Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 1. Job Opening: Postdoctoral Researcher in Cultural Memory & Heritage

 2. Le temps des épreuves : appel à contribution / The age of photographs 
symposium: call for contributions

 3. Head of Paintings Conservation Lab Position

 4. CCAHA Fellowship position 2026-2027

 5. RE: Job announcement: Conservator position at Texas State Library and 
Archives Commission

 6. Sustainability News in Heritage Conservation & Sustainability Committee 
Updates

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.From: Tilly Laaser
 Posted: Monday December 22, 2025  9:32 AM
 Subject: Job Opening: Postdoctoral Researcher in Cultural Memory & Heritage
 Message: 
I am excited to share that we are hiring a Postdoctoral Researcher for our new 
project, "Cultural Memory in Crisis."


This position offers a unique opportunity to explore cultural memory through 
innovative, transdisciplinary approaches, including crisis studies and 
participatory research methods, advancing the field of memory studies. The 
initiative will foster partnerships with cultural institutions and lay the 
foundation for a Centre for the Applied Study of Cultural Memory after DFG 
funding ends in 2030.


Within this framework, the Research Unit I "Cultural Assets and Heritage" will 
investigate the intersection of cultural memory and the crisis effects of 
climate change, focusing on the preservation (and production) of cultural 
heritage. The unit analyzes how environmental and sociopolitical crises impact 
heritage, examining case studies that reveal possibilities and conflicts in 
conservation and reconstruction processes. It critically reflects on historical 
narratives, politics of memory, and social contexts shaped by crises, including 
how conservation can be instrumentalized for political or economic goals.


We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join Research Unit I, ideally with 
a background in conservation and a strong research proposal aligned with our 
focus areas.


The application deadline is January 18, 2026. If you have any questions, please 
feel free to contact [email protected] <[email protected]>. For 
details and application instructions, please visit 
https://karriere.th-koeln.de/job/view/1514/postdoctoral-researcher-m-f-d-in-the-dfg-project-cultural-memory-in-crisis?page_lang=en
 
<https://karriere.th-koeln.de/job/view/1514/postdoctoral-researcher-m-f-d-in-the-dfg-project-cultural-memory-in-crisis?page_lang=en>.


Please feel free to share this announcement with interested candidates in your 
networks.


------------------------------
Tilly Laaser
Professor of Paintings Conservation
Technische Hochschule Köln, Cologne Institute of Conservation Sciences
Köln
Germany
------------------------------


2.From: Marie-Angélique Languille
 Posted: Monday December 22, 2025  9:32 AM
 Subject: Le temps des épreuves : appel à contribution / The age of photographs 
symposium: call for contributions
 Message: English below 
  -------------------------------------- Chres et chers collgues, 
 L'appel  contributions du symposium international  Le temps des preuves. 50 
ans de prservation des photographies  qui se tiendra  Paris du 9 au 11 novembre 
2026, est ouvert jusqu'au 15 janvier 2026 ici :
 https://tempsepreuves.sciencesconf.org/ 
<https://tempsepreuves.sciencesconf.org/>
 
 La soumission consiste en un rsum de 3000 caractres au maximum. Aprs slection, 
un rsum tendu sera demand en amont du symposium.
 Nous construisons actuellement la possibilit d'une publication post-symposium 
avec des articles complets.
 
 Le symposium se tiendra exclusivement en prsentiel. 
  Vous tes personnel d'un muse de France, d'archives municipales ou d'archives 
dpartementales ?  -> Demandez la prise en charge de vos frais d'inscription 
grce au ministre de la Culture, voir ici 
https://tempsepreuves.sciencesconf.org/resource/page/id/4 
<https://tempsepreuves.sciencesconf.org/resource/page/id/4> 
  Ce symposium s'inscrit dans le cadre de la clbration du bicentenaire de la 
photographie organise par le ministre de la Culture.
 
 Nous vous souhaitons une belle fin d'anne.
 Le comit d'organisation, 
 Christine Barthe et Anna Gianotti-Laban (muse du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac), 
Cline Daher (Centre de Recherche sur la Conservation), Agns Gall-Ortlik 
(Dpartement pour la prservation du patrimoine photographique de la Ville de 
Paris), Stphanie Grison (Centre  de Recherche sur la Conservation), 
Marie-Anglique Languille (Centre de Recherche sur la Conservation), Bertrand 
Lavdrine (Centre de Recherche sur la Conservation), Isabelle-Ccile Le Me 
(Ministre de la Culture) et Bertrand Sainte-Marthe (Archives nationales).
 
 
 
 ------------------------
 Dear colleagues,
 
 The call for papers for the international symposium, The Age of Photographs: 
50 Years of Image Preservation, which will be held in Paris the 9th, 10th and 
11th of November 2026, is opened until the 15th of January 2026, here:
 https://tempsepreuves.sciencesconf.org/?&lang=en 
<https://tempsepreuves.sciencesconf.org/?&lang=en>
 
 Submissions consist of a 3,000-characters abstract. Following selection, an 
extended abstract will be requested prior to the symposium.
 We are currently working on the possibility of a post-symposium publication 
featuring full articles.
 
 The symposium will be held exclusively in person. 
  This symposium is part of the events celebrating the bicentenary of the 
invention of photography organised by the French ministry of Culture.
 
 We wish you a pleasant end to the year.
 The organising committee,
 Christine Barthe et Anna Gianotti-Laban (muse du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac), 
Cline Daher (Centre de Recherche sur la Conservation), Agns Gall-Ortlik 
(Dpartement pour la prservation du patrimoine photographique de la Ville de 
Paris), Stphanie Grison (Centre  de Recherche sur la Conservation), 
Marie-Anglique Languille (Centre de Recherche sur la Conservation), Bertrand 
Lavdrine (Centre de Recherche sur la Conservation), Isabelle-Ccile Le Me 
(Ministre de la Culture) et Bertrand Sainte-Marthe (Archives nationales).

3.From: Saira Haqqi
 Posted: Monday December 22, 2025  9:32 AM
 Subject: Head of Paintings Conservation Lab Position
 Message: 
Hello all,


I am sharing this as a courtesy for a friend and colleague, Sondra Reirson, 
Director of Collections at the Nebraska State Historical Society. If anyone has 
questions, I am happy to connect you with her.


--


I'm reaching out to ask for your help sharing a great opportunity at our 
regional art-conservation center in Omaha, Nebraska. We are recruiting for a 
Paintings Conservator, a role that offers the chance to work on a wide variety 
of painting projects across public, private, and institutional collections.  
The position supports the Nebraska State Historical Society's collections, but 
is not limited to Nebraska-related works with clients like the Joslyn Art 
Museum, Sheldon Art Museum and Museum of Nebraska Art. The position is 
supported by an established endowment, providing stable long-term funding, an 
excellent benefits package, and relocation assistance. 


The center offers a collaborative, collegial environment where conservators, 
technicians, and interns work closely together in a multidisciplinary setting. 
Omaha also provides a quality-of-life advantage, with a cost of living below 
the national average and a vibrant arts community. 



We're looking for a conservator with at least five years of post-graduate 
experience. The salary range is $75,000-$90,000. I've included a link to the 
full job description below. 



https://history.nebraska.gov/paintings-conservator/ 
<https://history.nebraska.gov/paintings-conservator/> 




------------------------------
Saira Haqqi (she/they)
Senior Conservator
National Archives and Records Administration
College Park, MD
[email protected]
------------------------------


4.From: Jessica Silverman
 Posted: Monday December 22, 2025  10:10 PM
 Subject: CCAHA Fellowship position 2026-2027
 Message: The Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts (CCAHA), a 
non-profit conservation laboratory located in Philadelphia, PA, is pleased to 
offer a twelve-month post-graduate fellowship in one of our specialties (book, 
paper, or photographic materials) beginning in September 2026. Note that 
fellows will be eligible to apply for a second year of fellowship.

 

The selected fellow will have the opportunity to work with a wide range of 
materials from historic to contemporary, and with a broad range of clients. We 
serve libraries and archives, fine-art collections belonging to museums, 
corporate clients and private collectors, small historical societies, and 
private clients. The fellow will work with experienced conservators and 
technicians in a collaborative environment. Research interests will be 
supported to develop a presentation, publication, or an internally presented 
paper. There may also be opportunities to participate in the lab's on-site 
collection surveys, on-site treatment projects, and educational programs 
through our Preservation Services department.

 

Requirements

The applicant should have a master's degree from a recognized conservation 
training program with an emphasis in book, paper, or photo conservation. In 
addition to a salary of $48,500, the fellowship provides options for medical 
and dental insurance, paid leave, two weeks of research/professional 
development time, and an allowance of $2,500 for research expenses, including 
travel and conference fees. (Note that Philadelphia has a 22%-55% lower cost of 
living compared to our eastern seaboard colleagues.)  Interested applicants 
should prepare a cover letter, resume, three letters of professional reference, 
and three sample treatment reports with before and after treatment 
photodocumentation. Please submit your application and upload these as PDF 
attachments  to  
https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/cd44ca44-539d-4805-b6ce-7ee91c47d202/Conservation-Center-for-Art-Historic-Artifacts
 
<https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/cd44ca44-539d-4805-b6ce-7ee91c47d202/Conservation-Center-for-Art-Historic-Artifacts>
 . Alternatively, a link to your online portfolio saved in a PDF may be 
uploaded via the url above instead of individual attachments.

 

Questions about the fellowship or application process may be directed to 
Jessica Silverman, Director of Conservation, [email protected] . Letters of 
reference may also be emailed directly to Jessica Silverman. Preference will be 
given to applications received by January 20.

 

About CCAHA:

CCAHA was founded in 1977 and has grown to be one of the largest nonprofit 
conservation centers in the country. Its wide array of services, innovative 
approaches, and highly trained and experienced staff have earned it a prominent 
and respected place in the conservation field. We serve nonprofit cultural 
institutions, private individuals, and other collecting organizations in the 
preservation of works on paper, archival documents, photographic materials, and 
books through conservation treatment, collection surveys and consultations, 
housing & framing, and digital imaging services. Our preventive conservation 
and preservation services staff focuses on capacity building for collecting 
institutions through fundraising support, strategic planning and assessment 
projects, emergency planning and response initiatives, and in developing 
educational programs and conferences. CCAHA's mission is to provide expertise 
and leadership in the preservation of the world's cultural heritage.

 

CCAHA does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion 
or creed, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, 
disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of 
its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and 
welcoming environment for all members of our staff and for our clients.

 


------------------------------
Jessica Silverman
Director of Conservation
Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts
Philadelphia PA
(302) 290-1410
[email protected]
------------------------------


5.From: Rebecca Romanchuk
 Posted: Monday December 22, 2025  10:11 PM
 Subject: RE: Job announcement: Conservator position at Texas State Library and 
Archives Commission
 Message: 
Please note that the deadline for applications for this position has been 
extended through January 31, 2026.


The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has an opening for this 
full-time position: Conservator (Curator IV) - $6,250-$7,084 monthly


The conservator manages the daily activities of the well-equipped book and 
paper Summerlee Conservation Lab at TSLAC and performs complex treatments on 
rare and unique archival and library materials in accordance with the AIC code 
of ethics. This position develops and monitors work procedures for the unit, 
establishes priorities, and makes treatment decisions. The conservator is 
called on to assist with outreach and educational programs, preservation 
planning and surveys, emergency response, and environmental control. This 
position may also instruct and monitor interns, students, or volunteers 
assigned to assist with conservation tasks. Learn about the work undertaken in 
our conservation lab at our TSLAC Conservation blog, 
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/conservation/. 
<https://www.tsl.texas.gov/conservation/> 


To review this job posting go to https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs. 
<https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs.>


------------------------------
Rebecca Romanchuk, MLIS
Archives Supervisor
Texas State Library & Archives Commission
Austin TX
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 10-29-2025 12:38
From: Rebecca Romanchuk
Subject:  Job announcement: Conservator position at Texas State Library and 
Archives Commission


Please note that the deadline for applications for this position has been 
extended through November 30, 2025.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has an opening for this 
full-time position: Conservator (Curator IV) - $6,250-$7,084 monthly

The conservator manages the daily activities of the well-equipped book and 
paper Summerlee Conservation Lab at TSLAC and performs complex treatments on 
rare and unique archival and library materials in accordance with the AIC code 
of ethics. This position develops and monitors work procedures for the unit, 
establishes priorities, and makes treatment decisions. The conservator is 
called on to assist with outreach and educational programs, preservation 
planning and surveys, emergency response, and environmental control. This 
position may also instruct and monitor interns, students, or volunteers 
assigned to assist with conservation tasks. Learn about the work undertaken in 
our conservation lab at our TSLAC Conservation blog, 
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/conservation/. 
<https://www.tsl.texas.gov/conservation/> 

To review this job posting go to https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs. 
<https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs.>


------------------------------
Rebecca Romanchuk, MLIS
Archives Supervisor
Texas State Library & Archives Commission
Austin TX
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-15-2025 16:45
From: Rebecca Romanchuk
Subject:  Job announcement: Conservator position at Texas State Library and 
Archives Commission


Please note that this position has been reposted with applications accepted 
through October 31, 2025.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has an opening for this 
full-time position: Conservator (Curator IV) - $6,250-$7,084 monthly

The conservator manages the daily activities of the well-equipped book and 
paper Summerlee Conservation Lab at TSLAC and performs complex treatments on 
rare and unique archival and library materials in accordance with the AIC code 
of ethics. This position develops and monitors work procedures for the unit, 
establishes priorities, and makes treatment decisions. The conservator is 
called on to assist with outreach and educational programs, preservation 
planning and surveys, emergency response, and environmental control. This 
position may also instruct and monitor interns, students, or volunteers 
assigned to assist with conservation tasks. Learn about the work undertaken in 
our conservation lab at our TSLAC Conservation blog, 
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/conservation/. 
<https://www.tsl.texas.gov/conservation/.> 

To review this job posting go to https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs. 
<https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs.>


------------------------------
Rebecca Romanchuk, MLIS
Archives Supervisor
Texas State Library & Archives Commission
Austin TX

Original Message:
Sent: 05-01-2025 09:03
From: Rebecca Romanchuk
Subject:  Job announcement: Conservator position at Texas State Library and 
Archives Commission


Please note that the closing date for this position has been extended to May 
30, 2025.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has an opening for this 
full-time position: Conservator (Curator IV) - $6,250-$7,084 monthly

The conservator manages the daily activities of the well-equipped book and 
paper Summerlee Conservation Lab at TSLAC and performs complex treatments on 
rare and unique archival and library materials in accordance with the AIC code 
of ethics. This position develops and monitors work procedures for the unit, 
establishes priorities, and makes treatment decisions. The conservator is 
called on to assist with outreach and educational programs, preservation 
planning and surveys, emergency response, and environmental control. This 
position may also instruct and monitor interns, students, or volunteers 
assigned to assist with conservation tasks. Learn about the work undertaken in 
our conservation lab at our TSLAC Conservation blog, 
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/conservation/ 
<https://www.tsl.texas.gov/conservation/>.

To review this job posting go to https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs 
<https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs>.


------------------------------
Rebecca Romanchuk, MLIS
Archives Supervisor
Texas State Library & Archives Commission
Austin TX

Original Message:
Sent: 03-24-2025 10:15
From: Rebecca Romanchuk
Subject:  Job announcement: Conservator position at Texas State Library and 
Archives Commission


Please note that the closing date for this position has been extended to April 
30, 2025.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has an opening for this 
full-time position: Conservator (Curator IV) - $6,250-$7,084 monthly

The conservator manages the daily activities of the well-equipped book and 
paper Summerlee Conservation Lab at TSLAC and performs complex treatments on 
rare and unique archival and library materials in accordance with the AIC code 
of ethics. This position develops and monitors work procedures for the unit, 
establishes priorities, and makes treatment decisions. The conservator is 
called on to assist with outreach and educational programs, preservation 
planning and surveys, emergency response, and environmental control. This 
position may also instruct and monitor interns, students, or volunteers 
assigned to assist with conservation tasks. Learn about the work undertaken in 
our conservation lab at our TSLAC Conservation blog, 
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/conservation/ 
<https://www.tsl.texas.gov/conservation/>.

To review this job posting go to https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs 
<https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs>.


------------------------------
Rebecca Romanchuk, MLIS
Archives Supervisor
Texas State Library & Archives Commission
Austin TX

Original Message:
Sent: 03-03-2025 11:47
From: Rebecca Romanchuk
Subject:  Job announcement: Conservator position at Texas State Library and 
Archives Commission


Please note that the closing date for this position has been extended to March 
21, 2025.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has an opening for this 
full-time position: Conservator (Curator IV) - $6,250-$7,084 monthly

The conservator manages the daily activities of the well-equipped book and 
paper Summerlee Conservation Lab at TSLAC and performs complex treatments on 
rare and unique archival and library materials in accordance with the AIC code 
of ethics. This position develops and monitors work procedures for the unit, 
establishes priorities, and makes treatment decisions. The conservator is 
called on to assist with outreach and educational programs, preservation 
planning and surveys, emergency response, and environmental control. This 
position may also instruct and monitor interns, students, or volunteers 
assigned to assist with conservation tasks. Learn about the work undertaken in 
our conservation lab at our TSLAC Conservation blog, 
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/conservation/ 
<https://www.tsl.texas.gov/conservation/>.

To review this job posting go to https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs 
<https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs>.

Rebecca Romanchuk, CA
Archives Supervisor | Archives and Information Services Division
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
512-475-1734 | www.tsl.texas.gov <http://www.tsl.texas.gov/>



------------------------------
Rebecca Romanchuk, MLIS
Archives Supervisor
Texas State Library & Archives Commission
Austin TX

Original Message:
Sent: 01-29-2025 11:18
From: Rebecca Romanchuk
Subject: Job announcement: Conservator position at Texas State Library and 
Archives Commission

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has an opening for this 
full-time position: Conservator (Curator IV) - $6,250-$7,084 monthly

The conservator manages the daily activities of the well-equipped book and 
paper Summerlee Conservation Lab at TSLAC and performs complex treatments on 
rare and unique archival and library materials in accordance with the AIC code 
of ethics. This position develops and monitors work procedures for the unit, 
establishes priorities, and makes treatment decisions. The conservator is 
called on to assist with outreach and educational programs, preservation 
planning and surveys, emergency response, and environmental control. This 
position may also instruct and monitor interns, students, or volunteers 
assigned to assist with conservation tasks. Learn about the work undertaken in 
our conservation lab at our TSLAC Conservation blog, 
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/conservation/ 
<https://www.tsl.texas.gov/conservation/>.

To review this job posting go to https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs 
<https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs>.

Closing date is February 28, 2025.

Rebecca Romanchuk, CA
Archives Supervisor | Archives and Information Services Division
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
512-475-1734 | www.tsl.texas.gov <http://www.tsl.texas.gov>

6.From: adrian hernandez
 Posted: Monday December 22, 2025  10:11 PM
 Subject: Sustainability News in Heritage Conservation & Sustainability 
Committee Updates
 Message: 


 

December 22, 2025


 

Sustainability News in Heritage Conservation & Committee Updates

 

We don't know about you, but 2025 has gone by SUPER fast for us here on the AIC 
Sustainability Committee! As the year draws to a close, we look back on some of 
the great work being done across the globe. It has been inspiring to see 
challenges turned into opportunities as relationships build across disciplines, 
geographies, and perspectives. 


 

Highlights:

 

In April, The International Museum Conference on Climate Change 
<https://www.museumclimate.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Program-International-Museum-Conference-on-Climate-Change-2025.pdf>
 took place in Vienna, Austria. The meeting, organized single handedly by Dr. 
Pascal Querner, an independent entomologist, brought together a wide array of 
disciplines. Art conservators, conservation scientists, engineers, architects, 
entomologists, climatologists, biologists and other specialists from around the 
world presented on how climate change is impacting museums and heritage. The 
merging of environmental sciences and cultural heritage preservation has the 
power to transform how we work. 



Image credit: museumclimate.org


 

The American Alliance of Museums held their annual meeting 
<https://portal.annualmeeting.aam-us.org/2025/conference_schedule_advanced.cfm?_ga=2.144135094.2012986497.1766045003-1976152157.1766045003>
 a month later in Los Angeles, where locals were reeling from the devastating 
January fires.  The general theme of the meeting, "Museums & Trust" came down 
to connecting with community. Despite the latest federal funding withdrawals, 
hope was in the air! Camille Kirk <https://www.linkedin.com/in/camille-kirk/> 
and Whitney McGuire <https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneyrmcguire/> organized a 
brilliant pre-session workshop on Recovery and Resilience: Cultural 
Institutions in Response to Environmental Disaster. Other presentations 
throughout the conference were equally inspiring.  Samantha Owens 
<https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-owens-ny/> and Annie Farrar 
<https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-farrar-4424a15/> spoke about a vast range of 
sustainable practices at Glenstone. Leslie Tom
 <https://www.linkedin.com/in/les733/>, Korzell Coe 
<https://www.linkedin.com/in/korzell-coe/>, and Douglas Flandro 
<https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-flandro/> talked about using Digital Twins 
<https://portal.annualmeeting.aam-us.org/2025/conference_schedule_advanced.cfm?session_key=FBD7768E-F04D-A206-2B64-E0D140C065E6&session_date=Friday,%20May%2009,%202025>
 (and their ingenuity!) to create eco-friendly exhibitions. Wendy Claire 
Jessup, FIIC <https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyjessup/>, Sandra Vicchio 
<https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-vicchio-a67605a/>, and Gordon Umbarger 
<https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonumbarger/> presented on the Power of the 
Plan: A Pathway for Building Trust (and re-modeling the National Museum of 
Women in the Arts). 

A couple of months later, a landmark opinion issued by the International Court 
of Justice 
<https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/187/187-20250723-adv-01-00-en.pdf>
 established that countries have a legal obligation to protect people and 
ecosystems from the "urgent and existential threat" posed by climate change. As 
climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe 
<https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/the-worlds-top-court-makes-a-climate> points 
out, "even though this is an advisory opinion with no legal mechanism for 
enforcement, it represents an important precedent that will carry weight in 
other courts as litigation continues".

Then in October, The Climate Toolkit 
<https://climatetoolkit.org/symposium-2025-resource-page/> hosted their first 
symposium at the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh. Both the venue and the 
meeting were awe-inspiring. Leaders from institutions across the country 
discussed how they have implemented  decarbonization strategies, engaging the 
public with programming on climate change, advocacy, and more. Recordings of 
all the presentations and associated resources are available on their website 
<https://climatetoolkit.org/symposium-2025-resource-page/>. To learn more about 
the Climate Toolkit, check out this interview 
<https://open.spotify.com/episode/5nRXcLfftXMen3XqASYS7v?si=f8e64bbfbb3c43af> 
AIC Sustainability Committee member and Green Tea Podcast 
<https://open.spotify.com/show/3b5jkqeiZEVasHKHZNlMf1?si=cd30f909b8e24fdf> host 
Roxy Sperber had with the Toolkit's Andrew Lampl and Jennifer Torrance.

Earlier this month, The International Council of Museums Committee for 
Conservation (ICOM CC) held their "Focus on Conservation" online conference, 
titled "Routes to Resilience 
<https://www.icom-cc.org/en/news/focus-on-conservation-2025--routes-to-resilience-online-conference-december-2025>".
 Speakers, including Sustainability Committee member  Mariana Valdez 
<https://www.iiconservation.org/sites/default/files/awp/download/2025-09/nic-magazine-aug-sept-2025_0-pages.pdf>,
  presented on various ways we can cultivate flexibility and adaptability in 
the face of ever growing threats due to climate change. 


 

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic and beyond, two initiatives to build more 
regenerative practices around exhibitions are gaining momentum: 

In the UK, a new online platform 
<https://www.museumsassociation.org/museums-journal/opinion/2025/10/museums-must-embrace-a-regenerative-model-of-practice/>
 and pilot exchange scheme is being developed by the Association for Heritage 
Interpretation (AHI), supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. 
Launching this month, "the platform will give museums and heritage 
organisations a practical mechanism to share materials, resources and 
exhibition infrastructure." 

And in Morocco, a similar platform, called the Green Museum Hub, is currently 
being developed thanks to seed funding from the International Institute for 
Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (IIC). According to a recent IIC 
News article 
<https://www.iiconservation.org/news/green-museum-hub-pioneering-sustainable-exhibition-practices-morroco>,
 "the project is a collaborative digital platform that centralizes resources, 
connects stakeholders, and empowers museums to transition toward sustainable 
exhibition practices. More than just a database, it represents a vision for 
transforming how cultural heritage institutions engage with the environment in 
Morocco, with the hope of extending to neighbouring countries and, eventually, 
further afield."


 

COP30, the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference, took place in 
November in Belem, in the middle of Brazil's Amazon forest. We will go into 
more detail on this meeting in a future post. But one important point to share 
is that Creatives for Climate <https://www.creativesforclimate.co/about>, a 
non-profit geared at "transforming influence to drive climate action" launched 
The Creative Integrity Playbook 
<https://www.creativesforclimate.co/creative-integrity-playbook>. Written 
primarily for agencies and brands, many of its ideas apply directly to work in 
cultural institutions.


 

A call to action: 
One of the easiest and most important climate change actions people can take is 
to talk about it. Although most Americans are concerned about climate change 
(63% on average according to one study 
<https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/visualizations-data/ycom-us/>), 
relatively few engage in discussions with family and friends. This has created 
a "climate silence 
<https://journals.plos.org/climate/article?id=10.1371/journal.pclm.0000538>". 
According to a recent report 
<https://journals.plos.org/climate/article?id=10.1371/journal.pclm.0000538>, 
incorporating learnings from the media into conversations can help us connect 
and share perspectives. It might feel scary at first, especially since part of 
the messaging we are getting from the media is that climate change is a 
polarizing topic. But why not reach out during the upcoming holiday gatherings 
and see how it goes? If you're looking for tips on how to get the conversation 
started at the dinner table, check out this article on the
 connection of food and climate change 
<https://drawdown.org/insights/why-im-bringing-food-based-climate-solutions-to-the-table-this-holiday-season>.
  


 

Cool new research…
We saw this on the Biomimicry Institute's Ray of Hope Accelerator Newsletter, 
AskNature 
<https://asknature.org/innovation/water-repellency-for-cellulose-products-inspired-by-lotus-leaves/>
 and had to share!

"Using inspiration from the superhydrophobicity (extreme water repellency) of 
the microtexture on a lotus leaf, Cellulotech's new green chemistry technique 
uses bio-based reagents to change the quality of materials from water-loving to 
water-repellent. Improving the function of the material's surface through this 
process, without the use of toxic coatings, maintains its original feel, as 
well as its recyclability."


 

In case you missed it…
The AIC Sustainability Committee's Green Tea Podcast 
<https://open.spotify.com/show/3b5jkqeiZEVasHKHZNlMf1?si=cebdbba3e534426c> 
continues to amaze and inspire. Episodes over the last few months include:




The Changing Landscape of Glacial Archeology Conservation 
<https://open.spotify.com/episode/3rDuvBWKEqfz6X9e8KloQe?si=563e0fb2b75a4186>



Climate Joy with the Climate Toolkit from the Phipps Conservatory 
<https://open.spotify.com/episode/5nRXcLfftXMen3XqASYS7v?si=9900be6cb54c47c9>



Lahaina 2023: National Heritage Responders Stories 
<https://open.spotify.com/episode/1OKr7yayPBE8wUVBzYbPxd?si=3e2429bcfa4d4ad2>



Embedding Sustainability in Conservation Education 
<https://open.spotify.com/episode/18OFQw4iwfovEn21mwTxab?si=d83fb462f072447e>




 

Coming up…



Don't miss our Sustainable Labs monthly meet ups! This group offers peer to 
peer support and resources as we implement practices that lessen our impact on 
the environment. Stay tuned for a future meet-up, where we'll be discussing a 
sustainable alternative to toluene. Send an email to 
[email protected] <[email protected]> with the subject line 
"Join Sustainable Labs Meet Up" if you'd like to get on our mailing for these 
gatherings!



Save the dates for our upcoming webinars!





February 4 at 9amPST/12noonEST: Sustainable Practices in the Lab, hosted in 
collaboration with Book & Paper.



March 5 at 8amPST/11amEST: How to Use AI Sustainably (working title), hosted in 
collaboration with the UK's Institute for Conservation (Icon) Sustainability 
Group on AI 




Keep an eye out for the General Sessions Post-Prints! The Sustainability 
Committee has an article on the panel discussion we hosted at AIC 2025 on 
centering context vs the physical life of an object 
<https://aic53rdannualmeeting2025.sched.com/event/1t6JE/luncheon-sustainability-in-collections-care-centering-on-context-vs-extending-an-objects-physical-life-39>.



Looking forward to AIC 2026 in Montreal…



We updated the Green Attendee Pledge 
<https://www.culturalheritage.org/events/annual-meeting/current-meeting/registration-faq>.
 Don't forget to take it when you register! (Preliminary program is here 
<https://www.culturalheritage.org/events/annual-meeting/current-meeting/program>).



We are organizing a "Community Partnership Project" in collaboration with the 
Emerging Conservation Professionals Network (ECPN) and the Canadian Association 
for Conservation's Emerging Conservator Committee (ECC). This is a volunteer 
opportunity taking place at Redpath Museum, McGill University's museum of 
natural history on Wednesday, April 29. It will include hands-on experiences 
and discussions about sustainability. Space is limited so be sure to sign up 
when registration is announced.



We are working on a lunch panel session in collaboration with the Health & 
Safety Committee, following up on some of the topics touched on in last year's 
discussion. "Sustaining the Conservator: Happiness Hacks & Healing from 
Burnout" is scheduled for Friday, May 1. Registration will be opening soon.



We are in the early stages of coordinating a pre-session cultural landscapes 
program in connection to a conference presentation. More details coming soon!



Connect with us!
We now have a mailing list to connect with people directly. We will continue to 
post on the community forums, but if you want to get our updates directly into 
your inbox, please email us at [email protected] 
<[email protected]> with the subject "Join AIC SC Blog Mailing List".

As always, we want to hear from you! Ideas, topics, and questions to explore 
are always welcome.



In gratitude,

The AIC Sustainability Committee 
<https://www.culturalheritage.org/membership/committees/sustainability>

Yadin Larochette, Co-Chair

Justine Wuebold, Co-Chair

adrian hernandez, Outreach Officer


 

This post can referenced on our Sustainability Forum Blog here: 
https://www.culturalheritage.org/blogs/adrian-hernandez/2025/12/22/sustainability-news-in-heritage-conservation-commi





------------------------------
adrian hernandez
AIC Sustainability Committee Outreach Officer
------------------------------




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