Intermuseum Conservation Association

Intermuseum Conservation Association. Founded in 1952, it is one of the oldest non-profit regional conservation centers in the United States. Established to provide professional conservation services and support to museums and cultural institutions, it plays a critical role in preserving the material heritage of North America. The organization operates from its laboratory and administrative headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, serving a diverse membership across multiple states.

History

The association was established in 1952 through the collaborative efforts of several major Midwestern museums, including the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Allen Memorial Art Museum at Oberlin College, and the Toledo Museum of Art. Its creation was inspired by the pioneering model of the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University and aimed to address a critical shortage of professional conservation resources for institutions outside major coastal cities. Early leadership and guidance came from notable figures in the field such as William M. Milliken, then director of the Cleveland Museum of Art, and conservator Louis Pomerantz. The organization initially operated as a mobile service, with conservators traveling to member institutions, before establishing its first permanent laboratory in University Circle in the 1960s.

Services and programs

The association provides a comprehensive suite of conservation services for a wide range of materials, including paintings, works on paper, textiles, three-dimensional objects, and preventive care. Its staff of professional conservators conducts examinations, treatments, and scientific analysis using techniques like X-ray fluorescence and Multispectral imaging. Key programs include condition surveys, disaster preparedness planning, and collections risk assessments for member institutions. The organization also offers educational initiatives, such as workshops, internships, and public lectures, often in partnership with entities like the American Institute for Conservation and regional chapters of the American Alliance of Museums.

Member institutions

Membership is open to museums, historical societies, libraries, archives, and other collecting institutions, primarily within the Midwest and Northeast. The roster includes a diverse array of organizations, from major encyclopedic museums like the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Milwaukee Art Museum to smaller specialized entities such as the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums and the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens. Academic collections, including those at Oberlin College and Kenyon College, are also represented. This network facilitates resource sharing, collaborative projects, and access to expert conservation counsel that might otherwise be financially inaccessible to individual institutions.

Governance and funding

The association is governed by a Board of directors composed of representatives from member institutions, conservation professionals, and community leaders. Day-to-day operations are managed by an Executive director and a team of senior conservators. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, its funding is derived from a combination of service fees, annual membership dues, grants from foundations such as the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and private donations. This financial model ensures services remain accessible while supporting the center's operational sustainability, research initiatives, and educational outreach.

Impact and notable projects

The association has treated and preserved thousands of significant cultural objects, contributing substantially to the public trust in museums. Notable projects have included the conservation of the iconic Civil War-era painting *The* *Veteran in a New Field* by Winslow Homer for the Cleveland Museum of Art, major treatments on collections from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the preservation of archival materials related to the Underground Railroad for historical societies. Its work in preventive conservation helped institutions like the Canton Museum of Art develop long-term collections care plans following comprehensive surveys. The center's advocacy and practical work in the field have influenced professional standards and helped shape the development of the regional conservation center model across the United States.

Category:Art conservation organizations Category:Museum organizations based in the United States Category:Organizations based in Cleveland Category:Organizations established in 1952