Nantucket Historical Association Hosts International Program on…

The Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) is hosting a four-week international program focused on climate action and sustainable heritage conservation. This initiative involves professionals from several countries, aiming to enhance restoration efforts at the Whaling Museum while developing strategies for climate resilience in cultural heritage sites. The course will feature lectures, workshops, and site visits, culminating in presentations to share knowledge with the public.

The Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) is proud to announce that it will be hosting a group of international professionals for a four-week program titled “Climate Action for Sustainable Built Heritage Conservation and Management.” The program aims to contribute to the restoration of the Candle Factory North Wall of the Whaling Museum, which commenced earlier this month. This initiative is part of broader flood mitigation and resilience efforts currently being implemented on Nantucket. Niles Parker, Executive Director of NHA, expressed excitement about the launch of this initiative, stating, “We are thrilled to launch this program and continue this critical work that has been two years in the making since we hosted our first symposium on climate change conservation and protection with the National Park Service back in 2022; and had our first eight-week program to evaluate the conditions of each of the NHA’s properties with students and working professionals in the summer of 2023.” This program will foster collaborative relationships with expert partners from the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) and Integrated Conservation Resources, Inc. (ICR). These partnerships are crucial for identifying and executing priority restoration projects aimed at protecting the island’s historic structures from climate-related risks. Out of approximately 200 candidates, 11 professionals from various countries, including Japan, Iraq, Albania, Spain, Kenya, Portugal, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Jamaica, and India, have been selected to participate in this program. The course, which commenced on October 28 and will continue through November 22, encompasses objectives such as assessing climate risks to built heritage, developing effective monitoring and adaptation strategies, and fostering an international network of skilled experts. Participants will engage in lectures, interactive workshops, and site visits to NHA’s ongoing restoration projects, culminating in presentations that will be made public. Glenn Boornazian from Integrated Conservation Resources, Inc. remarked on the necessity of generating site-specific data to understand climate change threats, stating, “One idea that we all agreed on at the symposium in 2022 is that there is a great deal of data that has been generated on climate change at an overarching level, but there is no real site-specific data that helps us understand threats and therefore design conservation and stabilization solutions to address those threats on the ground.” He emphasized the importance of taking action to produce valuable data for heritage sites worldwide. In January 2024, the NHA will formalize a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with ICCROM to reinforce their commitment to collaborative research, training, and practical projects that aim to shape global policies and methodologies for addressing climate challenges in the realm of built heritage conservation. This partnership represents a pioneering effort set to greatly enhance the protection of Nantucket’s historical sites while also contributing to the global conservation discourse via ICCROM’s extensive networks. Rohit Jigyasu, Ph.D., Programme Manager at ICCROM, noted the significance of this collaboration, stating, “ICCROM is looking very much forward to collaborate with the Nantucket Historical Association and Integrated Conservation Resources, Inc. for this pioneering training course that will help in building capacities of professionals from around the world to protect and manage built heritage from the increasing impact of climate change.” ICCROM, headquartered in Rome, is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the conservation of cultural heritage worldwide. As a UNESCO-funded entity established post-World War II, it aims to foster cooperation among scientists, architects, and academic institutions to devise restoration and conservation strategies for cultural sites that have endured damage due to conflict. With its unique position and extensive network, ICCROM stands as a pivotal institution in the field of cultural heritage conservation.

The Nantucket Historical Association is embarking on a significant initiative that addresses the intersection of cultural heritage and climate change. This program not only showcases the importance of restoring historical sites such as the Whaling Museum but also reflects a broader commitment to implementing sustainable practices while responding to the challenges posed by climate change. Through partnerships with esteemed organizations like ICCROM and ICR, the NHA aims to foster professional collaboration and share knowledge internationally.

In conclusion, the Nantucket Historical Association’s initiative to host the “Climate Action for Sustainable Built Heritage Conservation and Management” program marks a critical step in addressing climate change’s impact on cultural heritage. By actively engaging with international professionals and experts, the NHA aims to enhance resilience and develop strategies that protect Nantucket’s historic buildings. This collaborative effort will not only safeguard local sites but also contribute valuable insights to global conservation practices.

Original Source: nantucketcurrent.com