Christine,
It's possible that someone with more training/experience than I will tell
you something different (and keep in mind that I am NOT a trained
conservator), but this issue does stick in my mind from my intro to
conservation courses.
In a situation like yours, the historic homes are also collections
artifacts, and should be considered when setting temp/humidity levels.
Unless you've got a lot of money, and can afford to put a greenhouse or dome
over your homes, you're not going to be able to control the outside
temperature. The ideal temperature/RH (relative humidity) for the small
artifacts inside may very well cause condensation inside the walls in summer
and/or winter, contributing to rot of those walls. If your heating/AC
systems are causing condensation on the windows, then you have a problem
(it's an even bigger problem if you have double-pane windows). You will
need to find a temp/RH that will minimize or eliminate the formation of
condensation in the building, while still providing a reasonable environment
for your artifacts/guests. That said, a stable temperature and especially a
stable RH are _almost_ more important than what those temp/RH levels are.
I will now wait to see if this advice agrees with that of others on this
list.
Larry Burke
Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania
-----Original Message-----
From: Christine Dwyer [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, October 09, 2000 1:56 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Historic House Temperatures
Dear List Members,
We have a small museum and two historic homes (c. 1840-1850).
Unfortunately, these homes were fitted with heat and a/c in the 1970s. What
makes this even more problematic is that the homes, of course, do not have
the appropriate insulation for such a modern system. Thus, the heat or a/c
will run almost continuously, being that one house is on a rock pier
foundation, with a wood plank floor and walls. My question is, how
necessary is it to maintain the homes at AAM temp. guidelines (65-70F)
through out the winter?
Thank you in advance.
Christine M. Dwyer, Director
Stanly County Museum
& Historic Preservation Commission
245 East Main Street, Albemarle, NC 28001 USA
(704) 986-3777 (704) 986-3778 fax
www.co.stanly.nc.us/Departments/Museum/index.htm
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