Standards are set by conservators as to the ideal conditions in which artifacts are stored and displayed. These standards provide for the preservation of museum objects that, if left alone and vulnerable to the environment, would deteriorate at a much faster rate. Unfortunately, using all ideal materials in storage and exhibit case construction is not within the budget for most small to medium sized museums. Therefore, adaptations from the standards should be made dependent on museum resources on a case-to-case basis. This paper is focused on the construction of exhibit cases and galleries to fit conservation standards and addresses the objects displayed, materials used to construct display cases, the role these materials play in the preservation of objects, and less expensive alternatives. For the purpose of this project, the focus is on museum objects and needs of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, National Football Museum, LLC in Canton, Ohio.
This paper is broken into five areas that cover the different concerns in the creation of conservation quality exhibits. The first chapter, “Care of Objects”, covers the different materials that make up museum objects in this museum and the specific concerns regarding the degradation of materials. The second chapter, “Environmental Control of Objects on Exhibit”, addresses safe and not-so-safe lighting options, how light is damaging to materials, interior case lighting versus exterior case lighting, temperature and relative humidity, and dangers of airborne pollutants. A chapter on “Safe Exhibit Case Construction Materials” covers what building materials should be used and those that should be avoided. “Exhibit Case Design and Security” explains the different case styles, case access, and security principles that should be taken into account when designing exhibit cases for museum objects. “Sealed vs. Ventilated Exhibit Cases” explores the difference between these two types of exhibit cases and when each style is more appropriate. The chapter also addresses environmental control within the case, as well as forced and passive ventilation of an exhibit case. There are no citations within the text of this thesis to allow for an easier flow of information without the interruption of citations. All sources used in the research conducted for this thesis can be found at the end of the text. There is an appendix that includes further resources such as diagrams that need more clarification than can be provided within the main chapters, as well as photographs of the display cases constructed during the renovation of the Lamar Hunt Super Bowl Gallery at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.