Canadian Conservation Institute

05/28/2026

🎉 We’re excited to announce a new partnership 🤝 between CCI and the Société des musées du Québec (SMQ)!

Together, we’re advancing a shared goal: helping heritage institutions in Quebec adopt sustainable climate control practices through outreach, awareness and training on CCI’s new “Climate Guidelines.” These guidelines balance preservation, energy use, costs and long-term access to collections.

Curious to learn more? Check out CCI’s updated “Climate Guidelines.”
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/preventive-conservation/climate-guidelines.html

We look forward to working with the SMQ to support more sustainable and resilient approaches to collection care.

05/22/2026

This , we’re reminiscing about the time when CCI scientists worked on a hockey sweater worn by Maurice “Rocket” Richard in the 1959 Stanley Cup playoffs. They used a portable Fourier transform infrared spectrometer to analyze a stain on the sweater and found that it was consistent with blood and was probably a result of some rough play on the ice. 🏒

05/19/2026

👀 Check out the Canadian Heritage Information Network’s (CHIN) updated digital preservation landing page.

You’ll find new links to tools and resources, such as “CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance,” as well as a more user-friendly navigation that categorizes the tools and resources by type of action: planning, selecting, storing, etc.

With links to 41 tools and resources from CHIN and other organizations, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

🔗 https://www.canada.ca/en/heritage-information-network/services/digital-preservation.html

05/19/2026

05/14/2026

🔍✨ Go behind the scenes of the treatment of a 1907 view camera from the Musée Colby-Curtis / Société historique de Stanstead . 🏛️

Last year, we posted that Conservator Anne-Stéphanie Etienne would perform a conservation and restoration treatment on a view camera once owned by John Joel Parker. This first video showcases the before treatment process. Watch it to find out how she uses the manufacturer’s sales catalogues, photographic documentation as well as scientific imaging and analysis in order to identify the view camera’s model, construction and materials and to develop a treatment proposal.

Discover how the process unfolds below, and stay tuned for our next video! ⬇️

View Camera, Before Treatment

05/13/2026

👀 Looking for a key reference work on the management of heritage environments?

If so, check out “The Museum Environment Revisited: Managing Heritage Environments in the 21st Century.” This book brings together contributions from leading international experts working in heritage fields and explores topics such as environmental monitoring, integrated pest management and sustainability. It also includes a chapter on light, co-authored by CCI’s own Eric Hagan.

📔 The book re-examines concepts from Garry Thompson’s landmark work through a contemporary lens. It is designed to support gallery, library, archive and museum professionals in making more sustainable, evidence-based decisions regarding environmental control.

Contact the CCI Library to borrow a copy of the book for free: [email protected].

🔗 https://www.routledge.com/The-Museum-Environment-Revisited-Managing-Heritage-Environments-in-the-21st-Century/ThompsonWebb-Smith/p/book/9781032583846

05/12/2026

📅Mark your calendars! On Saturday, June 6, 2026, come visit us during .🚪

This annual event is a unique opportunity to learn more about the work we do at the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) and the Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN). Come discover how we help preserve cultural heritage in Canada, explore areas that are usually off limits to the public and meet our dedicated professionals.

➡️ CCI and CHIN are located at 1030 Innes Road in Ottawa. Visiting hours are from 10 am to 4 pm on June 6.

For more information about Doors Open Ottawa, visit:
🔗 https://ottawa.ca/en/arts-heritage-and-events/doors-open-ottawa

04/30/2026

Is your area affected by wildfires?🔥If so, contact CCI’s emergency line for guidance on the salvage and recovery of objects and collections.

We’re here to support your heritage institution. We also maintain a list of resources for individuals seeking information on salvaging personal valuables.

Three quick tips! 👇

➡️Prepare: If you have an emergency plan, review the relevant sections and ensure that all contact information is up to date. If possible, take steps to limit smoke and fire damage, such as clearing combustible materials from around the building, closing air intakes and removing priority objects.

➡️Monitor: Stay connected with your team and municipality to stay informed on how wildfires and their related responses, including evacuation orders, could affect your heritage institution. Personnel safety and mental health are top priorities.

➡️Respond: Do not re-enter an evacuation zone or your building until you have permission to do so. When you do return, document the extent of damage thoroughly before salvaging collection objects. Minimize the handling of objects impacted by soot to reduce the risk of particles becoming embedded in surfaces.

🔗 https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/corporate/emergency-advice.html

04/24/2026

🚨Save the date for our advanced professional development workshop "Crime Prevention Though Environmental Design."

📅 From November 17 to 19, 2026, join us in Ottawa to discover ways to discourage criminal activity at your heritage institution and make sure staff and visitors feel safe, while enhancing security for your collections. Stay tuned for registration details.

03/30/2026