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  • 1.  CAP applications open through February 28

    Posted 02-16-2023 02:48 PM

    The Foundation for Advancement in Conservation welcomes applications for the 2023 Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) program through February 28.

    Participating institutions receive funding for a general conservation assessment from a qualified collection and building assessor. The assessment is a study of all the institution's collections, buildings, and building systems, as well as its policies and procedures relating to collections care. The two assessors work collaboratively to provide institutions with prioritized recommendations for improved collections care. Assessments consist of preparatory work, a two-day site visit, a written report, and a one-year follow-up consultation. CAP is often a first step for small institutions that wish to improve the condition of their collections or develop a long-range preservation plan and can serve as a fundraising tool for future collections projects. The CAP program is open to small and medium-sized museums, zoos, aquariums, arboreta, and botanical gardens in the United States. Additional information on the CAP process, eligibility, and applications are available at www.culturalheritage.org/cap. 

    CAP is administered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation under a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).



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    Tiffani Emig
    Programs & Operations Director
    American Institute for Conservation
    Washington DC
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    AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, Baltimore, May 16-19, 2024, click to learn more


  • 2.  RE: CAP applications open through February 28

    Posted 02-17-2023 08:30 AM

    Hi Folks!

    Our museum just participated in a CAP visit in August 2022.  Our board and volunteers have committed to the assessment results with PASSION.  We just completed an (entirely volunteer) installation of donated condensed shelving and reorganized our workspace to accommodate a new grant-funded scanner to support digitization and reformatting efforts.  We've applied for grants (using our CAP results!) for new preservation materials and training for our lead collections volunteer and me.

    My museum has 1 staffer (me).  I had assistance from one board member and one volunteer to write the grant and prepare for our visit commitment from our Board and volunteers, evidenced now by the outcomes still being realized from our visit.  We are learning and growing in ways I did not think possible in such a short time.  

    If you are on the fence about CAP, I highly encourage you to apply if you believe your organization is ready for great change!

    Emily Thabes

    Beltrami County Historical Society



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    Emily Thabes
    Executive Director
    Beltrami County Historical Society Museum
    Bemidji MN
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    AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, Baltimore, May 16-19, 2024, click to learn more