[MassHistPres] Smithsonian Heritage Emergency and Response Training (HEART) Call for Applications

[Doherty, Jennifer @ SEC]

Smithsonian Heritage Emergency and Response Training (HEART) Call for Applications

Applications due Thursday, September 26, 2024

For more information or to apply<https://culturalrescue.si.edu/heritage-emergency-and-response-training-heart-call-applications>

In 2015 the Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative (SCRI) became the co-sponsor, with FEMA's Office of Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (OEHP), of the Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF), a public- private partnership created to protect our nation's cultural heritage. Both SCRI and OEHP are committed to expanding training for U.S. cultural stewards, first responders, and emergency managers to better prepare them to work together to address emergencies and disasters that affect cultural institutions and historic sites.

In 2017, HENTF created this training opportunity for U.S.-based professionals to gain skills and experience in disaster response for cultural heritage. SCRI hosted the inaugural Heritage Emergency and Response Training (HEART) for 25 participants selected from a range of museums, libraries, archives, and emergency management organizations representing 21 states and the Territory of Puerto Rico. In March and June of 2018, HENTF brought HEART to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, respectively. Previously, SCRI has successfully supported and hosted this type of training for international participants as part of its six-year partnership with ICCROM and the Prince Claus Fund for the First Aid for Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis (FAC) training program.

HEART combines the important principles of the internationally recognized FAC methodology with context-specific information for a U.S. audience. HEART goals are to improve U.S. disaster response at the institutional level, strengthen existing networks, and connect participants to the network of people trained to document and protect cultural heritage in times of crisis. Participants will learn to be proactive in determining risk for collections, respectful of local context, and, after completing their training, ready to support measures to protect cultural heritage at their respective institutions and in their own communities. Please note, the HEART program does not accept applications from international professionals, Smithsonian Institution staff, and staff of FEMA.

The Training Structure
The course consists of three parts. Accepted applicants will be required, before the start of the program, to complete FEMA's online course "Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS 100)," as well as pre-course readings. Participants will travel to Washington, DC, for a week of hands-on training at the Smithsonian Institution from December 9-13, 2024, with travel days on December 8 and 14. HEART sessions will provide realistic, hands-on training in damage assessment, rapid documentation, emergency evacuation and salvage, rehousing and storage, crisis communication, team building, and more. After the training, graduates will join the larger HEART alumni network and can participate in future online educational sessions that reinforce concepts covered during the in-person training.

Who should apply?
Selection of participants will be made on a competitive basis. The course team will select 25 participants from cultural heritage and first responder/emergency management organizations or agencies who work in the United States, U.S. territories, or Indian Country. Since the successful recovery of heritage collections is based on collaboration among many different types of professionals, the goal of HEART is to train a group with diverse backgrounds. Therefore, both cultural heritage professionals and first responder/emergency management professionals are encouraged to apply for the training.

For more information or to apply<https://culturalrescue.si.edu/heritage-emergency-and-response-training-heart-call-applications>


Jennifer B. Doherty
Local Government Programs Coordinator
Massachusetts Historical Commission
220 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125-3314
Office: (617) 727-8470
Remote: (617) 807-0685
Jennifer.Doherty at sec.state.ma.us<mailto:Jennifer.Doherty at sec.state.ma.us>

Register for virtual workshops<https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/mhc/programs/workshops.htm>

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