2009 Conservation Assessment Program Applications Available This Fall
The Heritage Health Index, a 2005 comprehensive study of the condition of U.S. collections, found that 64% of small historical societies and museums do not have a current, written, long-range preservation plan. Museums in this situation will find that the Conservation Assessment Program (CAP) can provide the framework for collections care.
CAP is designed to help small to mid-sized museums of all types, from art museums to zoos, obtain a general assessment of the condition of their collections, environment, and historic buildings. Following an on-site assessment by a conservation professional, the museum receives a written report recommending priorities to improve collections care. This report assists museums in educating staff and board members on preservation practices, creating long-range and emergency plans, and raising funds to improve the care of their collections.
In 2008, 104 museums in 39 states, the District of Columbia, and the Republic of Palau were selected to participate in CAP. To view the entire list of current CAP participants, visit www.heritagepreservation.org/CAP.
The 2009 CAP applications forms will be mailed on Friday, October 10, 2008, to museums on the CAP mailing list and will also be available on Heritage Preservation’s Web site at www.heritagepreservation.org. The postmark deadline for applications is December 1, 2008. CAP is administered by Heritage Preservation and supported through a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum and Library Services. To be added to the CAP application mailing list, or for more information, please contact CAP staff at cap@heritagepreservation.org or 202-233-0800.