ABSTRACT

 This study examined the preservation and conservation oflocal history collections in National Museum ofColonial History, Aba. It was carried out withfive (5) specific objectives which are identifying thefactors that cause deterioration to local history collection, methods adopted in the preservation and conservation of local history collections and the challenges affecting the methodsfor preservation and conservation oflocal history collections, survey design, was used population, and the complete census sampling technique was used. Data were collected using the questionnaire which means the entire population was used, unstructured interview and direct observation. Out of the 30 copies of questionnaire distributed to the respondents, 29 copies representing 96.67% were returned and usedfor the analyses. The simple percentage statistical method andfrequency tables was used in the data analyses. The findings revealed the factors that cause deterioration oflocal history collections to include: air pollution; high temperature levels; relative humidity; excessive light from the electric bulbs and windows; and biological agents such as termites, cockroaches, spiders, mouse, and rodents. The methods for the preservation and conservation of local history collections are comprising: monitoring and controlling environmental agents, example, humidity, temperature, and air pollution; regular inspection and recording the condition ofobjects/collections. The study also showed that the successes achieved through preservation and conservation of museum collections include; making materials/collections last longer; protecting artifacts/materials from deteriorations; preventing thievesfrom stealing resources/collections; and improving the quality and usefulness ofartifacts. Based on the study, the challenges affecting the methods for preservation and conservation of local history collections are: inadequate financing, unfavorable government policies, inadequate preservation and conservation equipment and materials, unfavorable climate conditions, lack of adequate trained man-power, etc. the following recommendations were made; provision ofadequate funding, provision ofadequate preservation and conservation equipment and materials, provision of adequate trained manpower,etc, Based on thefindings ofthis study, it was concluded that preservation and conservation oflocal history collections should be. given the required attention in order to prolong the life and usefulness ofthe museum collectionsforfuture generations.