Vermont Historical Society seeks $566,724 Munter's HVAC replacement and reports progress on flood repairs

Stephen Perkins, executive director of the Vermont Historical Society, told the House Corrections & Institutions Committee that a specialized climate-control unit (a Munter’s unit) serving the archives vault is at end-of-life and the society seeks replacement through the capital bill.

“We updated the estimate and it still holds: $566,724,” Perkins said, adding that lead time is roughly 20–25 weeks and that some units are already in-country and can be reserved. Perkins told the committee the estimate did not include potential tariffs.

Perkins also described work on water mitigation after flooding in 2023–24. Contractors mobilized in November to trench around the foundation, clean and replace clogged footing drains, install a secondary French drain with flowable fill, and repair roof and masonry damage. Perkins said workers have been able to remotely clean part of the drainage system and that the most critical masonry work on the front facade is expected to finish within weeks; the project remains on budget.

Why it matters: The Vermont Historical Society houses unique and actively used archival collections — including early films and Coolidge family papers — that require stable temperature and humidity control for preservation and researcher access. Perkins said the vault supports researcher access and loaning of artifacts to museums and educational institutions.

Next steps: Perkins invited committee members to visit the History Center and said the society will proceed with procurement and scheduling given the estimated lead times for the Munter’s unit.