Staff Training and Environmental Monitoring Equipment to Preserve Archival Collections

FAIN: PG-51584-12

Century Association Archives Foundation (New York, NY 10036-7402)
Russell Alan Flinchum (Project Director: May 2011 to October 2013)

The development of an environmental monitoring program to preserve collections of books, manuscripts, audiovisual materials, and exhibition records held by the Century Association, a club established in 1847 to promote the fine arts and literature in New York City. The collection includes classic works in the history of architecture and landscape architecture, as well as records of numerous art exhibitions (from 1869-1920 and 1942-present) that provide a glimpse into the careers of prominent artists, such as Winslow Homer, and the development of American art.

The Century Association Archives requests $5108 for the initiation of an environmental monitoring program. Funds from this grant will purchase data loggers, software, and a light meter, as well as a two-day workshop on environmental monitoring for Archives staff. After training, the Archivist will undertake a one-year initiative to monitor key locations within the Archives’ storage and exhibition spaces. Upon completion of this year-long initiative, the remainder of the grant funds will be used to create a report analyzing the current state of climate control within the Archives, and making recommendations for additional improvements.