For the textiles I would recommend purchasing Tyvek bags.  These will keep 
moisture out quite well.  Dry storage would be better than the footlockers, 
as hanging is better than folding if the items are in good condition.  Best 
of luck.

Jenea Markham
Dress Historian/Curator




>From: Pamela Silvestri <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: [MUSEUM-L] High Humidity
>Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2006 20:19:17 EDT
>
>The museum building where I work is averaging 70-75% humidity the last  few
>days due to rain this past week. When I opened the building today...the  
>entire
>cement floor was (is still) wet, all of my mail, paperwork and  supplies 
>are
>damp...sat down on my chair and it was damp too.
>
>There is no way for me to prevent this occurrence on these rainy and/or
>humid days. As in the past, all I can do is dry things out when conditions
>improve.
>
>My assessment of course is that at this level of humidity and for days at a
>time to boot- the collections are at risk (mold, mildew, deterioration, 
>etc).
>I  have never seen this much humidity and dampness in the building before 
>and
>this  all is due to the weather conditions (and without being able to 
>control
>the  indoor conditions).
>
>If these conditions were to continue for much longer this week - should I
>consider finding a drier facility for some of the collections? If so - what
>would be most at risk (paper and leather, I would think) of the paper,
>photographic materials, textiles (mostly wool), leather, wood, plastics, 
>and  metal?
>
>After how many days of high humidity should I consider it crucial  enough
>time to take action? So far I have not seen any mold except for on some  
>leather
>objects. All I have that is dry space is a small storage room.
>
>Pam
>
>Pamela Silvestri, Seasonal Interpretive Guide
>Northeast States  Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
>Connecticut State Department of  Environmental Protection
>State Parks Division
>Shenipsit State Forest  Headquarters
>166 Chestnut Hill Road
>Stafford Springs, Connecticut  06076
>Telephone: (860) 684-3430
>e-mail: [log in to unmask]  or
>[log in to unmask]
>
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