I am one of two graduate museum studies students interning at a house
museum.  At present we are trying to design a storage plan for the
museum collection which primarily consist of original costume and
textile from the house owners.

Right now only the first and second floors of the house are being
interpreted.  The basement contains supplies and workspace for the
groundskeeper.

The third and fourth floor are designated for storage.  These floors
have no climate control whatsoever.  The temperature fluctuates greatly,
as does the amount of light let in.  There is constantly a great amount
of dust.

Presently the linens and costume are kept either in broken boxes laying
on the floor and stacked on one another or they are lying stacked on one
another on unglazed utility racks, some rolled and wrapped in acid free
tissue, some not.  Some racks are covered with muslin, some aren't.

THere are, however, several large cedar storage closets which seem a
better storage solution for these linens.  At least they will be in a
darker area, at least they will be able to lay flat or not piled so
much, at least these shelves can be lined.  There is still a problem
with infestation problems, but there was a silkworm problem in the boxes
last summer from what we understand.

We have been reading CCI notes and other information regarding textile
storage, but nothing speaks to this possible solution, can anyone offer
advice or direct us to a different source?

Any help is appreciated.

Thank you,

jeanine mazak
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