Computerization and Preservation of the Charles H. Peck Mycological Collection

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This project will support the improvement and computerization of the mycological holdings in the Charles Peck collection at the New York State Mycological Herbarium, and is aimed at ensuring preservation of and greater accessibility to the collection for research and teaching. This project is an outgrowth of recommendations made by an advisory panel that examined and evaluated the collections in 1991. A complementary project funded by NEH would support the preservation and indexing of the archival materials associated with the collection. Specific tasks of the NSF-supported project include the preparation of a database and catalogue of the type specimens with cross-references to archival correspondence and water color illustrations; the latter have never been loaned or published, and slides of these watercolors will be prepared for dissemination to the mycological research community. Curatorial improvements involve new housing materials and the preservation of specimen labels. The collection of 84,000 fungi is completely documented, contains about 3500 types and 2734 holotypes, and because of Peck's dominant role in American mycology, is of international import and central to mycological taxonomy. The improvements allowed by this award will enhance the value and use of this collection in biological research and teaching.