Everyday Preparedness: Managing Risk Before, During & After a Museum Emergency

Emergencies at cultural institutions do not always begin as major disasters. A leaking roof, failed HVAC system, burst pipe, security breach, or unexpected power outage can quickly put people, buildings, and collections at risk. Being prepared means understanding everyday vulnerabilities and knowing what to do when something goes wrong.

This interactive workshop will help staff from museums and cultural institutions build practical, realistic approaches to risk management and emergency preparedness; especially when staffing, budgets, and resources are limited. Participants will explore how to identify and prioritize institutional risks, respond to facilities and security incidents, protect people and collections, document damage, and know when to call outside professionals. Real-world examples and a tabletop emergency scenario will challenge participants to work through the critical stages of an incident. Participants will identify key contacts, community partners, conservators, vendors, first responders, policies, supplies, and training needs they can take back to their organizations.

Designed with small and mid-sized cultural institutions in mind, this workshop emphasizes that effective preparedness does not require a dedicated emergency-management team; it begins with knowing your risks, your resources, and who to call when something happens. 

Featured speakers:

Amanda Keller, Executive Director at Wilton House Museum

Tracy Bryan, Senior Director of Facilities at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture

Erica Borey, Archivist at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Elyse Werling, Director of Interpretation & Collections at Preservation Virginia

Kathy Garrett-Cox, Curator and Director of Historical Resources and Collections at Maymont

Boxed lunch option available.

Workshop sponsored by: