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To polish or not to polish the silver? It isn't always a straightforward answer here at R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum . . .

Over time, silver undergoes a chemical reaction resulting in a change of appearance referred to as having become tarnished. Tarnish occurs when silver reacts with other chemicals to form a new compound. The most common reactant is environmental sulfur present in the air. The sulfur compound reacts with the silver to create a layer of silver sulfide on the surface exposed to the air. Luckily, this layer can be removed through the process of polishing! Unfortunately, each time you polish away the tarnish you are removing some of the silver and the new layer of exposed silver will eventually undergo the same reaction. Over time, repeated polishing can damage a silver object. This is a particular issue when fine details and artistry are diminished.

In general, museums prioritize preservation over presentation. Where funding permits, silver is preserved in climate controlled settings to prevent tarnishing. Where funding is absent, silver will be preserved in storage and allowed to tarnish – only being polished when it is taken out for display to minimize damage. At our institution we differentiate between permanent objects in the collection and display objects used throughout the village which are expected to endure wear and exposure. This distinction means we can polish the silver on display in Haney House without (too much) worry, as its primary function is to help Haney House appear as it might have in the early twentieth century. Care is still given to avoid overworking the designs though, as our silver is a valuable display asset. 

Volunteer Catherine MacAskill wanted to make sure the silverware on display in our heritage home got the polishing it would have historically had. Coming all the way from Armstrong in three trips over two weeks, Catherine got our silver to shine! What a generous effort – thank you, Catherine, for donating your time and silver-polishing expertise!

 Be sure to admire the shiny silver tea service set in Mrs. Haney’s dining room!

Photographs from top to bottom:

1. Tarnish as defined by the Universal Dictionary of the English Language, A-Z, Vol. VI, 1899.

2. Catherine's 'before' photograph at the polishing work station.

3. The polished tea service set back on display in Haney House.