Registration is now open for Saving Cultural Heritage from Ruin: Art and Artifact Recovery after a Disaster, 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 conservation methodologies and goals in difficult conditions not generally consistent with studio 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.
All participants must have professional or educational experience in conservation, or actively working in allied fields such as historic preservation, museums and archives, art handling, or archaeology. Students are welcome to apply. If you have questions regarding eligibility, please email eastfieldvillage@gmail.com.
Additional information and registration can be found at: https://www.historiceastfield.org/saving-cultural-heritage
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Lauren Fly
Principal Conservator and Collections Manager
The Fly Arts Initiative
New York, NY
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