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About Us
The American Institute for Conservation and the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation work together to promote the preservation and protection of cultural heritage. Partner with us to further that mission.

Association

The American Institute for Conservation (AIC) is the leading membership association for current and aspiring conservators and allied professionals who preserve cultural heritage.

We represent more than 3,500 individuals in more than forty countries around the world working in the domains of science, art, and history through treatment, research, collections care, education, and more. All of them have the same goal: preserve our cultural heritage so we can learn from it today and appreciate it in the future.

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Mission

We are the national membership organization supporting conservation professionals in preserving cultural heritage by establishing and upholding professional standards, promoting research and publications, providing educational opportunities, and fostering the exchange of knowledge among conservators, allied professionals, and the public.

Vision

We envision a world in which the preservation of cultural material is appreciated and supported, thereby encouraging knowledge and understanding of our cultural heritage.

Values

 

Honoring Cultural Heritage

AIC promotes the preservation of cultural heritage as a means toward a deeper understanding of our shared humanity.
 

Advocacy

In collaboration with its affiliate FAIC, AIC is the voice for cultural heritage preservation. AIC advocates for responsible public policy founded on the enduring evidence of human creation.
 

Professionalism

AIC supports the attainment of the knowledge and skills necessary to provide responsible conservation services while abiding by the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
 

Education and Lifelong Learning

AIC encourages informed decision-making in conservation through an understanding of the values and contexts of our cultural heritage. We are dedicated to supporting research, sharing knowledge, and fostering life-long learning to advance the fields of preservation and conservation.
 

Service to Members

AIC welcomes any individual, organization, or institution to become a member.  We encourage education and networking for professionals, allied professionals, and individuals interested in supporting conservation. We provide and develop services that are responsive to the professional needs of our members.
 

Equity and Inclusion

AIC is committed to the premise that the preservation of cultural heritage is inseparable from our belief that the creations and histories of all peoples must be acknowledged and honored. Through our support of all conservation and heritage professionals, we actively strive to create an inclusive and equitable environment in which all members of our community are valued and respected.
 

Governance

AIC practices the strategic management of our organization, reflecting our responsibilities to our membership, allied professions, partners, the public, and our cultural heritage preservation mission.