Student Blog: Preventive Conservation at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

​In September, I began my third-year internship in the Department of Scientific Research at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Working with Research Scientist Eric Breitung, I am jumping into multiple preventive conservation projects. Currently, I am focused on a vibration monitoring project and the rollout of new wireless temperature and relative humidity data logger system for environmental monitoring. 
 
The Met hosts many special events and often has parts of the building under construction. These activities, along with everyday activities, cause vibrations in the galleries. A few years ago, during a large construction project, vibration sensors were deployed in the galleries to monitor for excessive vibrations that could damage collection objects near construction activity. After that experience, a system of wireless accelerometers were installed to gather vibration data in the two most frequently used spaces for events. There is very little published information on standards for sound levels and vibrations from events in museum environments, so this initial monitoring has been vital to understand how to monitor for vibrations in the museum.  

​Now, I am working with an interdepartmental team to create a monitoring plan that will allow us to correlate our vibration data with the sounds that are creating the vibrations. Beyond the monitoring, I am also writing an annotated bibliography on publications about vibrations within cultural heritage collections and reaching out to experts and other institutions to learn more about their current vibration research and vibration policies. At the end of my internship, we hope to have drafted a vibration policy for events at the Met that is based on the vibration data and what peer institutions have done. This has been a great project to introduce me to the Met as I have been able to work with other departments and explore the galleries. I have also been able to dive into the subject of vibration monitoring, which is not something I have spent much time researching until now! 

My other project at the Met is the rollout of a new wireless data logging system. This system will allow the collecting departments to monitor the relative humidity and temperature of galleries, cases, and storage areas in real time.  This system is new to the Met and new to me so I am editing the introduction document, learning the software so that I can help trouble shoot if any problems arise, and collaborating with other departments to create a training for the new users of these data loggers. This has been a great project as I have been able to use my knowledge of environmental monitoring while also creating an accessible introduction guide and training for a wide audience. ​

​My preventive conservation major has prepared me to successfully work on multiple projects related to monitoring differing aspects of museum environments. During my second-year of graduate school, I learned how to monitor differing types of ​spaces, use different types of loggers, and work with different departments to complete a project. These skills are proving incredibly important while working at the Met. While not at the Met, I am exploring the city with friends! I am excited for upcoming exhibitions and especially fall in Central Park! 

​— Sarah Freshnock, WUDPAC Class of 2023