Managing Emergency Salvage of Heritage Collections

Dates

June 17 to 20, 2024

Location

Canadian Conservation Institute
1030 Innes Road
Ottawa, Ontario  K1B 4S7

Delivery

In-person training

Application deadline

March 11, 2024

Participant selection

Applicants will be notified by April 1, 2024, of whether they have been accepted for the workshop. A waiting list will be established once the maximum number of participants has been reached.

Language of instruction

The course will be delivered in English, but some documents will be made available in French. Facilitators are bilingual and will be available to answer questions in both languages.

Registration fees

CAN$750 (plus applicable taxes) per participant*

*Includes the training material, refreshments and lunches on all days.

Number of participants

A maximum of 20 participants will be selected.

Instructors

• Irene Karsten, Senior Preventive Conservation Advisor, Preventive Conservation Division, Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI)
• Marianne Breault, Preventive Conservation Advisor, Preventive Conservation Division, CCI

Who should apply?

This workshop may be for you if

• you are responsible for managing the salvage of a heritage collection in the event of an emergency and
• you are a conservator or collections manager with a good understanding of materials commonly found in collections.

Workshop overview

Safeguarding collections during a crisis can be a difficult task. You may need to make quick decisions regarding collections salvage while under pressure and with limited information or access to resources. This intensive workshop will allow you to explore and practise emergency response decision making with the goal of minimizing the loss of heritage value in a collection. Activities will cover all stages of collections salvage, including re-entry, initial damage assessment, salvage planning, documentation, as well as salvage cleaning and drying. The skills and resources you take away will prepare you to take responsibility for collections salvage in the event of an emergency.

Learning objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will know how to

• set up a salvage operation,
• work safely in collections salvage sites,
• assess and document risks to heritage value in a collection in an emergency context,
• track collections during emergency salvage,
• choose appropriate response actions that minimize further loss of heritage value and
• implement salvage operations with an emphasis on stabilizing wet collections.

What to expect

This intensive workshop will consist of four days of highly practical, interactive sessions that include scenario exercises and hands-on activities. Through discussion and practice, participants will learn about salvage techniques, building on their existing knowledge of collection materials and experience with collection care. The workshop will culminate in a one-day mock salvage exercise.

How to apply

Please submit the completed application form by March 11, 2024.

Selection criteria

If the number of applicants exceeds the maximum number of participants allowed, selection will be made based on the following criteria:

• likelihood that the participant will be responsible for managing the salvage of heritage collections in the future
• knowledge of collection objects, their materials and conservation
• ability to share the knowledge gained during the workshop with colleagues or a wider audience
• professional experience in collection care and emergency planning or response

Preference will be given to those living and working in Canada.

Payment

Once your registration has been confirmed, you will be contacted by phone to process the payment, which is due no later than April 30, 2024. The payment will be processed in Canadian funds by credit card (MasterCard or VISA).

Canadian federal government employees must provide IS Reference Codes or a commitment number, department code and cost centre.

Refunds

Requests to withdraw must be submitted in writing to CCI. Refunds will be issued under the following conditions:

• a full refund less a CAN$25 administrative fee for requests received at least 21 days prior to the start of the workshop
• a full refund less a CAN$50 administrative fee for requests received between 20 and 7 days prior to the start of the workshop
• no refund for requests received less than 7 days prior to the start of the workshop

CCI may make exceptions to this refund policy in the event of insurmountable difficulties in attending the workshop.

Cancellation

CCI reserves the right to cancel this workshop if the minimum enrolment requirement is not met 30 days prior to the event. In such cases, CCI will refund the full registration fee but will not be responsible for any transportation, housing, loss of income or other costs that may have been incurred by the participants.

Additional information

Please contact CCI if you have any questions, comments or accommodation needs.