Expanding Environmental Monitoring, Education, and Awareness for Sheboygan County Historical Society

FAIN: PG-252876-17

Sheboygan Historical Society (Sheboygan, WI 53081-3660)
Travis Gross (Project Director: May 2016 to June 2019)

Purchase of 13 HOBO data loggers, UV/Visible light meters, and supporting equipment to implement an advanced environmental monitoring program at the Sheboygan County Historical Society and Museum. The collection of over 30,000 objects documents the history of Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, dating from 10,000 B.C.E to the present. Collection highlights include artifacts documenting the influence of the Cold War on small Midwestern communities, including an eight-foot radio-controlled drone and anti-aircraft artillery casings. The improved environmental monitoring plan is based on recommendations from three Museum Assessment Program evaluations, and will support a 2014 Institutional Plan that lists improved environmental monitoring as a priority for collection stewardship.

The Sheboygan County Historical Society and Museum’s permanent collection of 30,000 archaeological and material culture objects provides a broad and vibrant picture of the people, economics, and culture dating back 12,000 years, supporting the mission to collect, preserve, and educate about the history of Sheboygan County. An expanded environmental monitoring program, including upgraded equipment and staff knowledge on environment standards, is a critical part of long-term preservation and collection stewardship. Grant funds will support purchase of new environmental monitoring equipment, consultation on installation and use, along with staff training. This project, beginning January 2017 and ending May 2018, is an important aspect of the Museum’s Institutional Plan goals to improve collection maintenance and preservation through improved environmental and physical conditions, along with preservation planning, for the collection.