Ask a Conservator Day

Next Ask a Conservator Day:

Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Since 2019, conservators around the world have answered questions about their work on Ask a Conservator Day. 

What is Ask a Conservator Day?

Ask a Conservator Day is a yearly opportunity where conservation professionals hold programs, engage on social media, and take time to share their work with the world.

We hold Ask a Conservator day in November to remember the flooding of Florence on November 4th, 1966, which damaged priceless cultural heritage. However, in response to the catastrophe, incredible efforts were made—and are still being undertaken—to conserve the items impacted by the flood. The disaster sparked many conservation careers as more people became aware of the field and the many aspects of preservation.

Ask a Conservator Day follows in the spirit of that international collaboration and exchange of knowledge. We acknowledge and celebrate the growth of the field inspired by the response to the flood by creating an opportunity for people to engage with conservators.

2026 Theme

Our theme this year is “Past and Present,” which explore our personal histories, our specialties, and our field. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the 60th years since the Florence Flood and celebrate our Oral History Project. Think about your pathway into the field, who made your work possible, and what the future of the field could look like!"

How Can I Get My Questions Answered?

Follow the hashtag #AskAConservator on your social media platform of choice to see a holistic view of what conservation entails—everything from individual conservators working in private practice to multiple conservation departments at large institutions. You can also see if local institutions and private practices are hosting in-person events in your area.

I'm a conservator and want to participate!

Conservators, we need your help creating a representative picture of conservation! Please promote this event to friends, colleagues, and family. This can include sharing information on your social media accounts or holding events—you can participate in any way that feels appropriate. We also encourage museums, historic homes, archives, and so on coordinating with their communications and marketing teams to highlight how conservation is integral to caring for your collections!

This could include:

  • making yourself available to answer questions about conservation on your personal or practice's social media;
  • working with your institution to use their social media handles to engage with their audiences; or
  • answering questions on a livestream from your lab
  • hosting tours, lectures, or conversations at your practice or institutions in person

We've developed some resources to make it easier to participate:

Ask a Conservator Day 2026 Toolkit

Member Restricted

Planning for our next Ask a Conservator Day? Download our handy toolkit!

Download