In a region where wildfires and high winds pose constant threats, protecting cultural heritage is not just a responsibility—it’s an imperative. The Fire Suppression Extension for Museum Storage project at Pipe Spring National Monument ensures the preservation of over 8,000 irreplaceable artifacts, including oversized objects like wagons, telegraph poles, and weaving looms housed in the park’s covered storage facility.
The current fire suppression system safeguards the indoor curatorial building but leaves the attached outdoor covered storage exposed. This vulnerability could result in catastrophic losses, not just for Pipe Spring but for the shared heritage of Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, who contribute artifacts to this collection. Losing these objects would mean the erasure of stories deeply tied to the region’s history and identity.
The solution involves installing a dry fire suppression system designed to protect these sensitive artifacts without the risk of freezing. As Project Lead Valerie Butterfield notes, “Notre Dame had a state-of-the-art system, except in the attic, and it took the whole cathedral down. The decision to not address this system would have catastrophic consequences for our region's archives.”
This project also creates opportunities to train local firefighters, giving them a deeper understanding of museum storage facilities and how to protect these spaces during emergencies. With a $10,000 grant request from the Zion Forever Project, the work is ready to proceed. The investment will not only shield thousands of cultural artifacts from potential destruction but also demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding our collective past for future generations.
By addressing a critical vulnerability, this project ensures that the stories and legacies contained within these 8,000 artifacts remain intact, reinforcing the importance of protecting history at Pipe Spring National Monument.
