Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. RE: Survey on Social Justice, Politics, and Censorship in the Cultural Heritage Profession 2. RE: Survey on Social Justice, Politics, and Censorship in the Cultural Heritage Profession 3. RE: MFT-IDG Webinar, Jan 29: "From Data to Decisions: Interpreting, Sharing, and Acting on Microfading Tester Results" 4. Objects Conservation Fellowship at Historic New England ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Amy Brost Posted: Friday March 6, 2026 11:39 AM Subject: RE: Survey on Social Justice, Politics, and Censorship in the Cultural Heritage Profession Message: The survey is very likely to qualify as human subjects research, which is what may distinguish it from prior surveys linked on this forum. Having worked with students doing thesis research involving surveys of colleagues, Ive had to do numerous training courses through NYU on social and behavioral research, as have all the researchers. Here is NYUs flowchart on how to determine whether your project falls under the category of human subjects research:https://www.nyu.edu/content/dam/nyu/research/documents/IRB/IRBDecisionTree.pdf <https://www.nyu.edu/content/dam/nyu/research/documents/IRB/IRBDecisionTree.pdf> Since this survey is hosted at Stanfords domain, it would make sense for the research team to contact Stanfords IRB here:https://irb.stanford.edu/for-researchers/do-i-need-irb-review <https://irb.stanford.edu/for-researchers/do-i-need-irb-review> Training courses are available here to anyone who wants to do human subjects research ethically - if you work with your institutions IRB you will be able to do these for free:https://about.citiprogram.org/course/human-subjects-research-2/ <https://about.citiprogram.org/course/human-subjects-research-2/> Once the disclosures/consent forms for this survey have been IRB-approved that will likely answer many of the questions that have come up. Speaking personally, I thought the IRB review process was extremely helpful in survey design and educating me and the researchers about privacy, consent, participants rights, and survey data management. Amy Brost ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 2/25/2026 12:01:00 AM From: Samantha Emmanuel Subject: Survey on Social Justice, Politics, and Censorship in the Cultural Heritage Profession Dear Members of the Global Forum and AIC Community, We invite you to participate in an important survey <https://stanforduniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3reoGcyplMVVJCC> on the impact of censorship on conservation and allied professions. This survey was developed by the authors of the upcoming presentation: "Conservators Fighting Back Against Censorship and Inaction: Ethical Responses to Genocide and Cultural Erasure." Your insights will help us understand how censorship affects our work and community, particularly in relation to social justice struggles, academic freedom, and professional ethics. The survey is mostly multiple choice and takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary and is structured to protect your anonymity. This survey includes questions on social and political issues that may be sensitive or contentious, and we are grateful for your time, consideration, and willingness to engage with these important subjects. Results of this survey will be presented in our talk at the American Institute for Conservation 2026 Annual Meeting in Montreal on Thursday, April 30th. Please complete this survey by Friday, March 27th, 2026. Survey link: https://stanforduniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3reoGcyplMVVJCC <https://stanforduniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3reoGcyplMVVJCC> Sincerely, Samantha Emmanuel, adrian hernandez, Gillian Marcus, and Aisha Wahab Please email [email protected] <[email protected]> for any technical issues or questions about the survey. ------------------------------ Samantha Emmanuel Wall Painting Conservator Freelance/Private Practice/Self-employed/Independent San Jose United States ------------------------------ 2.From: Lisa Goldberg Posted: Friday March 6, 2026 12:19 PM Subject: RE: Survey on Social Justice, Politics, and Censorship in the Cultural Heritage Profession Message: Dear Amy, thank you for bringing up "human subjects research" and IRBs....I had forgotten about this goalpost - and it is truly an important part of research involving opinion and sensitive information! best wishes Lisa ------------------------------ [Lisa] [Goldberg] [Conservator] [Goldberg Preservation Services LLC] [Corning] [NY] [607 368 3963] ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 03-06-2026 09:48 From: Amy Brost Subject: Survey on Social Justice, Politics, and Censorship in the Cultural Heritage Profession The survey is very likely to qualify as 'human subjects research,' which is what may distinguish it from prior surveys linked on this forum. Having worked with students doing thesis research involving surveys of colleagues, I've had to do numerous training courses through NYU on social and behavioral research, as have all the researchers. Here is NYU's flowchart on how to determine whether your project falls under the category of human subjects research:https://www.nyu.edu/content/dam/nyu/research/documents/IRB/IRBDecisionTree.pdf <https://www.nyu.edu/content/dam/nyu/research/documents/IRB/IRBDecisionTree.pdf> Since this survey is hosted at Stanford's domain, it would make sense for the research team to contact Stanford's IRB here:https://irb.stanford.edu/for-researchers/do-i-need-irb-review <https://irb.stanford.edu/for-researchers/do-i-need-irb-review> Training courses are available here to anyone who wants to do human subjects research ethically - if you work with your institution's IRB you will be able to do these for free:https://about.citiprogram.org/course/human-subjects-research-2/ <https://about.citiprogram.org/course/human-subjects-research-2/> Once the disclosures/consent forms for this survey have been IRB-approved that will likely answer many of the questions that have come up. Speaking personally, I thought the IRB review process was extremely helpful in survey design and educating me and the researchers about privacy, consent, participants' rights, and survey data management. Amy Brost Original Message: Sent: 2/25/2026 12:01:00 AM From: Samantha Emmanuel Subject: Survey on Social Justice, Politics, and Censorship in the Cultural Heritage Profession Dear Members of the Global Forum and AIC Community, We invite you to participate in an important survey <https://stanforduniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3reoGcyplMVVJCC> on the impact of censorship on conservation and allied professions. This survey was developed by the authors of the upcoming presentation: "Conservators Fighting Back Against Censorship and Inaction: Ethical Responses to Genocide and Cultural Erasure." Your insights will help us understand how censorship affects our work and community, particularly in relation to social justice struggles, academic freedom, and professional ethics. The survey is mostly multiple choice and takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary and is structured to protect your anonymity. This survey includes questions on social and political issues that may be sensitive or contentious, and we are grateful for your time, consideration, and willingness to engage with these important subjects. Results of this survey will be presented in our talk at the American Institute for Conservation 2026 Annual Meeting in Montreal on Thursday, April 30th. Please complete this survey by Friday, March 27th, 2026. Survey link: https://stanforduniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3reoGcyplMVVJCC <https://stanforduniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3reoGcyplMVVJCC> Sincerely, Samantha Emmanuel, adrian hernandez, Gillian Marcus, and Aisha Wahab Please email [email protected] <[email protected]> for any technical issues or questions about the survey. ------------------------------ Samantha Emmanuel Wall Painting Conservator Freelance/Private Practice/Self-employed/Independent San Jose United States ------------------------------ 3.From: Vincent Beltran Posted: Friday March 6, 2026 12:20 PM Subject: RE: MFT-IDG Webinar, Jan 29: "From Data to Decisions: Interpreting, Sharing, and Acting on Microfading Tester Results" Message: Happy to share that the recording for the 2026 January 29 MFT-IDG webinar "From Data to Decisions: Interpreting, Sharing, and Acting on Microfading Tester Results" <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QtMNLIQTdU> is now available on the AIC YouTube page. Organized by the Microfading Tester International Discussion Group (MFT-IDG), this webinar explores how MFT data can be translated into meaningful discussion that empowers stakeholders to better manage the risk of color change during display, guide the selection of cultural heritage objects for exhibition, and allow for greater access to the public. After a brief overview of the collection and interpretation of MFT data, five case studies demonstrate how different cultural heritage institutions incorporate MFT data and other lighting-related information into decision-making. We then close with a panel discussion and Q&A. Speakers include Mark Benson, Associate Conservator, Getty Research Institute; Bruce Ford, Independent Conservation Scientist; Ian Langston, Objects Conservator, Tāmaki Paenga Hira - Auckland War Memorial Museum; Rio Lopez, Associate Objects Conservator, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures; and Patricia Silence, Director, Conservation Operations, Colonial Williamsburg. The event was moderated by Cindy Connelly Ryan, Preservation Science Specialist, Library of Congress; and Vincent Laudato Beltran, Scientist, Getty Conservation Institute. Additional discussion about MFT practice and lighting policy development can be found in the MFT-IDG online community <https://www.culturalheritage.org/groups/mft-idg>, which is supported by the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) and sponsored by the AIC's Preventive Care Network. Many thanks to our speakers for sharing their knowledge with us and the Getty-Kimberly Chen, Seka Seneviratne, Marvin Jones, Preston Simpson, and Gus Kowalewski-for their support in organizing the webinar. ------------------------------ Vincent Laudato Beltran Scientist, Getty Conservation Institute Chair, MFT-IDG [email protected] ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 01-24-2026 15:52 From: Vincent Beltran Subject: MFT-IDG Webinar, Jan 29: "From Data to Decisions: Interpreting, Sharing, and Acting on Microfading Tester Results" A quick reminder that the Microfading Tester International Discussion Group (MFT-IDG) will host its next webinar titled "From Data to Decisions: Interpreting, Sharing, and Acting on Microfading Tester Results" on Thursday, January 29, from 9-1030am (San Francisco) / 12-130pm (Philadelphia) / 2-330pm (Buenos Aires) / 6-730pm (Paris) / 1-230am (next day, Manila) / 6-730am (next day, Auckland).Attendance is free, but requires event registration at the following link: https://getty.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JpfplSB7QYCmeWdE9xXGKw <https://getty.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JpfplSB7QYCmeWdE9xXGKw> Many thanks to our speakers, who include Mark Benson, Associate Conservator, Getty Research Institute; Bruce Ford, Independent Conservation Scientist; Ian Langston, Objects Conservator, Tāmaki Paenga Hira - Auckland War Memorial Museum; Rio Lopez, Associate Objects Conservator, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures; and Patricia Silence, Director, Conservation Operations, Colonial Williamsburg. Moderators will be Cindy Connelly Ryan, Preservation Science Specialist, Library of Congress; and Vincent Laudato Beltran, Scientist, Getty Conservation Institute. We hope that you'll consider joining the webinar (and our MFT-IDG community <https://www.culturalheritage.org/groups/mft-idg>)! For those unable to attend, the webinar will be recorded and posted to the AIC YouTube channel. ------------------------------ Vincent Laudato Beltran Scientist, Getty Conservation Institute Chair, MFT-IDG [email protected] <[email protected]> ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 01-13-2026 15:55 From: Vincent Beltran Subject: MFT-IDG Webinar, Jan 29: "From Data to Decisions: Interpreting, Sharing, and Acting on Microfading Tester Results" The Microfading Tester International Discussion Group (MFT-IDG) will host its second webinar titled "From Data to Decisions: Interpreting, Sharing, and Acting on Microfading Tester Results" on Thursday, January 29, from 9-1030am (San Francisco) / 12-130pm (Philadelphia) / 2-330pm (Buenos Aires) / 6-730pm (Paris) / 1-230am (next day, Manila) / 6-730am (next day, Auckland). Attendance is free, but requires event registration at the following link: https://getty.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JpfplSB7QYCmeWdE9xXGKw <https://getty.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JpfplSB7QYCmeWdE9xXGKw> Lighting choices for an exhibition may be affected by different criteria, including the desired color temperature and color rendering quality of the lamps, the desired brightness and duration, and the light sensitivity of the objects to be displayed. It is this last criteria for which data from the microfading tester (MFT) is directly impactful, contributing evidence-based information about an object's vulnerability to light that can guide both object selection and lighting policy. But how is MFT data translated into meaningful discussion that empowers the varied stakeholders-collection care managers, conservators, registrars, art handlers, curators, directors-to better manage the risk of color change during display, guide the selection of cultural heritage objects for exhibition, and allow for greater access to the public? The webinar will begin with a brief overview of the MFT data collected, the various ways of interpreting and reporting these findings, and how this can lead to object-specific options for display. This will be followed by several case studies detailing how different cultural heritage institutions with a range of collection types incorporate MFT data into decision-making. We will close with a panel discussion and Q&A. For those interested but unable to attend, the webinar will be recorded and posted to the AIC YouTube channel. Further discussion about MFT practice and lighting policy development can be found in the MFT-IDG online community <https://www.culturalheritage.org/groups/mft-idg>, which you can join for free. The MFT-IDG is supported by the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) and sponsored by the AIC's Preventive Care Network. Thanks also to the Getty for supporting organization of this MFT-IDG webinar. We hope to see many of you at the January 29 event and in our MFT-IDG community! ------------------------------ Vincent Laudato Beltran Scientist, Getty Conservation Institute Chair, MFT-IDG [email protected] <[email protected]> ------------------------------ 4.From: Michaela Neiro Posted: Friday March 6, 2026 9:48 PM Subject: Objects Conservation Fellowship at Historic New England Message: Historic New England, a national model for the care of regional heritage buildings, landscapes, and collections, is seeking a postgraduate conservation fellow specializing in objects conservation to join its Collections Services team. Historic New England is pleased to offer the Jenrette Conservation Fellowship, a postgraduate position in objects conservation. Candidates with experience or interest in wooden artifacts and/or textiles will also be considered. The position is designed to provide advanced training in conservation, broadening the Fellow's technical skills and knowledge of a wide variety of objects and materials from the collection. Historic New England seeks motivated applicants from all backgrounds and values diversity with regard to culture, race, ethnicity, gender identity, and ability. Classification: Non-Exempt; 35 hours per week; Term-limited twelve (12) months, commencing in September 2026. Location: Haverhill, Massachusetts; New England residency by start of work required Essential Duties: Work directly with the Director of Conservation and Mellon Conservation Fellow in the examination, photography, treatment, and research of objects in the institution's permanent collection, both within the spacious, productive, and well-equipped conservation laboratory and on-site at Historic New England's historic house museums. Additional duties include preventive conservation, exhibition preparation, integrated pest management, conservation laboratory tours, site staff training, and public outreach. Challenges and Opportunities: The successful candidate will balance a variety of projects and keep up to date with new developments in the field. Ability to work collaboratively with staff across the organization to meet team and institutional goals is essential. Projects for the year include treatment of objects, furnishings and wallcoverings from Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann house and from the Sarah Orne Jewett house. Projects may also include treatments related to upcoming exhibits and site work such as stabilization and inpainting of in-situ decorative paint finishes and collections surveys, and preventive care activities at individual house museums. Ideal Experience, Education, and Skills: Graduate degree from a recognized conservation training program Demonstrated interest in historic houses and collections Outstanding hand skills and familiarity with current conservation materials Proficiency with digital photography Excellent communication and writing skills Proven time management, planning, and teamwork skills Experience with moving art and sculpture Must be flexible and well-organized International candidates will not be considered unless they currently possess a valid visa to work in the United States A valid driver's license and a means of transportation. Commitment to the values of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion About the Organization: Historic New England is the oldest and largest regional preservation organization in the United States and owns and operates thirty-eight historic sites. With more than 125,000 artifacts and 1.5 million archival documents, Historic New England has the most comprehensive and best-documented collection of New England life, including decorative arts and household furnishings, in the country. These collections are at the heart of our site experiences, public programs, and research. As reflected in our strategic agenda, The New England Plan, our mission is to save and share New England's stories and we are committed to growing our archival and artifact collections to reflect the diversity of the New England region. Increased regional diversity will help us tell broader stories about industry, trade, migration, labor, class, and taste in New England. Ultimately, Historic New England seeks to build a collection that future generations will depend on to understand New England's history. The Conservation Team is an integral part of this mission, actively engaged in the treatment of objects, furniture, textiles, wallpaper, preventive conservation practices along with related research, teaching, and mentorship. The Community: The internship is based at Historic New England's Center for Preservation and Collections in Haverhill, Massachusetts, approximately 45 minutes north of Boston. Active nearby communities include Lowell, Newburyport and Salem, Mass., Portsmouth, and Manchester, New Hampshire. Haverhill is well situated off interstates 95 and 495 with beaches, mountains and vibrant cities close by. Compensation: $23.90 hourly with up to $2,000 available for approved travel and research per year. Benefits include three weeks of paid vacation, twelve paid holidays, health and dental benefits and other wellness programs. To Apply: Please send curriculum vitae, letter of interest and copies of two conservation treatment reports [email protected] <[email protected]> by April 3, 2026. Historic New England is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to supporting equality of opportunity and respect for diversity. We are committed to providing equal opportunity in employment to all qualified persons without regard to non-work-related factors such as race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Michaela Neiro She/Her Director of Conservation Historic New England 151 Essex St Haverhill, MA 01832 (617) 994-6635 Become a member <https://www.historicnewengland.org/get-involved/memberships/> | Support our work <https://www.historicnewengland.org/get-involved/donate/> | Learn more <https://www.historicnewengland.org/> You are subscribed to "Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList)" as [email protected]. 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