History Museum Gets $19,300 Grant For Artifact Preservation

ST. CHARLES, IL — The St. Charles History Museum has been awarded a $19,300 grant from the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley to improve the facility and keep the artifacts safe.

After a thorough analysis of the museum's collection space, an outside association identified the building's need for hygrothermographs and UV-filtering film for windows and lights. Hygrothermographs are expensive pieces of equipment that monitor temperature and humidity levels in a room to ensure artifacts aren't being damaged.

The St. Charles History Museum will be able to place one in each room.

"Without our ability to utilize artifacts, we are not able to produce exhibits, programs and research requests," said Lindsay Judd, St. Charles History Museum executive director. "Without proper collection care and preservation, we do not have artifacts."

In addition to the monitoring machines and UV-film, the museum will be placing extra security inside and outside of the building. Staff has not responded to questions on what form the extra security will take.

Residents can visit the St. Charles History Museum on Tuesdays-Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 215 East Main Street.