We received an old safe a number of years ago and I've used it since then to
store selected small, high-value items.

Why?  Partially because it adds another layer of security beyond the
electronic locks & alarms on the doors.  It just removes temptation for
those employees and others who are occasional visitors to the area.  Also
because I try not to turn down any usable storage equipment that comes my
way.

I don't consider the safe particularly fire or waterproof due to its age,
and I also assume that its not airtight  Thus it should share the same
controlled environment as the storage area it occupies - only buffering it
even more against sudden changes.

Real World - All artifacts are not treated equally.  Budgets say they can't
be.  Some items are generic some are unique.  We have to use our limited
resources where they'll do the most good.

Ron Twellman, Collections Manager
EAA AirVenture Museum
P.O. Box 3065
Oshkosh, WI 54903-3065
920-426-5917


-----Original Message-----
From: Aikens, Jason [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2000 3:40 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Why store artifacts in a safe? Isn't it redundant


I was wondering if any museum professionals out there could share their
policies on storing artifacts in a safe.  At my institution we store several
valuable coins, rings and documents in a safe but I wonder how prudent it is
do so.  We already have an alarm system for our storage area therefore
security is not issue.

Why store anything is a safe if all items are to be treated equally and
there is alarm securing everything.  The only advantage to storing items in
a safe is that a safe can be fire proof.  However does a safe always create
the best environmental conditions?

It seems in my institution cultural resources were stored in our safe in the
past to further insure that they wouldn't be lost.  However, I keep up to
date locations on everything and therefore I come back to my original
question.  Why store artifacts in a safe?

Jason Aikens, Collections Coordinator
Pro Football Hall of Fame
(330) 456-8207 ext 101

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