Improving Security for American History Collections

FAIN: PF-50097-10

Massachusetts Historical Society (Boston, MA 02215-3631)
Peter Drummey (Project Director: December 2009 to April 2014)

An implementation project to install an updated security system in a research library holding extensive collections of American history materials.

Having successfully completed critical systems and fire suppression upgrades, the Massachusetts Historical Society is positioned to effectively address the physical security of its flagship building and unparalleled collections. The MHS Security Infrastructure Project is the culmination of a multi-year effort to analyze risks to the collections and identify appropriate preventive preservation actions. Key elements of the project include a new digital security network infrastructure, an upgrade from passive analog surveillance to dynamic analytic driven digital surveillance, improved perimeter surveillance and lighting, expansion of the access control system, a new intrusion alarm system and devices, and upgrades to life safety and fire detection. The proposed MHS Security Infrastructure Project assures that the Society's National Historic Landmark building and unique collections will be protected with a security architecture befitting their importance to American history.