security in unstaffed historical buildings

[Lisa Worley]

Good morning all -

We have a number of historical buildings containing collections materials across our large estate. Typically, we have a tour/visitor associate assigned in each building while we are open to visitors. However, our CEO has asked us to consider opening the buildings without staff present.

We do not have security cameras. The only significant barriers between visitors and the collections objects (furniture and dec arts) are plexi panels or ropes/stanchions. The panels are moveable, so staff can access collections beyond. Previously, in one of the buildings when we did not have staff stationed, a visitor actually moved the barrier blocking entry to an unused bathroom and USE the toilet. In another, visitors consistently move the rope (with signage) blocking a staircase and descend into the basement, which is off limits. 

I don't want to borrow trouble and say there's no way to open buildings without staff. I'd be interested to hear how others deal with this situation. 

Thank you in advance,

Lisa

Lisa Worley, 
Director of Material Culture

Ford House

[Joni Blackman]

Hi Lisa,

My concern is if you rely on cameras, you still can't save the artifacts and prevent damage because it will be done by the time you look at the footage, unless you have someone on the camera feed all the time.

Could one person manage more than one building? with a live video feed?

Volunteers could help.  I'm sure you have thought of that.

Your first responsibility is to the artifacts you hold in trust for your community.  Lock the buildings if you can't protect them.

If it's a funding issue, the board needs to step up.

Just my 2 cents.

Joni Blackman

Executive Director

Fenton History Center

716-664-6256

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[Diane Ramadan]

Hi Lisa,

 

I agree with Joni. We had paid staff who were supposed to watch guests and answer questions when they were in the house. They couldn’t always keep track of the guests. We found McDonalds happy meal stickers on the furniture, stanchions moved so they could use the bathroom, small artifacts missing and furniture broken from guests sitting on it despite signage that said “artifact, do not use”.  One of the final straws was when an influencer came wearing a very large overcoat. The guides were not watching her when she went into the house. The following week we were tagged on her Instagram account. She was wearing very revealing Victorian underwear and posing on our furniture. Two years ago, we switched to guided tours several times a day and have not had any issues since.

 

We do have security cameras; however, they do not always deter people from doing something they shouldn’t. By the time you discover the problem it is too late.

 

My vote is to protect your artifacts and keep the buildings staffed or only accessible during a guided tour.

 

Best regards,

 

Diane Ramadan

Executive Director

Leonis Adobe Museum

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[Joni Blackman]

I agree Diane.  Guided tours are a great idea.

Joni Blackman

Executive Director

Fenton History Center

716-664-6256