AIC-CERT Creates Nationwide Network of Responders

By Malia Van Heukelem

Hawai'i AIC-CERT volunteers
Lynn Davis and UH Library
Head of Preservation, and
Malia Van Heukelem, UH
Master of Library Science
graduate student and former
'Iolani Palace Collections
Manager, attended training
in San Diego, California

Since 2008, AIC-CERT members have assisted over 40 cultural institutions in the U.S. and Haiti assess damages and salvage their collections via phone, email, and on-site visits. The Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (FAIC) has been busy providing training for conservators and related collections professionals selected for the American Institute for Conservation Collections Emergency Response Team (AIC-CERT) with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This training added approximately 40 new “collections emergency response team” members to total approximately 100 AIC-CERT responders. Since 2008, Participants were selected by expertise in a variety of specialties and will serve as a sort of Red Cross for museum emergencies. Add this number to your disaster plan for 24-hour assistance the next time you have a collections emergency: (202) 661-8068.