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
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