Photos: Scrutinizing the Signs

Richard Kerschner, a preventive conservator based in Vermont, works in the exhibit gallery of Historic Northampton on Wednesday to evaluate one of several signs removed from the Shepherd Barn, which is undergoing a renovation. Kerschner is advising the museum on the condition of artifacts from the barn and the attention they may need to be preserved or displayed. Behind Kerschner is a photograph by Paul Shoul of the second Pioneer Valley Women’s March in Northampton on Jan. 20, 2018. The museum will be closed until Feb. 8 so the conservation work can take place in the gallery. STAFF PHOTO/KEVIN GUTTING

Richard Kerschner, right, a preventive conservator based in Vermont, talks with Historic Northampton Co-executive Director Elizabeth Sharpe, center, and Collections Manager Kelsy Sinelnikov during an inspection of one of the signs from the Shepherd Barn on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022. Kerschner is advising the museum on the condition of artifacts from the barn and the care they may need to be preserved or displayed. —STAFF PHOTO/KEVIN GUTTING

Richard Kerschner, a preventive conservator based in Vermont, uses a brush and vacuum to evaluate one of the signs from the Shepherd Barn at Historic Northampton on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022. The Shepherd Barn is undergoing a renovation and Kerschner is advising the museum on the condition of the artifacts and the care they may need to be preserved or displayed. —STAFF PHOTO/KEVIN GUTTING

Richard Kerschner, a preventive conservator based in Vermont, evaluates one of the signs from the Shepherd Barn at Historic Northampton on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022. The Shepherd Barn is undergoing a renovation and Kerschner is advising the museum on the condition of the artifacts and the care they may need to be preserved or displayed. —STAFF PHOTO/KEVIN GUTTING

Richard Kerschner, a preventive conservator based in Vermont, uses a brush and vacuum to evaluate one of the signs from the Shepherd Barn at Historic Northampton on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022. The Shepherd Barn is undergoing a renovation and Kerschner is advising the museum on the condition of the artifacts and the care they may need to be preserved or displayed. —STAFF PHOTO/KEVIN GUTTING