Evaluation of UMD Museums' Mechanical Systems
The specific purpose of the project was to conduct an evaluation of the University of Minnesota Duluth Museums' Mechanical Systems (also called the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system or HVAC system) to determine what changes and improvements are feasible and necessary to improve the environmental conditions in each of three buildings: Glensheen, Tweed Museum of Art along with a proposed Tweed museum storage and work space on the second floor of the Chester Building.
Glensheen, the historic home of Chester and Clara Congdon, is also home to a vast collection of art, antique furniture, Persian rugs, primary documents, first edition books, and priceless Congdon family heirlooms. The entire estate and collection has been in the care of the Regents of the University of Minnesota and operated for the public benefit by the University of Minnesota Duluth School of Fine Arts since 1979. As Glensheen is entering its second century of use, the University is taking steps to keep this outstanding property and collection secure by creating a sound environment. The primary outcome of this project is improved long term preservation of the collection.
The Tweed Museum of Art (Tweed) was built in 1958 and has experienced the addition of the Sax Gallery in 1988. The Tweed is home to a large collection of two and three dimensional art - some 7,000 pieces that span hundreds of years in age representing numerous cultures from around the world. The Tweed is the cultural hub of Northern Minnesota faithfully exhibiting art that reflects a diverse population. More than 60,000 visitors come to the Tweed annually to enjoy the Tweeds vast collection and thousands of University students and faculty use the Tweed as a primary source for research, exhibition, and studies in advanced museum practices. Central to the Tweed's mission is proper collections management and a critical component to proper collections management is superior climate control.
(b) Statewide Historic and Cultural Grants. (i) $2,250,000 in 2010 and $4,500,000 in 2011 are appropriated for history programs and projects operated or conducted by or through local, county, regional or other historical or cultural organizations; or for activities to preserve significant historic and cultural resources. Funds are to be distributed through a competitive grants process. The Minnesota Historical Society shall administer these funds using established grants mechanisms, and with assistance from the advisory committee created herein.