Conservation Center - for Art and Historic Artifacts

CONSERVATION CENTER FOR ART AND HISTORIC ARTIFACTS SURVEY PROGRAM

CCAHA offers a variety of consultation services. One of its most widely used services is its survey program, initiated to assist institutions with both short-term and long-range preservation planning. By targeting specific needs, surveys also provide institutions with a valuable tool for strategic planning and grant applications. A typical survey includes one or more days of on-site consultation, followed by the submission of a comprehensive written report and relevant supplementary information.

Philadelphia Stewardship Program

The Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts is now accepting applications for its Philadelphia Stewardship Program. This program, which expands upon CCAHA’s original Stewardship Program, is comprised of four tracks that are designed to aid non-profit institutions in caring for their collections. CCAHA is currently seeing applicants for Tracks I, II, and III of the Stewardship Program.

NEW DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: MARCH 12, 2010

Track I: Preservation Needs Assessment

Institutions selected to participate in Track I of the program will receive a free preservation needs assessment. The needs assessment process encompasses a general evaluation of the institution’s preservation needs for the collection and is the first step in developing a preservation plan for collections. In addition to pinpointing areas of concern and recommendations for improvement, the assessment is widely recognized as a valuable tool in fundraising for collections care. Track I is the recommended starting point for any institution without a preservation needs assessment or for institutions with out of date assessments.

The application form can be downloaded at right.

Track II: Preservation Planning

Preservation planning is essential for any institution wishing to systematically forward its collections care goals. Those institutions selected to participate in Track II will work with CCAHA staff to develop a long-range (3-5 year) preservation plan that creates a course of action to help guide the institution to meet preservation goals and priorities in a logical, efficient, and effective manner. Once the preservation plans are completed and board approved, the institution will have the opportunity to apply for a $2,500 matching grant to pursue a project identified as a priority in its preservation plan. To be considered for Track II institutions must have completed a preservation needs assessment.

The application form can be downloaded at right.

Track III: Vulnerability Assessment and Emergency Planning

Being prepared and identifying the potential threats to one’s institution are the best ways of mitigating risks to cultural collections. Track III was developed to aid institutions in starting the emergency preparedness and planning process. Organizations selected to participate in Track III will work with a CCAHA consultant to prepare a vulnerability assessment. The vulnerability assessment will identify natural or man-made emergencies that may threaten the collections and outlines strategies for mitigation. Upon receiving the assessment institutions will be required to complete an emergency response plan. CCAHA staff will be available as a resource and to review the completed plan. Once the emergency plan has been completed and board approved, the institution will have the opportunity to apply for a $1,000 grant to purchase emergency supplies or train staff in emergency preparedness. Track III is recommended for any institution that does not have an emergency plan or for institutions with out of date plans.

The application form can be downloaded at right.

Other Philadelphia Stewardship Program Benefits: During participation in the program, institutions participating in each of the program tracks will receive reduced registration for CCAHA educational programs in the Collection Care Training Series. Participating institutions will also have access to CCAHA’s Preservation Services staff for preservation and collections assistance via phone and email.

Criteria for Participation: To be considered for participation in CCAHA’s Stewardship Program, an organization must be located within the counties of Bucks, Camden, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia and have a historic collection available to the public. Each track of the program requires a 12-month commitment. A staff member must be identified who will work with the CCAHA consultant. Preference will be given to institutions that have collections that are unique or of significant historical or artifactual value; that demonstrate a willingness to develop and maintain a preservation program; and that commit to attending professional development opportunities.

Additional Information and Applications: Additional information about each of the tracks in the Philadelphia Stewardship Program and application forms can be found on CCAHA’s web site at www.ccaha.org. If you have additional questions or would like to discuss the eligibility of your institution, please contact CCAHA’s Preservation Services staff at 215-545-0613.

Application Deadline: All application materials must be received by Friday, February 12, 2009. Please see the application forms for detailed information on submitting application materials. Completed materials should be mailed to: Preservation Services Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts 264 S. 23rd St. Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-545-0613 pso@ccaha.org www.ccaha.org