Preserving the cultural heritage of Maryland is a responsibility that Chris Kintzel, the Director of the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, takes very seriously. With over two decades of experience at the Maryland State Archives (MSA), Chris has dedicated his career to ensuring that the state’s invaluable collection of fine arts and historical documents are maintained under optimal conditions. Recently, Chris and his team faced a significant challenge in upgrading their environmental monitoring systems, which led them to adopt Conserv—a decision that has transformed their approach to preservation.
From manual to real-time collection monitoring
Before integrating Conserv into their workflow, the MSA relied on HOBO data loggers to monitor environmental conditions across multiple sites, including the State House, Government House, and the main archives building. These loggers, while useful, presented significant limitations, particularly in terms of real-time data accessibility.
“We were using HOBO data loggers,” Chris explains. “But the data was only available once you physically went and downloaded it. We weren’t getting real-time data, so if there was a problem, we wouldn’t find out until after it happened.”
This reactive approach meant that by the time Chris and his team identified an environmental issue, it was often too late to prevent potential damage to the collection. The need for a more proactive solution was clear.
Wireless environmental monitoring for proactive decision-making and prioritization
Chris first learned about Conserv through online research and museum industry message boards. The wireless environmental monitoring system immediately caught his attention due to its real-time data capabilities and user-friendly design. After a thorough evaluation, he decided to test Conserv’s system to see if it could meet the MSA’s specific needs.
“We got a starter kit from Conserv and set up a couple of sensors,” Chris recalls. “We were really impressed with how easy it was to use and how quickly we could start seeing real-time data. It was a huge improvement over what we had before.”
The ability to monitor environmental conditions in real time and receive instant alerts for any deviations from set thresholds proved invaluable. Chris was particularly impressed by how Conserv’s system allowed his team to respond to issues immediately, rather than reacting after the fact.
While the transition to Conserv was generally smooth, the team did encounter some challenges, particularly in terms of sensor placement within the complex structure of the MSA’s buildings. However, these challenges were quickly overcome through trial and error.
“One of the biggest challenges was figuring out the best places to put the sensors to ensure we were getting accurate readings,” Chris notes. “But the Conserv team was really helpful, and we eventually found the right spots.”
The customizable alerts were another key feature that made a significant difference in the team’s day-to-day operations. Instead of being overwhelmed by data, Chris and his team could now focus on addressing the most critical issues as they arose.
“Conserv’s alerts are really well-designed,” Chris says. “They allow us to focus on the things that matter, rather than getting bogged down with minor fluctuations. It’s made our job a lot easier.”
An efficient environmental monitoring system for peace of mind
Since adopting Conserv, the Maryland State Archives has seen a marked improvement in the efficiency of their environmental monitoring processes. The real-time data provided by Conserv has enabled Chris and his team to be more proactive in addressing environmental concerns, ensuring that the state’s cultural treasures are preserved for future generations.
“The real-time data has been a game changer for us,” Chris emphasizes. “We can now address issues as they happen, rather than finding out about them after the fact. It’s given us peace of mind knowing that our collections are better protected.”
The ability to monitor multiple sites simultaneously, receive instant alerts, and access comprehensive data from a user-friendly dashboard has transformed the way the MSA manages its collections. Chris is confident that Conserv will continue to play a crucial role in their preservation efforts.
If you have any questions about environmental monitoring, integrated pest management, or just want to talk about preventative conservation, please reach out to us! Don’t forget to check out our blog or join our community of collections care professionals where you can discuss hot topics, connect with your peers or even take a course to get familiar with the Conserv platform.
