If you have ever been to the museum you might remember that the gallery was fairly dark. There is a reason for that but we have heard several patrons mention the lighting being too dark over the year. Lighting is one of the most critical elements in the museum environment. Proper lighting not only protects valuable artifacts but also plays a major role in providing a positive visitor experience and as our exhibits grew our lighting fell behind even when adding more fixtures.
We have been listening and decided it was time to do something about it. The historical society was approved for a lighting evaluation and redesign grant through the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grant in 2018. After his initial findings, he was able to put together a design project to replace and hang a completely new lighting system within the gallery of the museum and exhibit cases. Also, to change out and retrofit current fluorescent bulbs throughout the rest of the museum’s space.
His Recommendations: “There are three guidelines to follow in museum lighting, to improve the exhibit lighting at your museum.
- Objects should only be illuminated when visitors are present.
- Use only as much light as needed for good visibility.
- Filter out the ultra-violet and infrared rays.
When followed, these guidelines not only prevent unnecessary damage to museum articles, they also save energy.”
As we move forward we compiling a grant application to continue this project. If approved we will be receiving funds to start the new year, 2020. This is will be a big project but will be so worth it in the end!
One thing we are looking for is bid proposals from licensed electricians so we can get figures our grant budget. If you are an electrician or know someone who is sure to read the information below regarding the bid.
ROSEAU COUNTY MUSEUM
121 Center Street East, Suite 101
Roseau, MN 56751
REQUEST FOR BID
For LIGHTING RESTRUCTURE PROJECT
ISSUE DATE: Monday, June 10, 2019
DUE DATE and TIME: Monday, July 8, 2019, at 5:00 PM
BID SUBMITTAL: Roseau County Museum, 121 Center St. E. #101, Roseau, MN 56751 Attn: Britt
Submitted bids will be reviewed, the winning Bidder will be contacted
The Roseau County Museum is in search of a licensed electrician for lighting restructure project within the museum. The job would consist of:
- Install occupancy sensors and dimmers to control the exhibit track lighting. These controls will limit both the intensity and duration of light exposure on your collection objects as well as reducing your energy costs.
- Replace obsolete fluorescent and quartz/halogen lighting fixtures with new energy efficient LED fixtures. Linear fixtures will provide ambient light in both the gallery and research area and track lighting will accent focal points of the exhibits. The fixtures should have a color temperature of 3000 Kelvin, a color rendering index above 90, and should dimmable to provide between 5 and 30 footcandles of light. This range will provide adequate light levels for the wide range and viewing requirements of your visitors.
- Install retrofit LED tubes in existing fluorescent fixtures in the collection storage area. The look of the light fixture isn’t important and the retrofit tube is the most cost-effective option.
- Add additional electrical outlets throughout certain locations in the museum.
The Roseau County Museum hired a consultant for a lighting redesign being lighting is one of the most critical elements in the museum environment. Proper lighting not only protects valuable artifacts but also plays a major role in providing a positive visitor experience. The designer’s report and specifications can be obtained at the museum, via email, or www.roseaucohistoricalsociety.org
PHYSICAL INSPECTION: All Bidders for this project are expected to visit the site and examine the needs of the museum. Tours of our facility can be scheduled by contacting Britt at the museum.
TIME: This project will be scheduled for 2020 if grant money is secured in December 2019. However, time is of the essence when working in the gallery. The Bidder must state an estimated number of calendar days for completing this phase of the project.
PROJECT MANAGER: Britt Dahl
TELEPHONE: 218-463-1918
EMAIL: rchsroseau@mncable.net