2022 RHSP Preservation Needs Assessment Application
Applications are now open for the 2022 RHSP Preservation Needs Assessment Program. See below for more information and instructions on how to apply.
The Regional Heritage Stewardship Program (RHSP) is an initiative of the Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts that brings vital preservation services to regions of the United States. The program focuses on regions that hold a wealth of collecting organizations but have limited access to conservators or other preservation expertise. As of 2021, RHSP services are focused on two active regions: the Deep South (Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi) and Appalachia (Appalachia regions of Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia).
Through funding from the NEH, CCAHA is able to offer a limited number of Preservation Needs Assessments for institutions in these regions free of charge. Each institution selected to participate in the regional cohort will receive a preservation needs assessment from a CCAHA specialist and host a site visit with other participants. The preservation needs assessment process encompasses a general evaluation of the institution's preservation needs for their collections and includes: environment (temperature, relative humidity, pollution, and light), housekeeping, pest control, fire protection, security, and disaster preparedness; collection storage, handling, exhibition, and treatment; and preservation planning. The site visit consists of a review of the facility conducted by a CCAHA preservation expert, an examination of the collections, and interviews with relevant staff. The written report provides observations, recommendations, and resources to serve as a guide in the development of a comprehensive preservation plan for the collections.
The RHSP Preservation Needs Assessments will be conducted using a peer-to-peer format, intended to foster connections between institutions and bolster the overall collections care communities in the region. In addition to agreeing to attend one other assessment in the region, institutions must commit to hosting collections staff or volunteers from at least one other institution during the CCAHA site visit. You may choose to apply with a partner in mind, or we will match you with another application in your region.
Participation in this program requires a commitment to serve in a regional cohort, attend at least one other preservation needs assessment site visit over the course of the program (2022-2023), and host at least one representative from another participating institution on the site visit. Please note that there is no funding available to support the cost of travel between peer sites.
How to apply:
To apply for the 2022 RHSP Preservation Needs Assessment program, you will be asked to complete an application that includes a narrative section and asks you to provide general information about your institution. You will also be asked to upload several attachments.
Click the button above to access the online submission form. At the top of that page, you will find a link to download a fillable PDF of the application, along with a full list of required documents (it may also be downloaded from this page, using the link below). Once completed, the application and all materials can be uploaded and submitted through the online form.
CCAHA is available to assist you in completing the application form. Please contact Alanna Shaffer, Preservation Services Coordinator, for assistance or additional information at 215-545-0613 ext. 300 or ashaffer@ccaha.org.
Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, June 1st, 2022.