Tag Archives: historic preservation
Training Begins in Iraq to Strengthen the Preservation of Libraries and Archives
Training has commenced in Baghdad under the project Preservation of Libraries and Archives in Iraq: Building Capacity for Preventive Conservation, implemented by HERITΛGE in partnership with The Academic Research Institute in Iraq (TARII) and the National Library and Archives of Iraq, with the support of the U.S. Embassy in Iraq.
A two-week specialised training course in document and archive preservation and management is currently underway at the National Library of Iraq. The training aims to strengthen the scientific and professional capacities of librarians and archivists, with a particular focus on preventive conservation and internationally recognised standards for the care and management of documentary heritage.
The course is delivered by an international team of experts, led by HERITΛGE’s Nicholas Saris and Maja Kominko. Through a combination of lectures and applied training, participants are introduced to practical conservation methodologies adapted to the Iraqi context.
Beyond technical training, the programme places strong emphasis on sustainability and institutional empowerment. Participants will develop and implement preservation projects within their respective institutions, supported by mentoring from the project team. The initiative also seeks to foster a national professional network, facilitating long-term knowledge exchange and cooperation among custodians of Iraq’s documentary heritage.
Through this project, HERITΛGE and its partners reaffirm their commitment to supporting the National Library and Archives of Iraq in its leading role in safeguarding the country’s documentary collections and strengthening the capacities of heritage professionals to preserve Iraq’s national memory for future generations.
HERITΛGE at PastForward 2024
The Heritage Management Organization (HERITΛGE) was honored to be one of the sponsors of the PastForward 2024 Conference, organized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the historic city of New Orleans, Louisiana, from October 28 to 30.
This year’s conference held special significance as it marked the 75th anniversary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It showcased the evolving field of preservation, set against the backdrop of New Orleans—a city renowned for its vibrant culture, rich history, and resilience.
Themed around the interconnected nature of heritage preservation, PastForward 2024 tackled three pressing challenges facing the United States today:
- Creating Climate Resilience Through Historic Preservation
- Ensuring a Representative Preservation Movement
- Encouraging Historic Preservation-Based Community Development
These themes highlighted the potential of heritage preservation as a tool for addressing global issues, from environmental sustainability to social justice and urban revitalization.
HERITΛGE at the Conference
Representing HERITΛGE at the conference were Donna Wilson and Richard Brown, who engaged with heritage professionals from across the United States and beyond. Stationed at the organization’s booth in the exhibition salon, they introduced attendees to HERITΛGE’s impactful programs, including its efforts to train heritage professionals worldwide in managing cultural assets and fostering sustainable development.
The conference provided an excellent platform to share HERITΛGE’s expertise in areas such as:
- Training communities to safeguard heritage assets against climate threats.
- Promoting inclusive practices that ensure underrepresented groups are part of preservation narratives.
- Supporting grassroots heritage projects through microgrants and capacity-building programs.
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, HERITΛGE remains committed to advancing the interconnected practice of heritage preservation. We are proud to have been part of such an inspiring event and look forward to continuing our collaboration with heritage professionals in the United States and around the world.