REALM Project

Toolkit resources to support reopening practices for museum staff are available to download at the links below.

Bookmark this page and check back often as additional resources will be available soon.

Literature review: Key takeaways

Updated: 19 November 2020

The Phase 2 literature review analyzed and summarized findings from available scientific literature on SARS-CoV-2 from mid-May through mid-August 2020. This review focused on studies of how the virus is spread, virus attenuation on commonly found materials, and effectiveness of prevention and decontamination measures.

Quarantine, disinfection and cleaning of museum collections and exhibits

Updated: 19 November 2020

Links to information about disinfection and cleaning of materials, as well as illustrative examples of documented protocols and procedures. Also included is a recorded presentation from the Northeast Document Conservation Center on how they are approaching disinfection of paper-based collections in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

REALM visual aid: Surfaces

Updated: 19 November 2020

A visual aid that shows results from Test 6 of the REALM project, looking at how long the virus survives on surfaces common in furnishings and fixtures, including glass, brass, marble and laminate

REALM test results in visual format

Updated: 19 November 2020

A visual aid that compiles the test results published by the REALM project. The data currently includes the results of Tests 1-6 and will be updated as new results are available.

Decision-making checklist

Updated: 19 November 2020

While working toward resuming operations and services to the public, many factors and resources (national, state, local) can inform local decision-making. This list of considerations offers a starting point and includes links to guides and additional information.

REALM 101: An introduction to COVID-19 and the project

Updated: 19 November 2020

An overview of the project purpose, what we know about COVID-19, as well as the "known unknowns," and the testing process being used for REALM.

Collections and facilities: Caring for your resources during COVID-19 (video)

Updated: 22 October 2020

Chris Carron, Director of Collections at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, and a member of the REALM Operations Working Group, participated in a project webinar on October 8, 2020. In this video, Chris shares how the museum's policies and procedures have evolved in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.