University of Wyoming Archaeological Repository

Scope of Work

Report

Berggren Architects completed an assessment for the museum.

Location

Laramie, WY

History

The University of Wyoming Anthropology was built in 1983.

Completion

The project was completed in 2018.

The Challenge

In 2018, Berggren Architects and collections assessor Beverly Perkins were asked to complete a report for the University of Wyoming Archaeological Repository.

The repository was originally created in the 1970s and remains as the only federally approved archaeological repository in Wyoming. A recent inventory of the data at the repository identified over 4.5 million artifacts, field notes, photographs, digital media articles, maps, and federal and state forms and permits from over 14,000 sites.

The repository’s collections and research are used every year by hundreds of thousands of researchers, students, and public members from around the world.

Much of the shelving had been covered with plastic to protect artifacts from potential water leakage from pipes overhead.

Photo by conservator Beverly Perkins

These rolls of paper were sitting unprotected directly under piping.

Photo by conservator Beverly Perkins.

A complicated system of catch basins, drainage trays, and piping existed to direct condensation from the dehumidifiers away from the artifacts.

Collections manager Marieka Arksey and conservator Beverley Perkins look over samples of the museum’s collection.

Workspace for the museum staff.

Many of the storage boxes were not archival or strong enough to ensure the safety of the collection.

Photo by Beverly Perkins

The Strategy

The repository’s archival storage comprises mainly two large areas in the lower level of the University of Wyoming Anthropology Building. Though there were issues with storage space throughout, we found the most issues in the southern area.

In making our recommendations, we considered the presence of large-volume spaces with little air circulation, reducing the efficacy of dehumidifiers. The current dehumidification system required elaborate piping, drainage trays, and catch basins to manage the condensation.

Additionally, much of the shelving has been draped with plastic sheets out of concern for potential leaks from overhead water piping.

The Results

After extensive investigation, Berggren Architects and the assessment team concluded that serious moisture intrusion warranted consideration of the design of a new structure specifically for archival storage.

With that as an ideal goal, our team also made recommendations for improving the current facility.

We recommended dividing the south section of the basement into three areas: the first, with the least overhead piping, for the most delicate artifacts; the second, adjacent to the utility tunnel, for janitorial supplies; and the third for less-delicate artifact storage. A suspended ceiling would also reduce the volume of air to be conditioned, improving dehumidification.

The repository is located in the University of Wyoming Anthropology building.

The museum owns many fossil artifacts, including this display of bison skulls.

The building holds important anthropological and archaeological offices alongside the repository.

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