SAVE OUR TREASURES
An important part of preserving the museum objects is keeping them in a friendly environment.
Extreme temperatures, humidity, mold, and indoor (gaseous) pollutants all degrade artifacts.
The Curatorial Department conducted a scientific study to test for pollutants using a special "coupon"
to test the air quality. The coupons have copper and silver strips that are tarnished by pollutants in
the air. Scientists measure the depth of tarnish to compute the amount and type of pollutants. This
data allows us compensate for these pollutants with filters in our HVAC system.
Laura Seifert, our Museum Technician, is responsible for the on-going study of the museum's
environment. Throughout the museum and curatorial storage area, we have stationed data collectors
that measure temperature, humidity, and light levels. Once per month, Laura downloads this data
and crunches the numbers to ensure the museum is safe for displaying objects. We keep these records
so that we can see trends or problems in the museum environment over time.
The stability of the environment plays a major role in preserving the collections.
1. Objects begin to deteriorate at higher temperatures and relative humidity. Fluctuations in
temperature or relative humidity cause objects to shrink and expand. Expansion and contraction of
objects can cause paint to flake off, wood, shell, or ivory inlay to pop out, or glues to fail on
musical instruments and furniture.
2. Higher temperature and relative humidity also creates a favorable environment for mold growth.
There are thousands of different types of mold spores. Mold can grow on almost any material. This
includes fabric, paper, wood, plastic, and metalall materials that are found in museum collections.
By controlling the museum climate, having good air circulation and a routine cleaning program, museums
are able to combat mold growth.
3. Another major museum battle is fought against pests. This can include any type of bug, rodent, or
bird. Typical pests for Savannah museums are silverfish, beetles, cockroaches, moths, rodents, and
birds. Controlling the climate inside the museum slows the life cycles and habits of pests. Roaches
and silverfish especially like the proteins and starches found in books. They will eat the covers
from books AND the pages inside! Clothes moths larvae like to spin cases on fabrics. The larvae will
eat the fabric and leave holes throughout it.
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Arty Facts!
Click here for our featured "Arty-Fact" and learn more about our artifacts
FURTHER RESOURCES ON MUSEUMS AND CARING FOR ARTIFACTS
Links
American Association of Museums
American Association for State and Local History
Georgia Association of Museums and Galleries
Coastal Museums Association
Costume Society of America
The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
Did You Know?
Other
Another good resource for preserving your personal objects is Saving Stuff: How to Care for and
Preserve Your Collectibles, Heirlooms, and Other Prized Possessions by Don Williams and Louisa
Jaggar (copyright 2005, published by Simon and Schuster).
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