Beware the easy answer.  If your collection is mixed (wood, metal, paper,
fur, etc.), then your best bet is to try to keep the RH and temperature
stable.  If you have only metal, then your humidity needs are different
than if you only have ivory or wood or paper, etc.

Look at publications put out by one of the many conservation resources, or
better yet, call one up.  If you need to modify your building, there are
experts in historic preservation and engineering to talk to.  Think about
applying for a CAP grant through IMLS where a conservator and
preservationist architect will evaluate your building.

Again, there are no easy answers.  Monitoring however will potentially lead
to results.  With data in hand, I was able to convince the university
physical plant to redo my office (it rained on the inside).

Sally Baulch
Collections Manager
Cultural History Division
Texas Memorial Museum
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Chris Woodson [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
>Sent: Friday, September 10, 1999 12:18 PM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Humidity in Museums
>
>
>Hi,
>I was wondering if anyone out there has experience or knowledge of
>humidity
>inside museums.  I am currently involved in compiling data regarding the
>humidity levels in our exhibit hall.  We have hygrometers strategically
>placed throughout the building and I have been developing a spreadsheet
>with
>the accumulated data.  What I am wondering is, what humidity level is
>considered acceptable in a museum environment?
>
>Thanks,
>Chris Woodson
>Roanoke Island Festival Park
>Manteo, NC
>
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