Museum Seeks Silica Gel

HILLSBOROUGH, NC— Did you know that some common, everyday items we throw away are valuable museum tools to protect artifacts?  One of these items is silica gel, commonly found in shoe boxes and other shipping packages. 

Silica gel absorbs moisture and pollutants in micro-environments.  Museums commonly use silica to control the humidity and pollutant levels in storage boxes and exhibits.  Silica can be "reset" infinitely, making it a cheap yet valuable resource for artifact care. 

So next time you see that little DO NOT EAT package inside your new shoes or shipping box, save the silica, then stop by and donate it to the museum's collections. The artifacts will thank you.

The Orange County Historical Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 11am - 4pm and Sunday, 1 - 4pm.  General admission is free of charge.