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Conservation Assessment Program Schedule

These are basic steps (with an approximate timeline) of participating in CAP:

December/January

Receive notification of acceptance into program.

Read Handbook for Participating Institutions. Allow ample time as this booklet will answer most, if not all, of your questions about the Conservation Assessment process.

Select your assessor(s.) You will receive a program package with information about assessors that have been custom matched for your museum’s collection. You should begin to interview assessors immediately. The selection of your assessor(s) is the most critical step and should be done carefully. If desired, you may request information about additional conservators. Carefully review the CAP Costs to clarify all costs associated with the survey and what your allocation will cover.

January/February

Assessor selection is completed. Your assessor selection should be finalized at this time. Heritage Preservation needs the following documents:

These materials must be received by Heritage Preservation before site visits can occur.

Sometime after January 1st

Site visit takes place. With careful planning, you can generate a lot of support and enthusiasm for collections care among your staff, board, and volunteers during the two days your assessors are on site. Read our tips about how to make the site visit as efficient and productive as possible.

Eight weeks after site visit

First draft of CAP Report due. This date should be agreed on between you and the assessor. Eight weeks is our recommended time frame between the site visit and submission of a first draft. Carefully review this document and communicate any questions or errors of fact.

Three weeks after first draft comments received

Final draft of CAP Report due. This is your opportunity to confirm that all the changes to the draft were implemented. Upon your approval, you should forward a copy of the report with the assessor’s invoice to Heritage Preservation within 10 days. Heritage Preservation will pay the assessor’s professional fee upon receipt. Any costs that are over the allocation will be the responsibility of your institution.

One month after Heritage Preservation receives the final report

Receive Closing Package. Upon completing the program, Heritage Preservation will send you a package of materials to help you continue on the road to improving collections care. You will also begin receiving our semi-annual newsletter, CAPabilities. Plan to keep in touch and let us and IMLS know what CAP has done for your museum!

November 1st of the program year

Program deadline.

Questions? Contact Heritage Preservation, 1012 14th St. NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20005, phone 202-233-0800, or e-mail cap@heritagepreservation.org.