A reminder that registration will close on July 1 for Saving Cultural Heritage from Ruin: Art and Artifact Recovery after a Disaster, being held this October 10-12, 2026 at Historic Eastfield Village in East Nassau, NY.
This three day, hands-on workshop will address the fundamental skills needed to save art, artifacts, and antiques after emergencies and disasters. As disasters become more frequent-from natural disasters such as floods and fires, to man-made disasters such as war, theft, and vandalism-museums, galleries, conservators in private practice, and private collectors must become better prepared to rescue objects of cultural heritage after the worst has occurred. This requires a knowledge of how to work within a disaster setting and adjust methodologies and goals in difficult conditions not generally consistent with museum or institutional settings. The workshop will focus on the response phase of an emergency.
Through a combination of a taught syllabus, group discussion, substantial hands-on sessions, and a bibliography of online resources and take-home worksheets, participants will learn not just the philosophy behind emergency management and disaster response, but practical tips and insight translating theoretical concerns into practical action. The unique opportunity provided by Historic Eastfield Village's physical site will allow attendees to work with authentic artifacts in simulated conditions mimicking those encountered post-disaster such as limited electricity, unpredictable access to running water, and lack of climate control.
Participants should be actively working in any of the cultural heritage fields that involve collections such as historic preservation, museums, libraries and archives, conservation, foundations, art handling, or archaeology. Students and facilities or operations managers are also welcome to apply.
If you have questions, please email us at eastfieldvillage@gmail.com.
Additional information and registration information can be found at: https://www.historiceastfield.org/saving-cultural-heritage
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Lauren Fly
Paintings Conservator + Collections Manager
The Fly Arts Initiative
New York, NY
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