Out of an abundance of caution, this event is cancelled.  Please look for it again next Spring.

As part of Preservation Week, the Washington Conservation Guild and Fairfax County Public Libraries are hosting a public outreach event. Please spread the word!

May 2nd from 11 am to 2 pm
George Mason Regional Library

Are you interested in art, history, and science? Come and learn about the preservation of our nation’s heritage—both in museums and our homes! Please join us to find out about conservation with preservation tips from conservators on the care of personal artifacts.

The event will begin with a lecture introducing you to conservation: What is it? Why is it important? Who are conservators, and how do you find one? The lecture will also include fascinating details about recent local conservation treatments, including the ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz, Gilbert Stuart’s full-length portrait of George Washington, and some original drawings of political cartoons related to the women’s suffrage movement.

An exposition will follow the lecture, including:

Conservation demonstrations including silver polishing. Have you wondered how the silver in museums looks so good? Now is your chance to learn the technique and apply it to your own heirlooms!

A clinic where you can bring treasured items from home and discuss their preservation with a conservator who is an expert in the type of object you bring. Bring your quilts, silver, samplers, paintings, blankets, family photographs and documents, garments, baskets, costumes, ceramics, and ancestors’ baby clothes, etc. You can sign up here to reserve a slot. We will try and accommodate walk-ins as well.

A kids activity, where children will get to make their own book to take home!

Preservation information. Have you ever worried if you have stored your wedding dress or your grandmother’s quilt in a way that will allow it to last for generations? What about those historic family documents? We’ll have experts on hand to discuss with you how to archivally store these items, so they’ll be in good condition for generations to come.

Questions? Contact WCG@washingtonconservationguild.org. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @DCconservators. This event is public, and pictures may appear on WCG and Fairfax County’s website and social media accounts.