Environmental Controls and Security Upgrades to Protect the Collections of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West

FAIN: CHA-268738-20

Buffalo Bill Historical Center (Cody, WY 82414-3428)
Michael Brown (Project Director: May 2019 to November 2022)
Jordan Davis (Project Director: November 2022 to present)

Renovations that would improve environmental conditions and security systems at the center’s five museums, including roof repairs at two of the facilities.

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming, is applying to the NEH Division of Preservation and Access for an Infrastructure and Capacity Building Challenge Grant to install new security systems; replace an aging steam boiler with atomizer humidifiers, install a new chiller and cooling tower; retrofit air handlers in exhibition and storage areas; install building management systems to ensure environmental conditions that are the best for the collections are maintained; and replace aging roof systems to ensure collections protection. Some of this work will be in structures that are more than 50 years old. The five-year cost of the highest-priority projects is $2,047,000. With this application, we are asking for $500,000 to be used over the five years. Trustees and staff are committed to raising the $1.5 million match as well as the additional funds needed to complete the projects outlined.

Associated Products

CHILLER THRILLER & BOILER SPOILER (Article)
Title: CHILLER THRILLER & BOILER SPOILER
Author: Center of the West PR Staff
Abstract: It seems like a lifetime ago, but it was only January 2020 when the Buffalo Bill Center of the West celebrated receiving a $500,000 Infrastructure and Capacity Building Challenge Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). This was great news! With this grant, we would be able to complete a five-year series of high-priority projects to make us more energy efficient, ensure an ideal environment to protect and preserve priceless collections, and vastly improve both security and access throughout the Center. But (there’s always a “but”, isn’t there?) … it’s called a challenge grant for a reason. The challenge requires a threeto- one match. That means that, by the end of July 2023, we need to raise $1.5 million. The good news (there’s always “good news” too, isn’t there?) … the generosity of donors exceeded what we needed to raise by the end of July 2020, making more than $158,000 in NEH funds available to help pay for the security and access upgrades that have now been completed, and for the upcoming installation of a new chiller and cooling tower. “We’re off to a very good start with this multi-year project,” Mike Brown, Director of Operations and project director, says. “It hasn’t been without a few glitches and frustrations, but our maintenance and IT crew has managed very well, working with our vendors and contractors.” Next on the list and planned for 2021 are installing a new chiller and cooling tower, removing an aging steam boiler, and retrofitting air handlers and humidifiers. “Maintaining a consistent temperature and humidity level in our entire building is critical for the objects in our collection, as well as for the comfort of visitors and staff,” Phil Anthony, Operating Engineer, says. “Our current equipment is beyond its expected life and is getting more and more difficult to maintain. New equipment will be much more energy-efficient as well.” The Environmental Controls and Security Upgrades to Protect the Collection project has been made
Year: 2021
Primary URL: http://www.centerofthewest.org
Access Model: Subscription Based for Museum Members and Supporters
Format: Magazine
Periodical Title: Points West
Publisher: Center of the West

Speak Your Piece with the BBCW (Radio/Audio Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Speak Your Piece with the BBCW
Director: Darian Dudrick
Abstract: This is a radio interview with KODI 96.7 in Cody, WY with host Darian Dudrick. Center of the West staff Carolyn Williams, Phil Anthony, and Rich Herman described the infrastructure of the Center of the West and the projects being upgraded with the help of the NEH Challenge Grant.
Date: 6/17/2021
Primary URL: https://soundcloud.com/user-939526834/2021-06-17-syp-bbcw?in=user-939526834/sets/speak-your-piece-with-darian#
Access Model: Open Access
Format: Digital File
Format: Web

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