Some of the treasures in the provincial archives collection associated with Father Damien De Veuster are in need of professional conservation treatment. If you, your family, or your organization would like to adopt one of the artifacts listed below, please contact us via the online form on this page.
Artifacts Available for Adoption
Remnant of Fabric Lining Father Damien De Veuster’s Coffin (1936.1.13)
Description: This fabric remnant was collected during the exhumation of Father Damien at Kalawao in 1936. It has been cared for by the Congregation ever since. Because of its association with Saint Damien, it is considered a second-class relic.
Proposed treatment:
- Photograph object before and after treatment for documentation purposes.
- Unfold the fabric using light humidification as needed.
- Build an acid-free mat with Mylar window and acid-free interleaving for long term storage and possible future display.
Estimated cost (2022): $650
Black-colored Chasuble of Father Damien De Veuster (1986.1.1)
Description: This chasuble is in the Roman scapular form, with a shape often referred to as “fiddleback.” The outer layer of this garment is made of a silk damask fabric in black, and trimmed with an inch-wide gold brocaded ribbon with grape and leaf designs. Because of its association with Saint Damien, this object is considered a second-class relic.
Proposed treatment:
- Photograph object before and after treatment for documentation purposes.
- Repair small tear at shoulder. Further examination needed to determine method of repair.
Estimated Cost (2022): $750
Remnant of Arm Sling used by Father Damien De Veuster (1986.1.10)
Description: Mother Marianne Cope gave Father Damien a piece of printed silk fabric to be used as an arm sling. It is shown in photographs of Father Damien taken near the end of his life. This object is especially significant because of its association with both Saints, Damien and Marianne. This fabric remnant is considered a second-class relic.
Proposed treatment:
- Photograph object before and after treatment for documentation purposes.
- Build an acid-free mat with Mylar window and acid-free tissue interleaving for long term storage and possible future display.
Estimated Cost (2022): $825
Green-colored Chasuble of Father Damien De Veuster (1986.1.3)
Description: This chasuble is in the Roman scapular form, with a shape often referred to as “fiddleback.” Its outer panels have embroidered floral designs and gold brocaded ribbon. Because of its association with Saint Damien, this chasuble is considered a second-class relic.
Proposed treatment:
- Photograph object before and after treatment for documentation purposes.
- Repair insect holes in lining. Further examination needed to determine extent of repair needed. Repair method will be to stitch a fine nylon mesh over the area of loss.
Estimated Cost (2022): $1350
Crème-colored Chasuble of Father Damien De Veuster (1986.1.2)
Description: This chasuble is in the Roman scapular form, with a shape often referred to as “fiddleback.” The outer layer of this garment is made of a silk damask fabric in crème on beige with a large central floral motif. It is edged with a gold brocaded ribbon. Because of its association with Saint Damien, this chasuble is considered a second-class relic.
Proposed treatment:
- Photograph object before and after treatment for documentation purposes.
- Repair insect holes. Further examination needed to determine extent of repair needed. Repair method will be to insert a support fabric between lining and damask. The fabrics will be attached to the support fabric with fine silk thread.
Estimated Cost (2022): $1650
