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CALL FOR APPLICANTS
March 2007
The
Vulnerability Assessment Program
It has come to the forefront in recent years that there is great
potential for cultural collections to incur damage from large scale disasters,
such as fires, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Roof leaks, pest infestations,
mold blooms, thefts, aging mechanical systems, and other localized emergencies
can also greatly affect collections materials.
Being prepared and identifying
the potential threats to one’s institution are the best ways of
mitigating risks to cultural collections. According to Building an Emergency Plan: A Guide for Museums and
Other Cultural Institutions, published by the Getty Conservation
Institute, the first step in creating a disaster plan is “to prepare a
report identifying what natural or human-caused emergencies may threaten the
institution.” This report is usually referred to as a vulnerability
assessment. Organizations cannot move ahead to the development of a disaster
plan without a clear-eyed understanding of the areas where their institution is
most vulnerable to loss and damage.
* * * * * *
The
Process:
During the on-site
consultation, CCAHA staff reviews and examines the institution’s environment,
history, location, structural needs, pest control, fire protection, security
procedures, local resources, and training requirements. Insurance
considerations, collections documentation, and collections salvage priorities
are also addressed. The written report provides observations, recommendations,
and resources to serve as a guide in the development of a comprehensive
disaster plan for the institution.
Eligibility:
The Vulnerability
Assessment Program is intended for small to mid-sized institutions with
humanities based collections in the Mid-Atlantic region, which includes
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Washington, D.C.,
Virginia, and West Virginia. Institutions wishing to participate in the
program must be willing to make a commitment to developing an Emergency
Preparedness and Response Plan, or updating the plan that they currently have
in place, and must assign a project manager.
Priority will be given to
Institutions that would not normally have the resources to pay for this service
at full cost, or the staff time or expertise to complete the assessment
in-house. Institutions funded by the federal government are not eligible.
Cost:
Through funding from the
National Endowment for the Humanities, CCAHA is able to offer a limited number
of subsidized vulnerability assessments for $350. The funding also covers the
assessor’s travel expenses.
Application Process
and Deadline:
Application forms for the Vulnerability Assessment Program can be found
on CCAHA’s website: www.ccaha.org.
All applications must be postmarked by Friday, May 18, 2007.
If you have questions or want to discuss the
suitability of this program for your institution, please contact CCAHA’s
Preservation Services Office at:
Preservation Services
Office
Tel: (215) 545-0613
Fax: (215) 735-9313
www.ccaha.org
* * * * * *
Congress created the National Endowment for the Humanities in
1965 as an independent agency that supports education, research, preservation
projects, and public programs in the humanities.
CCAHA, established in 1977, is a non-profit
conservation laboratory serving other non-profit cultural, educational, and
research institutions, as well as private individuals and organizations. CCAHA
specializes in the treatment of works of art and historic artifacts on paper.
It also offers on-site consultation services; educational programs and
seminars; internships, fellowships, and apprenticeships; and emergency conservation assistance.
Laura Hortz Stanton
Director of Preservation Services
Phone: 215-545-0613
Fax: 215-735-9313
Email: [log in to unmask]