The Washington Conservation Guild is 50 years old!
It is the time of year when I assess what I have accomplished so far and how much more I would like to do. One of the better things I have done has been to join the Washington Conservation Guild and become active in the local community. We are a dedicated group of people who work in conservation and related fields. We support our profession and celebrate the contributions of other professionals who inform us and our daily work.
On October 19, 1967 a small group met at what the Conservation Analytical Laboratory of the Museum of History and Technology. Their purpose was to form an organization for the exchange of information and to bring together conservators and collectors. In the intervening years, the WCG has grown considerably. WCG is now made up of people who work in conservation, in related fields, and are supporters of our profession. Our members hail from the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. This year, we have reached out to registrars and collection managers through the Smithsonian Institution Loans Forum and to health and safety professionals through the Potomac Chapter of the American Industrial Hygiene Association, as well as to the local chapter of the National Emerging Museum Professionals Network.
So, we have reached our 50th anniversary with a renewed energy to grow our organization and provide the members more opportunities to hear and meet professionals in conservation and in allied fields, and, to attend special events. However, we are facing rising costs. Meeting venues that once were available to us at no cost, are now charging fees for use of the space, for the use of audio-visual equipment, and for security.
You can help in two ways. Please encourage your colleagues, both conservators and allied professionals, to join. We even have a lower membership dues for students and pre-program interns. Dues are $35.00 and student membership is $25.00.
And, please consider donating to the Washington Conservation. We are asking for a contribution of fifty bucks for fifty years ($50.00) or fifty cents for fifty years ($25.00), but a donation in any amount would be appreciated. As a fully 501(c)(3) organization, membership dues as well as all contributions are tax deductible.
Membership dues and donations can be made through our website washingtonconservationguild.org
I thank you in advance for your support of WCG. I look forward to meeting any new members you have encouraged to join, as well as saying hello to you. Have a question? Email us at wcg@washingtonconservationguild.org
Sincerely,
Jane E Klinger
President
