Celebrating a Groundbreaking Achievement in Cultural Heritage Preservation

I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am of this project! This initiative marks a significant milestone as it is the first-time cultural heritage has been funded under the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) grant stream.

The impact on community museums and their dedicated volunteers has been profound. They now have robust disaster plans and trained disaster response teams, ensuring the preservation of our invaluable cultural heritage.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this project was the opportunity to bridge two critical sectors: emergency management and cultural heritage. Our joint forum brought these groups together for the first time, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas and strategies could be shared. This cross-sector collaboration is crucial for building resilient cultural institutions that can withstand and recover from disasters.

The project also produced a series of insightful videos, documenting the journey and the progress made. These videos serve as an educational resource and a source of inspiration for other cultural institutions looking to enhance their disaster preparedness. You can explore these videos through the provided link to see firsthand the transformative work that has been done.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RplS4039hc8&list=PLm4bv0Nue1Eaj0A-2byXavEFUJQGHV6Wm&index=12

Working alongside Dr. Heather Brown and Dr. Kristy Kokegei has been an absolute pleasure. Their expertise and dedication have been instrumental in guiding the community museums through the process of developing and implementing their disaster plans. The enthusiasm and commitment of the community museum volunteers have been equally inspiring. Their willingness to engage in this critical work has ensured that their institutions are better prepared to protect and preserve their collections in the face of potential disasters.

Looking ahead, I am excited to build upon this foundation with our public libraries. Collaborating with Jo Cooper, we aim to extend the reach and impact of our disaster preparedness initiatives. Public libraries, like community museums, are vital cultural institutions that play a significant role in preserving our collective heritage. By equipping them with the tools and knowledge to manage disaster risks, we can further strengthen the resilience of our cultural sector.

Stay tuned for more announcements as we continue to expand and enhance our efforts in disaster risk reduction for cultural heritage. This project has shown that with the right support and collaboration, we can make significant strides in safeguarding our cultural treasures for future generations. The journey has just begun, and I am excited to see where it will take us next.