Located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the Pritzker Military Archives Center (PMAC) stands as a premier institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing U.S. military history. Through cutting-edge museum storage systems and archival solutions, PMAC ensures that invaluable military artifacts remain protected for future generations.
As the United States Military approaches its 250th anniversary, its legacy is captured through a vast collection of artifacts, including letters, books, weapons, photographs, and historical documents. These items tell powerful stories of sacrifice, service, and national identity.
The mission of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library (PMML) and PMAC is to advance public understanding of military history, national security, and global affairs. Achieving this requires not only expert archivists but also state-of-the-art archival storage solutions designed to protect sensitive materials from environmental damage and deterioration.
To meet growing demands, PMAC partnered with Spacesaver to implement high-density mobile storage systems tailored for museum collections of all sizes and conditions. These solutions maximize space efficiency while ensuring long-term preservation of rare and fragile artifacts.
Previously located in downtown Chicago, PMML faced significant space limitations. With a rapidly expanding collection—over 40,000 artifacts and 65,000 volumes—traditional static shelving was no longer sufficient.
By transitioning to powered high-density mobile shelving, the institution dramatically increased storage capacity without expanding its physical footprint. This strategic move enabled seamless integration of museum and archive operations under one roof.
Designed by the renowned architecture firm JAHN, the new PMAC facility consolidates museum, archive, and research functions into a single, efficient space. Early collaboration with Spacesaver ensured that custom shelving systems were integrated into the building’s design from the ground up.
The installation of powered mobile shelving systems transformed PMAC’s operations by:
These systems allow staff to safely manage and retrieve artifacts while maintaining strict preservation standards.
Custom cantilever shelving mounted on mobile systems supports thousands of books of varying sizes and conditions. Advanced safety sensors and access controls ensure protection of rare volumes.
Flexible 4-post shelving accommodates a wide range of items—from small documents to large historical objects—allowing efficient organization of over 500 archival collections.
High-capacity art racks provide secure storage for more than 1,000 pieces, including propaganda posters and original artwork. These systems minimize damage and optimize space utilization.
Secure, customized storage solutions ensure safe handling and preservation of military weapons and equipment, with specialized racks and mobile workstations for processing artifacts
To support long-term growth, PMAC incorporated recessed rail systems during construction. This forward-thinking approach allows for easy expansion of mobile shelving without disrupting existing collections or facility operations.
PMAC is investing in advanced digitization technologies, including:
These innovations ensure that historical materials can be preserved digitally and shared worldwide without risking physical damage.
The facility also emphasizes sustainability through:
These features reduce environmental impact while maintaining optimal preservation conditions.
With increasing interest from researchers and donors, PMAC’s high-density storage systems provide a scalable solution for continued expansion. The modular design ensures that the facility can adapt to future needs while maintaining the highest standards of archival preservation.
