AFI_84-103_Attachment_4,_Exhibit_Case_Requirements.pdf

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Attachment 4

EXHIBIT REQUIREMENTS

A4.1. Exhibit Design and Planning. Design concepts pertain to the approved exhibit storyline, take into consideration location and support facilities, and respect the artifacts to be displayed.

Overall design should be balanced, logical, and aesthetically pleasing. Address questions about exhibit design or construction through the MAJCOM/HO to the NMUSAF Exhibits Division

(NMUSAF/MUE).

A4.1.1. The exhibit script should strive to appeal to a wide range of audience interest and sophistication.

A4.1.2. Use clear, concise, and readable language when writing exhibit scripts and labels.

A4.1.3. Heritage activities will display artifacts that are in stable condition and of good overall quality. (T-2)

A4.1.4. Ensure use of standard museum conservation methods for artifact support mounts.

Refer questions about designs for artifact support mounts and mounting through the MAJCOM/HO to the NMUSAF Conservator.

A4.1.5. Heritage activities will not display original photographs, archival documents, or records. Use color laser or photographic copies instead. (T-2)

A4.1.6. Heritage activities will display artworks, graphic elements, photographs, and the exhibit cases that house them at heights easily viewed by visitors of all ages, including visitors with disabilities. (T-0)

A4.1.7. Heritage activities will use electronic or typeset systems to create exhibit titles, text, captions, labels, and signs. (T-3) Strive to create a uniform look for all exhibit text and graphics. Consider creating an exhibit label template.

A4.1.8. Heritage activities will use appropriately contrasting font color(s), sizes and type styles that are clear and bold enough to be easily read from a visitor's viewing position. (T-3)

A4.1.9. Heritage activities will not use hand-printed, hand-lettered, typewriter produced or calligraphy methods for exhibit titles, text, captions, labels, or signs. (T-3)

A4.2. Exhibit Case Requirements. Exhibit cases are well constructed of inert, flame-retardant quality materials and adhesives that inhibit entrance of vermin and dust. Heritage activities will address corrective action for cases not meeting the requirements noted below in exhibit plans.

(T-1).

A4.2.1. Woods used in the exterior construction of display cases are of high quality hardwoods, poplar, pine, or exterior grade plywood. Any wood used on the interior of display cases is covered with laminate such as Formica or sealed by a double coat of high quality water-based polyurethane.

A4.2.2. All cases have concealed locking mechanisms or security head screws to ensure security. Doors over three feet have a minimum of two locks or a double locking mechanism.

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A4.2.3. All interior surfaces are to be of inert, non-reactive, museum safe materials such as natural vegetable fibers like cotton, flax, hemp, jute, linen, and muslin. Natural protein substances such as silk may also be utilized. Synthetic materials that may be safely utilized include acrylic glues, acrylic paints, water-based polyurethane sealants, Formica type laminates, polyester, polypropylene, nylon, and acrylic fabrics and polyethylene foams such as ethafoam, microfoam, and volara 2.1. Any paper products used are acid-free such as 100% cotton rag board, Bainbridge “ALPHAMAT” and Gator Foam Board.

A4.2.4. If the case is already constructed of inert materials, the interior surfaces do not have to be painted. Allow freshly sealed exhibit cases 2 to 3 weeks to ventilate harmful vapors before installing artifacts.

A4.2.5. When possible, and in all new installations or when displaying sensitive or significant objects, use quarter-inch U/V filtering acrylic glazing exclusively for case vitrines. Where glazing surfaces join at an angle, bond and round the edges to prevent the insertion of a pry tool, and secure them to the cabinet base or to the wall. UF-3 (Rohm and Haas) or equivalent U/V light absorbing poly-acrylic (Plexiglas) should be used for the glazing of the cases and as a U/V light filtering barrier between the light source and the objects. Glazing materials are of glass, acrylics (Plexiglas), or polycarbonates (Lexan).

A4.2.6. Install U/V sleeves on fluorescent lights and utilize neutral density filtering film to reduce lux levels to acceptable range of 15 foot-candles or 150 lux.

A4.2.7. Ventilate exhibit cases as needed with, for example, 1- to 3-inch diameter ventilation holes. All holes have a louver and cotton baffle to filter dust and vermin. Install one 1-inch diameter hole per every 8 cubic feet of case space. Spaces larger than 8 cubic feet require one ventilation hole with up to a 3-inch diameter or multiple well-spaced 1-inch diameter holes. Baffling is maintained and changed periodically. In certain instances, ventilation fans may be used. Any case modifications needed should be agreed upon during the exhibit design phase.

A4.2.8. Proper museum-safe techniques and materials are used when mounting objects. The use of screws, nails, pins, staples, aquarium cement, double-sided tape, and other adhesive tape products is prohibited. Contact NMUSAF Conservator for additional guidance if needed.

A4.2.9. Fasten case tops securely to the glazing or to the cabinet base with screws that cannot be reached from the front. It cannot be possible to lift the top or to slide anything beneath it into the case.

A4.2.10. Set hinges for case doors on the inside when possible. It cannot be possible to reach the hinge screws from outside the case. Hinged openings have all hinge butts concealed or pins spot welded, or use a comparable security measure.

A4.2.11. Many materials are not recommended for use in the construction of exhibit cases or within the cases themselves. Common examples include the following: sulfur containing items such as wool, wool felt, leather, rubber, rayon fabrics, polystyrene, and vinyl; un-sealed hardwoods or interior grade plywood, fiberboard or particle board which all have formaldehydes in their adhesives; polyvinyl chloride (PVC) containing plastics such as Sintra, and Kydex which “out-gas” hydrogen chloride; polyvinyl acetate containing glues, paints, and plastics which release acetic acid; paper products which are not acid-free such as

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cardboard, non-acid-free matte board, Masonite, and other acid containing wallboard products.

A4.2.12. Security case standards. Build cases for historical property requiring IDS protection to the same specifications as standard cases with the following additional requirements:

A4.2.12.1. Heritage activities will construct the tops, backs, sides, and bottoms of wall-mounted cases of 3/4-inch exterior grade plywood or a material of equal or greater strength. (T-2)

A4.2.12.2. Heritage activities will construct the viewing surfaces of cases with panels of at least 1/4-inch thick plate safety glass, transparent acrylic plastic, or transparent polycarbonate plastic. (T-2)

A4.2.12.3. Security cases should have at least one alarm end device (such as a microswitch or magnetic contactor) between the artifact and its mount or the base of the case to detect tampering or removal. This device may be supplemented with any one or a combination of the following to secure significant artifacts: magnetic contact sensors on all case doors; microswitches or magnetic contact sensors under all glazing; vibration sensors in each case, preferably on the glazing.

A4.2.12.4. When possible, position alarmed exhibit cases so that museum staff can see them at all times. Do not install exhibits that allow unobserved access or tampering. If unavoidable (e.g. structural columns, load bearing walls, etc.), consider using additional security measures such as surveillance cameras. Heritage activities will conduct periodic testing IAW AFI 31-101, Integrated Defense, to ensure proper function of case alarms.

(T-2)

A4.3. Exhibit Lighting. Keep lighting in the general exhibit areas at a level that promotes the safety and well-being of the artifacts. Use fluorescent lighting with U/V neutral density filtering protection, or incandescent or Halogen lighting that are properly filtered for U/V and lux.

Heritage activities will not use incandescent fixtures or any heat-generating lighting for internal exhibit case lighting. (T-2)

A4.3.1. Light level for pigmented or dyed textiles, artwork, and manufactured goods cannot exceed 15 foot-candles or 150 lux.

A4.3.2. Construct and position ballast areas of fluorescent light fixtures to allow adequate ventilation of heat away from the case interior.

A4.4. Exhibit Maintenance. Establish standards, schedules, and procedures for cleaning and maintaining exhibits that best preserve the historical property on display.

A4.4.1. Dust exhibit furniture and freestanding objects as needed to maintain a clean, professional appearance.

A4.4.2. Examine artifacts within cases on a regular basis "through the glass" for deterioration. Heritage activities will examine questionable activity "behind the glass" if required. (T-2)

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A4.4.3. Open exhibit cases on a scheduled basis. Dust cases and clean interior glass with housekeeping products and methods that do not harm artifacts. Consult NMUSAF Conservator for a list of acceptable products.

A4.4.4. Heritage activities will remove deteriorating artifacts from display and contact the NMUSAF Conservator for corrective actions. (T-2)

A4.4.5. Heritage activities will periodically inspect exhibit panels, cases, photographs, transparencies, signs and labels for any damage, wear, and fading. Repair or replace them as needed. (T-3)

A4.4.6. Heritage activities will maintain exhibits with working parts (such as interactive computer displays, touch screens or other mechanical devices) in good working condition.

(T-3)

A4.5. Exhibit Documentation. Establish a project file for each exhibit, regardless of size.

When complete, the file becomes historical reference material. Project files may include:

A4.5.1. The final exhibit script.

A4.5.2. A list of property currently displayed in the exhibit including accession or accountability numbers. Update as objects are added, changed, or removed from the exhibit.

A4.5.3. Photocopies with notes on reproduction specifications for any photographs displayed.

A4.5.4. Relevant correspondence associated with the exhibit.

A4.5.5. The preliminary design package, which may include:

A4.5.5.1. Drawing(s) of plan and elevations.

A4.5.5.2. Any renderings.

A4.5.5.3. Color scheme used.

A4.5.5.4. Graphics.

A4.5.5.5. Photographs of study models.

A4.5.6. Construction documents, which may include:

A4.5.6.1. Construction drawings and/or details.

A4.5.6.2. Dimensions and materials callouts.

A4.5.6.3. Finish treatments.

A4.5.6.4. Materials and parts list.

A4.5.6.5. Security hardware and alarm system, if required.

A4.5.6.6. Dimensions and cross-referenced notes on placement of graphics, copy, and artifacts.

A4.5.7. Materials manufacturer and sales source list, and if possible, as-built drawings and/or photographs of the finished exhibit.

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A4.5.8. Photographic prints or digital photographs on disc, documenting finished exhibit in detail for security and record-keeping purposes.