The history of conservation at the museum was assembled while preparing an assessment document as part of a grant application. Reviews the dozens of different techniques used over six decades of work on the collection; attempts to undertsand why predecessors had made certain decisions about how to treat the textiles in their care. Includes: 1) The early years, in which staff names, objectives, and philosophies are discussed, in particular, the principles of cleaning and mounting techniques taught at an important 1949 seminar, which was well documented and is quoted here; 2) the 1950s, in which a long-term project, the cleaning and mounting of a large wool tapestry, is analyzed; 3) expansion of the conservation department, with new staff; 4) into the 1960s; 5) The late 1960s to early 1980s; 6) 1983 and beyond; and 7) Looking to the future, stating major conservation policy measures and goals.