A post-occupancy evaluation of the DeSoto Visitor Center from an artifact conservation perspective

Abstract

The steamboat Bertrand loaded with supplies for Montana territory settlers, sank in the Missouri River in 1865. The DeSoto Visitor Center was designed in part to provide for the ongoing conservation, storage, display, and housing of the Bertrand artifacts. The objectives of this research are to determine, through observation, interviews, a search of professional and refereed literature, and historical records at the DeSoto Visitor Center, conservation standards at the time of its construction and the incorporation of these standards in its design and construction, identify structural changes in the DeSoto Visitor Center and their affect on the conservation of the Bertrand artifacts, and through observation of textile artifacts, research of their condition history using historical records, and interviews with present staff and individuals involved in the excavation and conservation of textile artifacts, determine their present condition.