April 23, 2026
Preservation Week (April 26–May 2) is a national initiative each year that highlights the importance of caring for our collective cultural heritage material, from museum works of art to personal and family heirlooms, keepsakes, and documents.
At Newfields, preservation happens largely behind the scenes through careful handling, environmental monitoring, and long-term planning. Even though not all staff work directly with the collection, preservation is something we all support in distinct ways across the museum.
Preservation work at Newfields includes:
Monitoring the indoor climate (temperature/humidity/light levels) to maintain conditions suitable for collections care
Using trained art handlers for moving and installing objects
Conducting condition checks and documenting changes over time
Selecting appropriate materials for storage and display
Planning exhibitions with long-term care in mind
Across departments, staff also contribute by helping prevent damage in galleries, striving to keep the museum clean and pest-free, sharing preservation values with donors and supporters, and reporting anything unusual to the Conservation team.
Preservation is a shared effort that depends on awareness across the museum. Small actions and clear communication can contribute in big way toward protecting the collection over time.
At home, these same ideas can be applied in simple ways. For example:
Storing photographs and keepsakes in cool, dry, stable environments rather than attics or basements
Keeping paper materials out of direct sunlight
Handling fragile items with clean hands
Avoiding tape or adhesives that can cause long term damage
Digitizing important items to create backups
Preservation does not have to be complicated. It is often about small, thoughtful choices that add up over time. Whether at work or at home, those choices help protect what we value and ensure it lasts!
