Environmental Management Policy
As a part of its preservation efforts, the Museum has established a number of environmental management programs to mitigate damage from biological organisms and inappropriate environmental conditions. Environmental management is the responsibility of the Collections Management Section under the purview of the Collections Manager. These programs can only be successful with full commitment and participation by everyone who works or volunteers at the Museum.
In this Policy:
Environmental management consists of the following programs:
- Integrated Pest Management
- Temperature and Humidity Management
- Mold Spore Testing and Mold Mitigation
- Light Level Management
In addition to participating in these four programs, everyone should be vigilant about abnormal conditions not listed in this document, such as unusual odors, broken doors or windows, and malfunctioning building equipment. These issues should be reported to the Collections Management Section, Security Section, and/or Business Manager.
Integrated Pest Management
Pests such as insects, rodents, bats, and birds can seriously damage Museum collections. Some pests can chew through or consume paper, hair, fur, wood, skin and other organic materials, damaging the structural integrity of an object or even reducing it to a pile of dust. Other pests can cause surface damage by depositing debris, oils, or excrement that can permanently stain or discolor the surface of objects. Certain pests may also attract an array of other pests. Protecting Museum collections from pests is critical to their long-term preservation.
Program Components
In order to minimize the associated risks, the Collections Management Section:
- uses sticky traps to monitor insect activity
- inspects collections for pests and evidence of pests
- inspects the interior and exterior of the building for pests, evidence of pests, and potential pest entry
- identifies and records found species
- analyzes data to identify potential threats to the collections
- implements solutions based on results of analysis, including treatment actions and building modifications
- establishes and maintains Museum practices for good housekeeping that promote an environment that is inhospitable to pests
Participation
To increase the effectiveness of the integrated pest management program, everyone who works or volunteers at the Museum must review and agree to follow the Museum’s rules regarding food and drink.
It is also critical that everyone who works or volunteers at the Museum identifies and reports the following abnormal conditions:
- insects, rodents, or other animals, living or dead, in or around the Museum
- clutter, food residue, trash left outside of proper receptacles, etc.
- leaks, standing water, broken plumbing, etc.
Temperature and Humidity Management
Drastic changes as well as extremes in temperature and/or humidity levels can damage Museum collections. Consistent and appropriate temperature and humidity reduce the risks of various chemical, biological, and mechanical damage such as corrosion, infestation, bacteria and mold growth, shrinkage, swelling, delamination, loosening of joints, and other damage to artifacts, especially those made of organic materials or multiple materials.
Program Components
In order to minimize the associated risks, the Collections Management Section:
- monitors temperature and humidity using strategically placed dataloggers
- spot checks temperature and humidity using hygrometers and lasers
- analyzes data on a monthly basis
- takes or recommends action based on results of analysis
Participation
To increase the effectiveness of the temperature and humidity management program, it is critical that everyone who works or volunteers at the Museum identifies and reports the following abnormal conditions:
- unreasonably high or low temperatures, air drafts, etc.
- malfunctions of climate control (HVAC) systems
Mold Spore Testing and Mold Mitigation
Mold can prove to be irreversibly destructive to Museum collections. It can permanently stain and discolor surfaces, weaken the structural integrity of objects, and promote mold growth and/or pest activity in the future. By addressing increases in mold spores and creating an environment that is not conducive to mold growth, collections can be protected from these risks.
Program Components
In order to minimize the associated risks, the Collections Management Section:
- conducts good housekeeping
- monitors mold spore levels
- inspects Museum spaces and collections
- detects, isolates, and remediates mold problems
Participation
To increase the effectiveness of the mold mitigation program, it is critical that everyone who works or volunteers at the Museum identifies and reports the following abnormal conditions:
- smell of mold, damp conditions, mold-like staining, etc.
- leaks, standing water, broken plumbing, etc.
Light Level Management
Visible, infrared, and ultraviolet (UV) light is detrimental to Museum collections, especially those made of organic materials. The cumulative effect of exposure to light over time causes permanent chemical and mechanical damage, such as fading and weakening of materials. Reducing the exposure and carefully selecting the type of light collections are exposed to is crucial to their preservation.
Program Components
In order to minimize potential light damage, the Collections Management Section:
- selects lamps and fixtures that output an appropriate amount and type of light
- utilizes lighting control measures, such as UV light filters and physical barriers
- considers light sensitivity in selection of objects for exhibition and length of time those objects are on exhibit
- monitors light levels for all objects on exhibit
- spot checks light levels when the lighting of an exhibit has undergone significant changes
- analyzes new and historical data
- changes exhibits based on results of analysis
Participation
To increase the effectiveness of the light level management program, it is critical that everyone who works or volunteers at the Museum identifies and reports the following abnormal conditions:
- direct sunlight on artifacts, damage to window shading systems, etc.
- lights not working, exhibit lights left on when Museum is closed to the public, etc.