Object Collection

The support of friends has helped make possible the conservation of objects identified as top priorities among the 10,000 in Stepping Stones’ collection. We prioritize based on factors including the historic importance of an object, age, materials, and condition. Once we select a conservator, they examine the object and its history, document its condition, and develop treatment plan options before taking measures to stabilize and protect the object.

Following are examples of objects Stepping Stones has had treated by experts with the support of friends.

ABOVE: Before and after photographs showing the conservation treatment of the map that Bill Wilson and early A.A. staff in New York used to track the establishment of meetings and groups and the locations of lone members as the fellowship grew across the United States. Bill moved this map from the Manhattan headquarters of A.A. to his writing studio at Stepping Stones. Today, it is protected in a case in Stepping Stones' Welcome Center.

ABOVE: Pictures from before and after conservation treatment of “Painting of New York Bay.” This family heirloom is located in Bill and Lois' upstairs “gallery” in their home at Stepping Stones - a room that Lois said is "like a museum."