The Accessioning Process

RCAHMS benefits tremendously from the generosity of private individuals and organisations who often gift individual items or whole collections. Staff monitor auctions and visit antique and second-hand shops looking for material that will contribute to or enhance existing holdings. Other material has been rescued from skips, houses or industrial buildings, or purchased at car boot sales.

On its arrival at RCAHMS, all new material is accessioned, a process that involves noting its source, subject matter and background information. This initial assessment forms the basis of a published accessions list. When accessioned, material is transferred to our environmentally controlled storage areas to await cataloguing into our Canmore database.

All accessioned material is available for consultation but until it is catalogued you will need to make an appointment beforehand.