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Film Storage

Northeast Historic Film offers rental space in the Conservation Center for long-term preservation storage of motion picture film, videotape, and still photographic materials.

Climate Control

Completed in 2003, the Conservation Center ("Cube") contains three temperature- and humidity-controlled floors, a conditioning room, and a technical services area for archival treatment. Two floors offer storage for film and video materials at 45 degrees Fahrenheit and 25% Relative Humidity. A third floor provides frozen storage at 25 degrees Fahrenheit and 30% relative humidity. Conditions are regularly monitored using the Image Permanence Institute’s Preservation Environment Monitors (PEM):

Films suffering from advanced Vinegar Syndrome can be stored in frozen condition, halting any further deterioration under these conditions.

Northeast Historic Film also offers a variety of archival services to our storage clients. Call to discuss inspection, repair, scanning images, cataloging content, or designing a preservation plan. Estimates will be provided at no cost and with no obligation. Visit the Technical Services page for additional information.

Air Exchange

Air intake is continuously filtered, preventing a buildup of acetic acid and other gases given off by collection materials and to prevent particulate matter and pollutants from entering the vault from the outside. Filtering technology includes charcoal filters and HEPA filters.

 

 

Fire Suppression

The vaults are equipped with an Inergen fire suppression system that is fast, effective, and not harmful to the environment. It is not water-based and will not damage collections if discharged.

 

 

 

Flood Protection

The building is located outside the 100-year old floodplain and has been designed and constructed to withstand any conceivable flooding and water problems. Water and vapor barriers are installed under the floors and walls, and drainage pipes do not run near collection storage areas.

 

 

 

Security

Access to the vault is restricted to selected NHF staff members. Doors are equipped with security alarms and are locked at all times. Vault security is enhanced by its location in a quiet, rural area.

 

 

 

Database


All materials stored in the Conservation Center are tracked using a specially-created Filemaker database (see image right).

 

 

The Conservation Center is located at Northeast Historic Film in Bucksport, Maine, 30 minutes from Bangor International Airport and two hours up the coast from Portland.

 

 

Preservation Storage Rates


Rates for climate-controlled storage of in Northeast Historic Film's Conservation Center are based on volume. The number of cubic feet may be reduced by efficient rehousing. Below are the standard Conservation Center rates:

45° Storage Rates

1-3 cubic feet minimum charge of $15.00 per month
4-9 cubic feet $4.00 per cubic foot per month
10-24 cubic feet $3.50 per cubic foot per month
25-49 cubic feet $3.00 per cubic foot per month
50-99 cubic feet $2.50 per cubic foot per month
100-249 cubic feet $2.00 per cubic foot per month
250-499 cubic feet $1.75 per cubic foot per month

Frozen Storage Rates

1-3 cubic feet minimum charge of $30.00 per month
4-9 cubic feet $8.00 per cubic foot per month
10-24 cubic feet $7 per cubic foot per month
25-49 cubic feet $6.00 per cubic foot per month
50-99 cubic feet $5 per cubic foot per month
100-249 cubic feet $4.00 per cubic foot per month
250-499 cubic feet $3.50 per cubic foot per month

Nonprofit organizations are eligible for a 15% discount on rental fees.

 

Contact Information 

Robert Nanovic
Collections Manager
email

David S. Weiss
Executive Director
email

Northeast Historic Film

PO Box 900
85 Main Street
Bucksport, ME  04416

Toll-Free: 800-639-1636
Phone: 207-469-0924
Fax: 207-469-7875