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While conventional wisdom holds that archivists should refrain from taking subjective stances in their work, there have been increasing calls in the field to recognize that the historical record from which archives are drawn is far from neutral. How can we expect archivists to remain objective when engaging with politically fraught materials that are potentially held within institutions founded on principles that do not reflect current societal values? In our most recent webinar, CCAHA Director of Preservation Services, Dyani Feige, discussed the importance of recognizing that our own…

Preservation Week, sponsored by the American Library Association and celebrated during the last week of April, is an annual recognition of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. This year’s theme, Preserve the Past, Shape the Future: Inspiring the Next Generation of Preservation Professionals, is a call to action for emerging professionals to carry the torch of preservation forward. Whether you’re in school or have recently graduated, charting your career path can feel daunting. Here are five essential career tips to help you navigate the preservation field and…

Disasters—whether caused by storms, burst pipes, or human error—can wreak havoc on cultural collections in an instant. The key to minimizing loss isn’t just how fast you respond, but how well you’re prepared. That’s the core message of DHPSNY’s Salvage Workshops. Designed for libraries, archives, historical societies, museums, and any stewards of cultural heritage collections, this hands-on, scenario-based training gives professionals and volunteers the tools they need to respond…

Maintaining a clean and safe environment for archival collections is essential for preservation. However, not all cleaning methods are equally suitable for every situation. A common question is determining when to dust versus when to vacuum. This blog post explores the differences between these methods, their appropriate applications, and how to make informed decisions to protect and preserve valuable artifacts. 
 

Why Is Dust Harmful to Archival Collections? 

Dust is more than just an aesthetic issue; it poses real risks to the preservation of archival…

In our most recent webinar, DHPSNY's Preservation Specialist, Kate Jacus, provides a comprehensive overview of strategies for planning and installing exhibits of archival collections while prioritizing their long-term preservation. Preservation in Exhibits is an updated version of a webinar presented by DHPSNY staff in 2018, where participants learned how to select preservation-quality materials, design display environments that minimize risk to fragile items, and implement best practices for handling and showcasing archival materials.

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When it comes to handling cultural heritage objects, few topics spark as much debate as the use of gloves. Should you wear them? If so, which kind? If not, why? The answers to these questions are not as clear-cut as one might think. Recent research and conservation best practices have evolved, highlighting that the decision to wear gloves—or not—depends on a variety of factors, including the type of object, the risks involved, and even sustainability concerns.
 

The Evolution of Glove Use 

For many years, cotton gloves were considered the industry standard for…

We're pleased to announce our independent field reviewers have selected 13 institutions to receive DHPSNY services. We commend the following organizations for their dedication to enhancing their preservation programs and practices and look forward to beginning site visits in the coming weeks. 

The next Planning & Assessment Services application deadline is Friday, March 14, 2025. Visit our Planning & Assessment page to learn more and apply.

Each year, DHPSNY Dialogues bring cultural heritage professionals together to engage in meaningful discussions about the challenges and opportunities shaping our field. In 2025, our series focuses on Collections for the Future of New York, asking: What can we, as practitioners—both paid and volunteer—do to build and steward collections for the communities of tomorrow? 

 As part of our ongoing Antiracism Resources blog series, we’re continuing these conversations…

Welcome to Behind the Lens, where we offer an inside look at DHPSNY Planning & Assessment Services. Through this series, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of our assessment process and outcomes, with first-hand accounts from participating sites sharing their personal experiences. If you’re interested in learning more about previous Behind the Lens posts, see how we kicked things off with a spotlight on Preservation Surveys. 

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We're excited to announce that we are accepting applications for DHPSNY Planning & Assessment Services, and the next submission deadline is Friday, March 14, 2025. Offered free of cost to New York State collecting institutions, Planning & Assessment Services pair accepted sites with our specialists to assess preservation practices, create customized recommendations, and develop actionable plans tailored to each organization's specific needs.

We are accepting…