Alliance for Response a Success in New York

The fourth and final forum in the Alliance for Response series took place at the Jewish Museum in Manhattan on October 27. It was co-sponsored by the Museum, Library, and Cultural Properties Facility Group of Greater New York City. Approximately 100 people participated, including representatives from most of the city’s major cultural institutions. The forum was noteworthy for its emphasis on internal cooperation. The participation of a large number of security and operations professionals enriched the dialogue.

Kate Levin, New York City Commissioner of Cultural Affairs.

Kate Levin, New York City Commissioner of Cultural Affairs, gave the keynote speech and discussed the special challenges involved in making cultural institutions and historic buildings secure, while respecting the integrity of their missions and structures.

A dynamic panel on “Emergency Management and Community Alliances” featured Ed Gabriel and Mike Berkowitz, Deputy Commissioners of the New York City Office of Emergency Management; Joseph F. Picciano, Acting Director of FEMA Region II; and Tom Slade, Senior Director of Security for the American Museum of Natural History. Afternoon presentations focused on risk assessment, business continuity, and key internal alliances.

Jane Long, Director, Heritage Emergency National Task Force; David Ward, Director of Facilities, New York City Center and Co-chair, Museum, Library and Cultural Properties Facility Group of Greater New York City; and Dale Gregory, Feld Gallery Director, American Folk Art Museum and Co-chair, Museum, Library and Cultural Properties Facility Group of Greater New York City.

Picciano said that a relationship with the emergency management office is essential—cultural institutions will deal with local agencies in 95 percent of disasters. He advised participants, "Tap the local and state guys on the shoulder and say, ‘Work with us.’ Share your disaster plan, inventory, and priorities."

Several speakers—from FEMA to insurance professionals—stressed the importance of having an inventory and prioritizing what needs to be repaired or replaced. "We can't replace it, if you don't know what you have," they agreed.

The environmental officer of FEMA Region II wrote, “The entire day was very worthwhile and beneficial to planning. From my perspective, the meeting was an eye opener in terms of response and coordination in a disaster.”

In one afternoon panel, museum operations and conservation professionals shared models of successful partnerships within institutions that have resulted in comprehensive disaster plans. Case studies included the American Museum of Natural History, Neue Gallery, and Brooklyn Children’s Museum.

Jane Long and Meg Morton, Senior Vice President, Program, of the Fidelity Foundation.

The second panel discussed how to integrate collections into the risk management and disaster recovery process. Panelists offered a number of useful resources and stressed the importance of understanding the real assets of cultural institutions. Fiona Graham, conservator at the Canadian Museum of Nature, cautioned that when you set out to make a business continuity plan, “ignore collections at your peril.”

The Alliance for Response project is made possible by Fidelity Investments through the Fidelity Foundation. Heritage Preservation received contributions in support of the New York Forum from Chubb Insurance Group, Iron Mountain/National Underground Storage, and Munters Moisture Control Services.

The Museum, Library, and Cultural Properties Facility Group reports that the Forum has raised the visibility of their efforts in both the cultural heritage and cultural management communities. They are surveying members on priorities for future initiatives.