The Challenge

After 15 years, the existing interpretation of the Taft’s permanent collection—wall texts, object labels, and photographs—no longer reflects current research. Moreover, we want to engage our visitors, who have diverse interests and ways of learning, with new and stimulating information. Experiences will highlight the history of the Taft family, the house and its design, and its collections of fine and decorative arts. In addition, the Dater Education Space on the lower level of the historic house requires enhancements to continue to meet the educational needs of our growing program.

The Solution

A complete reinterpretation of the art collections and historic house will feature the latest scholarship and dynamic experiences to excite visitors of all ages and backgrounds. In addition to lively new texts, brochures, and materials for families, an interactive digital component that integrates low-touch technology will enrich the way people relate to the permanent collection and historic house. The Dater Education Room will receive enhancements including more flexible furniture, better electrical infrastructure to use with art-making tools, and proper storage facilities for art supplies.

Expected Cost: $550,000

The Challenge

A 2018 heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) audit confirmed that the current air handling system is unable to maintain precise temperature and humidity levels in our galleries. In part, this is because the building’s exterior provides little support to our current heating and air conditioning systems. As a result, our heating and cooling systems work harder and require more frequent repairs to achieve accepted museum environmental standards for the permanent collection and works on loan to us. This shortcoming further burdens us with costly and labor-intensive workarounds for special exhibitions and loaned works.

The Solution

Modify the building exterior to ensure that the appropriate HVAC systems can meet the climatic needs of the historic house and the artwork it contains. Updated HVAC technology and a higher-functioning HVAC system will properly marry the 1820 house and the 2004 addition so that both achieve museum environmental standards.

Expected Cost: $4,275,000

Did You Know? Museums follow stringent best practices to maintain the temperature at 70 degrees (plus or minus two degrees) while maintaining humidity at a level of 50 percent (plus or minus five percent) to protect the artwork from environmental damage.

The Challenge

To ensure the safety of our visitors, staff, and collection, we must achieve industry best practices in security preparedness.

The Solution

Advances in security technology are now more financially attainable for museums of our size. Additional security efforts, including exterior lights and an upgraded fire suppression system, are planned.

Expected Cost: $1,750,000

Did You Know? Approximately 80 to 90 percent of the wooden siding on the historic house is original.