OMCA’s collection objects are cataloged by staff across curatorial and collections departments. When objects are received into the collection, their condition is documented, they are photographed, and relevant information such as artist information, title, related dates, medium, and description are captured in our database. OMCA strives to write collection information, especially descriptions, in standardized, objective, and inclusive language.
Our collection records may not always reflect our current standards, however. OMCA’s founding institutions, the Oakland Public Museum, the Oakland Art Gallery, and the Snow Museum of Natural History, all opened their doors more than one hundred years ago. Some of the terminology used in describing objects from these legacy collections is outdated at best, or racist at worst. While staff work on an ongoing basis to review and update older records to ensure the use of inclusive and anti-racist vocabulary, we know that our records are not perfect. We invite you to alert us to problematic cataloging by sending an email to [email protected]. Please include the object’s accession number and a link to its URL in your email. Additionally, at the bottom of every object record in our online collection, clicking on the words “Please send us a note” provides you with the opportunity to share feedback of any kind; feel free to point out typos, mistakes, or tell us about your personal connection to the object.