Hands-on Salvage Workshop at the Shelburne Museum (VT)

Please join the Shelburne Museum staff on June 17th for a hands-on workshop, cosponsored by the Collections Care & Conservation Alliance (CCCA) and the Vermont Historical Records Program (VHRP), on salvaging burned materials.  You will learn the different causes of damage during a fire, how to salvage a variety of materials and how to mitigate damage before a disaster strikes. This workshop will include hands-on salvage of objects impacted by fire and is free thanks to funding from the National Historical Publications & Records Commission (NHPRC).

To register for this workshop please email Allison Harig at aharig@shelburnemuseum.org. Please specify any food preferences (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free) and any specific types of objects you would like to learn how to salvage!

Hands-on Salvage Workshop at Shelburne Museum

June 17, 2025

9:30-10:00am: Welcome

10:00-12:00: Presentation by Johanna Pinney, assistant project conservator (and CCCA member), discussing causes of damage, salvaging, and mitigation followed by a tabletop exercise.

12:00-1:00: Lunch, provided by Shelburne Museum (Pizza and salads from Folino’s)

1:00-3:30: Hands-on experience with burnt object

3:30-4:00: Questions and Conclusions

Who Should Attend 

This workshop is for keepers of cultural heritage who have little to no training in emergency response related to collections as well as for those who wish to build on existing experience and knowledge. 

What to Expect

You will get dirty! The objects will be wet, and soot covered, we ask you to wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty and/or bringing an apron. We will provide aprons and other PPE (masks, gloves, etc.) to those who don’t have them. The afternoon session will be held outside rain or shine.