Charles Edward Hovey, the first president of Illinois State Normal University (now Illinois State University), played a pivotal role in the institution's early years. Located in Normal, Illinois, ISU was founded in 1857 and is the oldest public university in Illinois. The Milner Library at Illinois State University proudly holds two historically significant artifacts that reflect the legacy of Charles Edward Hovey: a portrait painting and a Civil War battle-used sword. The portrait is a rare image of Hovey before his military service, making it an essential piece of the University's historical collection. 

From the Museum of Osteopathic Medicine collection at A.T. Still University in Kirksville, Missouri, this beaded bag is not just a fine example of Plains Indian craftsmanship but a significant piece of the osteopathy history. It is believed to have originated from the Sioux and was likely crafted for the tourist trade. But this artifact, made from tan leather and adorned with intricate beadwork, belonged to Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathy and the namesake of A.T. Still University. The bag features green cloth trim along its perimeter and the top of the pocket opening, complemented by pink beaded loops along the long arm and yellow beaded loops around the bottom circle and pocket opening. 

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the world's largest children's museum. Founded in 1925, the museum houses an extraordinary collection of artifacts, among which two particularly unique specimens, a puffer fish and a pigeon, recently underwent treatment at The Conservation Center.

In the hands of Rob Kleeman, Senior Conservator of Furniture, a delicate, cherished, and unusual musical birdcage found new life through careful conservation. Housed within a gold-painted wooden base adorned with intricate brass fittings, this mechanical musical bird arrived with tales of fond memories and decades of wear.

Lessie Venardo Dixon is an American artist known for his evocative and thought-provoking works, characterized by emotional depth and intricate detailing. Raised in Henning, TN, he discovered his love for the arts in Chicago, IL, where he later developed a passion for Portrait and Plein Air oil painting. In 2011, he founded ANI Afrocentric Neo-Impressionism, a style marked by bold colors and thick, expressive brushstrokes that celebrate African culture and history. Dixon's work has been recognized through significant exhibitions and awards, including the Best in Show Painting Award at the Museum of Science and Industry's Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition.

Currier and Ives was a prominent American printmaking firm based in New York City, operating from 1834 to 1907. Founded by Nathaniel Currier and later joined by James Merritt Ives, the firm became renowned for its popular and affordable prints. They produced lithographs depicting various subjects, including landscapes, historical events, domestic scenes, and portraits. Their works were widely distributed, making art accessible to the American middle class and shaping the visual culture of the 19th century.

The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956, stands as a hallmark of mid-century modern design. The husband-and-wife designers were pioneers in modern architecture and furniture design. The Eames Lounge Chair was their first foray into high-end furniture and was intended to provide a modern take on the traditional English club chair. This cherished Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman not only exemplifies exquisite craftsmanship and design but also holds deep sentimental value for its owner.