Tours show public how museum operates

The Augusta Museum of History has a new educational program.

Preserving History: Behind the Scenes at the Augusta Museum of History will take visitors on a tour to the museum's processing laboratory, where artifacts are conserved and prepared for exhibits.

"They will get to see the action that takes place behind the scenes at the museum every day but is generally closed to the public," said Sean Todd, the museum's registrar. "This is an opportunity for people to see the process."

Mr. Todd will show visitors how artifacts are collected, cataloged, preserved, studied, displayed and archived. They will also see some artifacts that are not currently on display.

"I think that a lot of people will find these items very interesting," he said.

The tours, which began July 12, are scheduled for Saturdays through Sept. 27.

There is limited space, so patrons will be taken on tours on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups are urged to call the museum at (706) 722-8454 for space availability.

"Anyone who frequents museums will enjoy this. They get to see what goes on here beyond the exhibits," Mr. Todd said. "It's structured so that all ages will take something away from this program. It will definitely be enjoyable."

The program is being funded through a grant from the Georgia Humanities Council.

Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.