha

Director’s Order #24: NPS Museum Collections Management, requires each park to possess an up-to-date Scope of Collection Statement to “…to identify the scope of collecting activities and define the purpose of the collection.” This stand-alone museum planning document succinctly defines the scope of the park’s museum collection holdings; at present and for the future. It is derived from the park’s mission and geographical location, as well as applicable laws and regulations pertaining to museum collections. The Scope of Collection Statement is the critical basis for managing museum collections—detailing what the park should collect, how many, and why. An up-to-date Scope of Collection Statement helps to ensure that the park’s museum collection is relevant to, and supportive of the park’s mission, resource management goals and objectives, and public service and stewardship responsibilities. It guides the park in the acquisition and management of those museum objects that contribute directly to the park’s mission, as well as those additional collections that the Service is legally mandated to preserve. American Memorial Park (AMME) has a small museum collection of 854 items, mostly historical objects. The collection is stored in the War in the Pacific National Historical Park (WAPA) curatorial facility on Guam. Items formerly on exhibit at AMME are also in storage at WAPA until poor environmental conditions at the AMME Visitor Center can be corrected. been In 2009, an archival survey of the park’s records resulted in the identification and separation of 60 linear feet of archives. This material has been moved to the WAPA facility but has yet to be accessioned, processed and arranged. Potential collections generated by the park’s fulfillment of the objectives and themes stated in the park’s enabling legislation and planning documents may include but are not limited to historical artifacts, ethnographic objects, photographs, magnetic media, natural science specimens, resource management documents and other archival material. The park’s long-term ability to care for objects and materials should be a primary consideration in deciding whether to acquire new collections.