Analysis and Optimization of the Mechanical Systems for Sustainable Preservation of Collections

FAIN: PF-249652-16

Montana Historical Society (Helena, MT 59601-4514)
Molly Kruckenberg (Project Director: November 2015 to June 2019)

Planning for sustainable preservation of art, artifacts, archival materials, photographs, and publications at the Montana Historical Society Museum and Research Center (MHS).  These collections document Montana history and culture since 1865, and include 50,000 museum artifacts, 35,000 linear feet of archival materials, 60,000 books and government documents, 500,000 historic photographs, 12,000 maps, 10,000 reels of newspaper microfilm, and 2,500 oral histories.  The applicant would convene an interdisciplinary Environmental Management Team to identify energy-efficient methods for improving environmental conditions in the collections storage areas.

Environmental data gathered over the past several years has shown significant relative humidity and dew point fluctuations in collections storage areas at the Montana Historical Society. Based upon this data, recommendations from a 2014 Conservation Assessment, and a 2014 facilities inventory, the MHS has determined that an in-depth review and analysis of the current mechanical system in our main facility is necessary to plan for and ensure the long-term, sustainable preservation of our collections. MHS has assembled an interdisciplinary team of curators, archivists, librarians, administrators, mechanical systems engineers, and conservators to review and analyze the current operation of the mechanical systems at the MHS. This team will identify both non-mechanical or passive and mechanical methods for improving environmental conditions in collections storage areas while being energy efficient.