Preserving the Collection: Disaster Planning, Response & Recovery

  We've definitely shared the Pocket Response Plan (PReP) in the past, but it (and other sources like it, such as the Emergency Response & Salvage Wheel) is such a good resource it's worth sharing again. It's a single front-and-back sheet of paper that can be folded to fit in a pocket or a wallet. On one side is a list of numbers for your institution, first responders, suppliers, and other agencies; on the other are short, step by step instructions on what to do in the first 24-72 hours of a disaster. It doesn't replace a disaster plan, but condenses and complements it in a manageable way so that response teams can all have an easily accessible copy of the plan. PReP: https://www.statearchivists.org/research-resources/emergency-preparedness/pocket-responce-templates Emergency Response & Salvage Wheel: https://store.culturalheritage.org/site/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=FAIC-1

  "What's That White Stuff?" is a fantastic website developed by the Alaska State Museum to help answer a frequently asked question. A glossary, index of materials with pictures, and blog posts can help you identify the type and cause of mold on an artifact and help you discuss the issue with a conservator. https://alaskawhitestuffid.wordpress.com/

  Establishing a good relationship with your local police and fire stations and other first responders is a necessary part of an emergency plan. Making sure that everyone involved in an emergency understand what each group sees as a priority can help everything go as smoothly as it can. This process is so important, COSTEP MA developed a 5-part training course dual-taught by instructors from the cultural heritage and firefighting communities--all training materials are available for free here: https://guides.mblc.state.ma.us/c.php?g=894167&p=6430119 . One of the handouts provides a great starting point for sharing information with your local first responders: https://guides.mblc.state.ma.us/ld.php?content_id=45839754 .

  How is cultural heritage protected during times of crisis, and how - and when - does cultural heritage come into play during recovery? This Smithsonian Magazine Q&A with the founder of the US Committee of the Blue Shield briefly answers these questions ( https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/qa-how-to-save-the-arts-in-times-of-war-5506188/ ), while the ICCROM publication Cultural Heritage in Postwar Recovery ( https://www.iccrom.org/sites/default/files/publications/2019-11/iccrom_ics06_culturalheritagepostwar_en_0_0.pdf ) uses case studies to go into great detail on the topic.

The people of Ukraine are in a situation many of us can't imagine. The statement the AIC Board of Directors issued on Friday in support of Ukrainian communities and the preservation of Ukrainian cultural heritage states it well:  "As the military conflict in Ukraine continues, our primary concern is the protection of human life. Our thoughts are with Ukraine’s citizens and with our descendant community colleagues here in the United States and around the world.  As an organization devoted to the preservation of cultural heritage, we also recognize that this conflict poses a serious threat to Ukraine’s cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible. Damage and destruction of Ukraine’s heritage would constitute damage for the world, and we believe strongly in humanity's shared responsibility to preserve this heritage for the future. We call on all combatants to protect our shared cultural resources, and we stand with our colleagues in their efforts to safeguard Ukrainian cul...