We Stink!

A recent review of the History Center on a travel website said that we smell like a musty old museum. Sorry to say it, but I agree!

Providing improved heating, air conditioning and ventilation is an important part of our renovation.  All of our systems have been in place since the expansion in the 1970s and are now being totally replaced to provide an improved environment for our collections and increased comfort for our visitors.

When we replaced our roofs several years ago, we upgraded many of our mechanical systems. (These improvements were a part of the previous phase of our campaign.) We are now connecting these systems to new ductwork and air handling units in all of our public spaces. Fitting all of the larger systems into the building is certainly a challenge for our architects, engineers, and contractors. We can see their creativity in this task as the first major ducts are being installed.

Environmental standards have changed since the 1970s. For the first time, we will be providing both temperature and humidity control in our galleries to assure the long term preservation of objects from our collections.  If you have ever been to an event in our education and public program spaces, you know how uncomfortable they can become.  With our improved and increased air flow, this should not be a problem in the future.

Fresh air, natural light, and innovative programs and exhibitions…and never musty!

Are you curious about our progress? Join us for one of our Hard Hat Happy Hours that occur every Wednesday from 4:30-6:00 p.m. You can contact me for more information or RSVP online and let me know you’ll be coming by.

If you would like to help keep us calm and hammering on, you can support the History Center on our secure donation page at /give.

– Bill Martin, Director