County of New Hanover (New Hanover County Museum)

The Cape Fear Museum of History and Science will use grant funds to treat three artifacts from its Civil War collections: an 1861 United States flag displayed at the Wilmington meeting discussing secession; an 1864 Confederate 2nd National “Stainless” banner stitched by the women of Wilmington and flown over Fort Fisher; and the dress uniform of Major General Whiting, Confederate commander of the Cape Fear military district. Treatment will include documentation, vacuuming, removal of existing backing, humidification and shaping, minimal localized spot cleaning, and stabilizing tears. Descriptions of this project will be included in the museum’s newsletter, integrated into exhibits, and aired on New Hanover County cable television. Because the museum presents both history and science, a natural double message has been to share an artifact’s story and treatment methodologies.