CCAHA 40th Anniversary Appeal: Technology Upgrades 

Conservators think outside the box to find the best tool for the job, whether that means researching and acquiring the latest in lighting technology to allow them to better photo-document objects, or adapting a dental tool to allow for maximum precision during treatment. CCAHA's staff is constantly looking to the latest technologies to provide the best possible services.

For our 40th anniversary, we asked our staff what new equipment can best help them continue providing top-notch conservation treatment, preservation services, and digital imaging. They responded with nineteen items ranging in cost from $42 to $4,090. When we totaled these needs, the price came to slightly under $20,000.

Please consider making a contribution to help us continue our tradition of innovation.

CCAHA in the News

CCAHA's upcoming Regional Heritage Stewardship Program workshops were recently profiled in Dothan First. CCAHA Preservation Specialist Samantha Forsko spoke about the importance of the initiative in areas with such rich cultural histories.  Click here to read the article.

The National Endowment for the Humanities' Division of Preservation and Access featured the preservation projects undertaken at the Chester County Archives based on CCAHA's prior guidance.  Click here to read the article.
CCAHA's Regional Heritage Stewardship Program

Building upon past success in education and network-building, CCAHA is leading a set of ambitious new strategies to aid underserved regions of the country, adapting successful service models to assist collecting institutions along the Eastern Gulf Coast and in Appalachia.

This month, CCAHA Director of Preservation Services Dyani Feige and CCAHA Preservation Specialist Samantha Forsko will be on the road, presenting the first round of workshops on collections care in each of the following locations:  Dothan, AL; Athens, OH; Laurel, MS; and Hazard, KY

CCAHA's 40th 

2017 is CCAHA's 40th anniversary. We are commemorating this anniversary by sharing the articles, photos, and reminiscences that tell the story of CCAHA. In this space, we'll share recent posts from our ongoing coverage.

This 1998 Philadelphia Inquirer article describes the conservation work being done in Philadelphia by profiling CCAHA, a bookbinder in private practice, and the American Philosophical Society.

CCAHA current Board Chair Page Talbott organized the Benjamin Franklin Tercentennial exhibit in the early 2000s. CCAHA's staff did much of the conservation work on the objects.

This article highlights CCAHA's Philadelphia Stewardship Program, with case examples from the Conshohocken Historical Society and Germantown Academy.

This article describes CCAHA’s treatment of 600-700 objects—passports, photographs, certificates, journals, and tickets—for the new Ellis Island Immigration Museum.

This article from Rochester, Minnesota’s Post-Bulletin liberally employs a descriptive analogy, calling conservation “the health care sector of the art and antiquities trade.”

Upcoming Programs
Regional Heritage Stewardship Program
WORKSHOP I
Preservation Best Practices / Conducting a Preservation Needs Assessment

This program will provide an overview of preservation standards for collections care and management including basic benchmarking, identifying facilities concerns, collections storage, and agents of deterioration. 

Participants will also learn the components of a comprehensive preservation needs assessment and receive guidance on conducting self-assessments.


June 22


Regional Heritage Stewardship Program
WORKSHOP II
Fundraising for Collections Care / Artifact Handling and Housing 

This workshop will examine the planning process funders want to see, elements of a successful grant proposal, and regional funding opportunities. 

Participants will also learn about safe handling and housing techniques for both flat and three-dimensional objects. Discussion will include how to prepare work areas, best practices for moving various types of artifacts, and identifying potential conservation concerns before handling. 

June 20



June 28
Upcoming LYRASIS Programs 
In 2016, CCAHA and LYRASIS partnered to increase their constituents’ access to vital services. CCAHA members receive a discount on LYRASIS programming. In addition, the organizations offer combined consulting for cultural heritage organizations. 
The Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) is a nonprofit conservation facility specializing in the treatment of works on paper, photographs, and books through conservation and state-of-the-art digital imaging services. Founded in 1977, CCAHA serves both nonprofit cultural institutions and private individuals and organizations. CCAHA’s preservation services staff present educational programs, conduct preservation assessments, and develop emergency preparedness plans. CCAHA also offers fellowships, fundraising support, and disaster assistance.