Workshops

Elevate your expertise with MC Conservation Services’ professional development workshops, designed specifically for professionals working in museums, libraries, and archives. Our hands-on sessions provide practical knowledge in preventive conservation, focusing on cleaning techniques, condition assessments, and environmental monitoring to safeguard collections effectively.

Participants will gain skills to:

  • Identify and mitigate risks to diverse collections

  • Implement tailored preventive care plans

  • Enhance handling and storage practices

  • Improve documentation and reporting processes

Led by seasoned conservators, our workshops blend theory with real-world applications, supporting your institution’s commitment to preservation excellence. Advance your professional growth while contributing to the long-term care of cultural heritage. Reach out to schedule customized training sessions and empower your team with the latest conservation strategies.

Housekeeping for Collections

  • This hands-on workshop covers housekeeping for collections from policy to practice. Participants will learn about the importance of housekeeping for collections, what makes it different from general cleaning, and what materials and techniques keep collections safe. Participants will walk away from the workshop with a list of recommended tools (including vacuum cleaners) at different price points and our cyclic housekeeping schedule template that can be customized to fit the needs of any institution.

  • This half-day, on-site workshop starts at $1,250 and can accommodate up to 20 participants. Customization is available.

A collection of black and white old photographs scattered on a white textured surface, with a wooden photo frame.

The Art of Keeping

  • How do you make sure your family photographs, artworks, and heirlooms last for generations to come? In this workshop, a professional conservator will share practical, accessible tips on caring for the things you love most. You’ll learn how to protect items from common risks like light, humidity, and handling, and discover simple steps you can take at home to ensure your treasures stand the test of time. Participants are welcome to bring a small keepsake or photo to discuss, or simply come to listen and learn. Whether you’re looking after a box of family photographs, a favorite painting, or a treasured heirloom, this workshop will help you preserve your history for the future.

  • This two-hour workshop can accommodate up to 25 participants and starts at $650

Two women, one wearing a black top and the other in a white lab coat, examining an old, damaged circular painting or photograph on a table.

Condition Reporting Basics

  • Condition reports can be helpful for collection management, loans, insurance, and project prioritization. This hands-on workshop will teach participants how to identify and document condition issues in collections both accurately and efficiently. Participants will walk away with our condition reporting template and our preservation priority worksheet.

  • This full-day, on-site workshop starts at $2,250 and can accommodate up to 20 participants. Customization is available.

A woman giving a presentation to a group seated around a large white table in a room with a sloped wooden ceiling. The screen displays a slide titled 'Who is responding?' with bullet points and an image.

Emergency Response Intensive

  • Emergency planning is essential for collecting institutions. This workshop will take participants through a series of “tabletop exercises” that test organizational readiness and reveal potential weaknesses that can be addressed BEFORE an actual emergency occurs. Participants will walk away from the workshop with an emergency planning guide that includes resources, references, and recommendations.

  • This full-day, on-site workshop starts at $2,650 and can accommodate up to 30 participants. Customization is available.