Upgrades to the Mechanical System at the Montana Historical Society for Sustainable Preservation of Collections

FAIN: PF-266692-19

Montana Historical Society (Helena, MT 59601-4514)
Molly Kruckenberg (Project Director: January 2019 to present)

An Implementation project to adjust air handling systems and install a building management system that would improve overall energy efficiency for preserving Montana Historical Society’s collections, which include 6,000 Native American artifacts, 3,100 textile pieces, 800 transportation artifacts, 35,000 linear feet of manuscripts and government records, and 3,000 artifacts documenting the region’s agriculture and mining industries.

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, a 2014 facilities inventory, and a 2016-2018 analysis of mechanical systems, MHS has determined that several upgrades are necessary to ensure the long-term, sustainable preservation of our collections. The highest priority, to improve preservation conditions and energy efficiencies, is the installation of a Building Management System. This project will complete minor improvements to MHS air handling units, install a Building Management System, and test the system for efficient operations.