How the Pritzker Military Archives Center harnessed the potential of its new museum space with a comprehensive approach to design and capacity expansion.
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Museums play a critical role in preserving our military’s history. Carefully organizing, displaying, and curating collections ensures the sacrifices made by our armed forces are always remembered and our bravest servicemembers are never forgotten.
Curators, archivists, and other personnel at military museums need organized solutions to both display and securely store priceless items that tell the stories of generations before. But the shelving that effectively stores books, for example, won’t be the best solution for hanging artwork. Also, military museums have the responsibility of preserving unique objects like weapons and other items specific to the armed forces. With so many factors, a one-size-all solution isn’t feasible.
Leaders at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library (PMML) and Pritzker Military Archives Center (PMAC) view their responsibility as history’s custodians earnestly. With a focus on military servicemembers’ stories, sacrifices, and values, the PMML and PMAC aim to increase everyone’s understanding of our armed forces by providing a forum that facilitates studying the past, understanding the present, and visualizing the future.
Seeking a Fresh Start
At their previous location, PMML occupied three floors of a historic downtown building. But with approximately 40,000 artifacts that includes archival collections, letters, military documents, prints, posters, original artwork, glass plate negatives, photographs, weapons, and maps, plus 65,000 books in their collection, they were quickly running out of usable space and facing numerous challenges. Only a fraction of their framed artwork could be hung, static shelving was at capacity, and the building’s floor loading wouldn’t support a conversion to high-density storage.
Opting for a new building, Pritzker incorporated efficient and secure storage into its purpose-built location to maximize the entire floorplan.
PMML included Spacesaver Powered High-Density Mobile Storage systems and other forward-thinking storage solutions into its design to create 9,400 sq. ft. of exhibition space. Strategically placed in an environment where many common agents of deterioration can be easily mitigated, Powered High-Density Mobile Systems also helped PMAC double what would have been approximately 20,000 sq. ft. of storage space by removing wasted aisle space.
Challenge 1: Books
PMAC’s collection of books includes thousands of volumes that vary in both size and condition, which required specific individual levels of security and care. Steel Cantilever shelving mounted on Powered High-Density Storage systems solved this challenge.
The systems, comprised of 45 carriages of 30-foot lengths each, are designed to move independently or as a group to create 91 separate aisles that can be opened with the push of a button.
Each aisle is equipped with both aisle entry and Photo Sweep® sensors for safety. Aisles that contain highly valuable or fragile materials receive additional security via the integrated pin pad access system.
Challenge 2: Artifacts
PMAC’s military artifacts are donated from diverse sources and come in all shapes and sizes. Stored items in this area range from foot lockers to file folders, which require a storage solution strong enough to support the various pieces yet flexible enough to adjust to differing heights and widths.
The storage area incorporates 18 carriages that combine to create 37 aisles of storage, and each walkway is equipped with aisle entry and Photo Sweep® sensors for added safety.
Challenge 3: Hanging Art
Before the move, PMML only had enough space to hang a mere 200 of its 1,000 framed pieces of artwork.
With a substantial hanging art collection, a combination of static and mobile storage options maximized the allotted footprint within the facility. Pritzker selected a storage package that included four Wall-Mounted Art Racks and 22 Powered High-Density Mobile Storage systems with Carriage Mounted Art Racks that added another 43 aisles and 172 screens.
PMAC transferred its 1,000-plus pieces of art, including World War propaganda, war photos, original art, and photography, plus room for future artwork. These priceless items are stored securely and safely, utilizing aisle entry and Photo Sweep® sensors in these mobile shelving units.
Challenge 4: Weapons Storage
Having received different iterations of firearms and related equipment in assorted sizes and conditions, PMAC requires a specific storage setup to ensure these items are properly handled, preserved effectively, and securely stored.
To accomplish this, the Weapons Storage Room is outfitted with 4-Post Shelving that incorporates double doors and two levels of Weapons Rack III storage systems. The room also benefits from a 114” long by 36 3/8” high customized worktable with six lockable casters. This supports both the efficient handling and the processing of artifacts.
Focused on the Future
PMML’s goal was to get 25-30 years of growth from the storage systems employed. Understanding the complexities of installing rail systems post-foundation, the museum installed supplementary recessed rails during construction to fill the open spaces adjacent to both its artifacts and library storage mobile systems.
This will allow future carriage installations to be completed in less time, require no adjustment to the building’s foundation, and will help reduce the risk of damage to stored collections from vibration or construction materials.
To make the most of an existing space or to achieve the maximum opportunity of a new location, Spacesaver’s knowledgeable team of engineers, and local network of experts can guide you from start to finish, setting your museum on course for long-term success.
Visit Spacesaver.com for more information, and find inspiration for your project by watching the Pritzker Military Archives Center case study at https://www.spacesaver.com/case-study/military-archive-storage-solutions.
