Moving a collection: Issues in the documentation, transportation and storage of the Freemasons Victoria collection

Abstract

Early 2011 Freemasons Victoria decided to prepare the many historical and significant objects in their collection for relocation to premises in Prahran, Melbourne. This temporary storage facility would house the museum, portraits and library until a new Masonic building was constructed and a new museum established. This task unfolded as a complex series of steps requiring the organisation of the highly diverse collection before packing and transportation. These objects were in varying condition and with minimal or no associated documentation. This article outlines the process of bringing together this collection within a coherent framework, in preparation for its relocation and with the broader aim of improving future access to the collection and potential for museum accreditation. This process proved to be a challenging endeavour which evolved as more objects were located and identified. While many of the steps described in this paper are routine, the paper aims to present the journey of moving a large collection of objects within an institution historically shrouded in secrecy and misunderstanding (rightly or wrongly) and the challenges encountered along the way.