Flooding in Eastern Kentucky
Thanks to support from the National Endowment for the Humanities and donations from individuals, FAIC deployed a team of three National Heritage Responders (NHR) volunteers to Whitesburg, Kentucky, from November 7-11, 20022, to assist institutions impacted by flooding in late July. Luca Ackerman, Siri Linz, and Steve Pine worked with staff from Appalshop, a site that documents and revitalizes the traditions and creativity of Appalachia, to help salvage thousands of quarter-inch open reel tapes in their collection. The volunteer responders also trained Appalshop staff in cleaning the reels and helped them organize damaged materials and consider various storage options for collections.
FAIC staff members have remained in close contact with the Kentucky Arts Council to understand the needs on the ground. FAIC has also sent several shipments of personal protective equipment and recovery supplies, including HEPA vacuums, to several institutions in Eastern Kentucky. Two additional deployments to the region are planned for spring 2023.
To assist FAIC in these recovery efforts, donate at https://www.culturalheritage.org/donate.
For Help After a Disaster
Museums, libraries, archives, and other collecting institutions: Call NHR responders 24/7 at 202.661.8068 for free advice.
Individuals whose personal items have been damaged in an emergency or institutions with non-emergencies may contact NHR at
emergencies@culturalheritage.org.