The stories making headlines in the past few weeks about museums, historic places, archives, libraries, artificial intelligence, federal policy and cultural institutions are all asking the same questions:
Who decides what is preserved?
How do we balance change with thoughtful stewardship?
What do we owe future generations?
These are fundamentally questions of conservation.
As you may remember, AIC recently joined the American Alliance of Museums and numerous partner organizations in submitting comments on proposed revisions to the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Uniform Guidance because of their potential impact on peer review, professional expertise, and the federal programs that help preserve our nation’s cultural heritage. Hundreds of thousands of comments were submitted and we’re thrilled that so many organizations and individuals expressed their concerns about these changes. Revisions from these comments will be published by October 1 and we will be monitoring this situation closely.
We are also closely following developments related to Section 106 review. For decades, this process has helped ensure that the potential effects of federal actions on historic places are considered through professional review, public participation, and consultation with Tribal Nations. A comment period has not yet opened for the proposed changes–we will update you when it does! In the meantime, learn more about the situation with our colleagues at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. We also strongly encourage you to reach out to any state and federal representatives to let them know about the importance of Section 106 review.
These opportunities to participate in our government matter. They allow communities to contribute their knowledge, help identify places of cultural significance, and strengthen stewardship before irreversible decisions are made.
Recent conversations surrounding museums and the Smithsonian likewise remind us that stewardship is about more than collections. It is about public trust. It is about preserving the independence of professional expertise and ensuring that the many histories, cultures and communities that shape our nation continue to be studied, interpreted, and shared with integrity. As Congressional hearings have been making the news, you can voice your support for the independence of cultural institutions. If you have representation in Congress, we encourage you to reach out to them to voice your support for the work of your colleagues at the Smithsonian and raise concerns about the dangerous precedent set by presidential priorities influencing our museums, libraries, and archives.
For those of us in this profession, this is more than a news cycle. It is a conservation moment.
It is an opportunity not simply to respond to current events, but to help more people discover what conservation is, understand the extraordinary value of the professionals who practice it, and recognize that caring for our shared cultural heritage is a responsibility that we all share.
We’re so appreciative of colleagues across AIC sharing concerns, opportunities for advocacy, resources, and information. The conversations in the AIC Member Community have been thoughtful and engaging. With our diverse areas of expertise and personal experience, you have essential perspectives that need to be heard. We will continue to seek and share opportunities for you to engage in individual advocacy and for AIC to use its voice as an organization.
Thank you for your dedication to the field and showing up for conservation through advocacy!
If you would like to share your thoughts on advocacy or share information with our staff team, please reach out at advocacy@culturalheritage.org.
#advocacy