Reger Receives Forbes Medal for Distinguished Contribution to Conservation

Lawrence L. Reger, President of Heritage Preservation, was awarded the Forbes Medal by the American Institute for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works at its annual meeting in Philadelphia on June 9, 2000.

AIC President Jerry Podany presented the award at the General Session, citing Mr. Reger for his "outstanding ability to contribute to any group in which he participates." He also called him a "tireless advocate" who played a key role in initiating many of the funding programs so important to conservation today. Mr. Reger’s role in launching these programs came not only from his current position at Heritage Preservation but also from his years at the American Association of Museums and at the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Forbes Medal recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions to the field of conservation by non-conservators and was named in honor of Edward Waldo Forbes. The four previous recipients have been Senator Claiborne Pell; Congressman Sidney Yates; Harold Williams, President and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust; and Richard Krimm of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Accepting the award, Mr. Reger pledged to continue to work with conservators to promote the care of our nation’s heritage. “Much has been accomplished in the last two decades; however, much needs to be done, if we are to ensure the preservation of our heritage for present and future generations.”

He recalled a visit to the Ufizzi after the Great Flood as his first realization of conservation’s importance. An exhibition about the damage included photos of the water around the museum and in the galleries and storage areas, as well as several objects that had been only half-restored. Because of this exhibit, Mr. Reger said, he suddenly understood why conservation was important.

“To conserve is a basic human instinct,” Mr. Reger said. “This has been demonstrated time and time again with my work with the National Task Force on Emergency Response. After securing safety, health, food and shelter, preserving the possessions that will pass on family history is the next priority after a disaster. We must continue to provide information and expertise to a broad public about how they can take preventive measures to preserve things that matter to them. By so doing, we need to make the point over and over again that museums, libraries, archives and historic preservation organizations are doing the same work on behalf of their communities and the nation.”

Mr. Reger also noted the need to approach collecting institutions directly, working with staff and boards. Too often conservation is viewed as a drain on resources, he said, when in fact, conservation can be a tool for fundraising, attracting visitors and members, and advancing educational and research goals.

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