MAINTAINING HISTORY: MUSEUM FACILITIES MANAGEMENT AT HISTORIC SITES A Thesis submitted to the faculty of San Francisco State University In partial fulfillment of 'Z® I & the requirements for U *T the Degree , w Master of Arts In Museum Studies by Edward Michael Collins San Francisco, California May 2018 Copyright by Edward Michael Collins 2018 CERTIFICATION OF APPROVAL I certify that I have read Maintaining History: Museum Facilities Management at Historic Sites by Edward Michael Collins, and that in my opinion this work meets the criteria for approving a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree Master of Arts in Museum Studies at San Francisco State University. idward Luby, Ph.D. Professor of Museum Studies Julie-Bly DeVere Lecturer of Museum Studies MAINTAINING HISTORY: MUSEUM FACILITIES MANAGEMENT AT HISTORIC SITES Edward Michael Collins San Francisco, California 2018 Facilities management is vital to museums that are associated with historic sites, yet it is often overlooked by the museum community. Maintaining the most important asset of these museums, the site itself, is essential for the continued existence of these historically valuable locations. In this thesis, the role of the Facilities Manager is examined by defining the responsibilities of facilities management and characterizing the status of facilities management at historic sites. A survey of 150 historic sites in the United States was conducted, resulting in a response rate of 31%. After a discussion, a set of conclusions and recommendations are presented. It is concluded that facilities management at museums that are associated with historic sites is a complex responsibility, which is often not performed by dedicated staff, and that professionalizing facilities management requires more attention from the museum community, additional research, and the integration of useful resources. I certify that the Abstract is a correct representation of the content of this thesis. Date ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This thesis could not have been completed without the unwavering support and guidance of Dr. Edward Luby, the wonderful feedback and support from Julie DeVere, as well as the irreplaceable guidance from Dr. Jean DeMouthe. A special thank you to my mother, who’s proofreading skills are second to none, and my good friends Jesus Ramirez and Corrie Thompson who helped keep me on task. Additional thanks go to my colleagues at the San Mateo County Historical Association: Director Mitch Postel, Deputy Director Carmen Blair, Curator Dana Neitzel, and Bookkeeper Susan Smith, who provided inspiration and support. This thesis is dedicated to my wife, Julia Collins, who gave me unconditional love, support, inspiration, and put up with all the late nights and weekends. v TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Tables............................................................................................................................ix List of Figures............................................................................................................................x List of Appendices.................................................................................................................. xii Chapter 1: Maintaining History................................................................................................1 Chapter 2: Historic Site: National, State, and Local Resources ...........................................5 Introduction....................................................................................................................5 Federal Laws..................................................................................................................5 National Register of Historic Places.......................................................................... 7 Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines ............................................... 7 National Park Service ..................................................................................................9 Advisory Council on Historic Preservation...............................................................9 State Resources........................................................................................................ 10 Local Resources......................................................................................................... 10 Conclusion..................................................................................................................12 Chapter 3: Facilities Management Responsibilities ............................................................ 13 Introduction..................................................................................................................13 Operations Overview..................................................................................................13 Integrated Pest Management...................................................................................... 14 Fire................................................................................................................................16 Security........................................................................................................................ 19 Emergency Preparedness........................................................................................... 21 Professionalization......................................................................................................22 Conclusion...................................................................................................................24 Chapter 4: Historic Site Facilities Management Requirements...........................................25 Introduction................................................................................................................. 25 What are Historic Structures/Sites.............................................................................25 Historic Site-Specific Requirements......................................................................... 26 Accessibility............................................................................................................... 29 Conclusion...................................................................................................................32 Chapter 5: Methods..................................................................................................................33 Introduction..................................................................................................................33 Literature Review Description...................................................................................34 Survey Description.....................................................................................................36 Summary......................................................................................................................45 Chapter 6: Survey Results......................................................................................................46 Introduction................................................................................................................. 46 Survey Results............................................................................................................ 47 Demographics............................................................................................................. 48 Operations....................................................................................................................54 Specific Duties............................................................................................................ 60 Documents & Policy...................................................................................................68 Conclusion...................................................................................................................74 Chapter 7: Discussion............................................................................................................. 75 Introduction..................................................................................................................75 vii Demographics of Respondents..................................................................................75 Professional Memberships......................................................................................... 76 Facilities Management Responsibilities................................................................... 77 Policies and Documentation...................................................................................... 78 Accessibility................................................................................................................80 Unfulfilled Facilities Needs............................................................................. 80 Summary......................................................................................................................81 Chapter 8: Conclusions and Recommendations................................................................... 82 Introduction..................................................................................................................82 Conclusions..................................................................................................................82 Recommendations.......................................................................................................87 Final Thoughts...........................................................................................................