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 ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).