The Conservation Center (TCC) specializes in large-scale disaster recovery for collections. TCC aided the museum with the evacuation of the collection following the flood, and approximately 5,300 items were transported to their facility in Chicago for potential conservation treatment. The multiphase conservation process will take approximately 3 to 4 years to complete. Over the coming months, TCC will provide treatment proposals and costs for review by museum staff. The grouping in this proposal is for two- and three-dimensional objects, comprising baskets, textiles, metal, stone, taxidermy, weaponry, wood as well as paintings, prints, drawings and photographs, referred to as “flats” for which there is a gap between appraised value (amount covered by insurance) and treatment cost, and that staff are recommending TCC move forward. Items not included in this proposal are a) those that have values above the treatment costs and the insurance is directly paying for the conservation, b) those that are still under review due to pending appraisals and/or clarification needed on coverage or treatment and which will be presented as needed at a later date, and c) items that have yet to be examined. A sole source application was filed and approved with the State of New Mexico in accordance with procurement requirements for use of a sole source vendor. The Conservation Center is the only vendor identified with the capacity to handle the volume of items in need of conservation.

The City of Roswell received approximately $1.8 million in funds for museum special insurance in FY26. The museum plans to use this money as the initial funding for the previous expenses described. An additional Fine Art Insurance claim will pay the City for the value of each item, approximated at $68,035; a FEMA reimbursement will be sought for $340,597.50, and the remaining share is $188,042.50.