Conservation Assessment Program
Site Visit Tips
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Make sure you have confirmed dates and any travel arrangements with your assessor(s). Because the care of your building and collections are interrelated, it is highly recommended that the assessors be on-site at the same time so they can work together to develop unified recommendations.
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Be prepared for your CAP assessor(s) to look at everything! Before they come on site, ask what areas they will need access to and whether this will require any extra equipment or assistance (for example, a historic structures assessor will want to inspect the roof and basement).
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Have a brief orientation session to introduce the assessor(s) to key staff, review the site visit schedule, and discuss the museum’s goals for participating in CAP.
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Make sure to include staff and board in the site visit. Ask your assessor(s) if they would like to schedule meetings with specific board or staff members and/or whether these members may observe the site visit. If time allows, consider having an informal gathering, such as a meal, where board members can meet the assessor(s).
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Consider video or audio taping the assessor(s) as they tour your site so you can share their observations with board members or other stakeholders. Ask permission from the assessor(s) before doing so.
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Have copies of collections policies, building plans, or other relevant documents available. Make sure to tell your assessor(s) what policies are already in place. If they pertain to the care of the collection or sites, your assessor(s) may want to review these documents with you. Your assessor(s) may also suggest additional policies your museum should implement.
Questions? Contact Heritage Preservation, 1012 14th St. NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20005, phone 202-233-0800, or e-mail cap(a)heritagepreservation.org.