Services
Do you have any conservators on staff?
No, there are no trained conservators on staff at the institute. The staff is primarily made up of association/arts non-profit professionals. Your questions are best answered by a trained conservator, which you can find by using our Find a Professional tool.
Is there anyone I can ask for advice if I want to restore something myself?
You may Find a Professional who offers Consultation or Teaching services, but please be prepared to compensate them for their time.
How much will a conservator charge for their services?
The fees charged by conservators vary greatly depending on location, level of education and experience, the difficulty of the project, and the value of the objects being treated. Conservators establish rates on an individual basis.
How do I know the conservators you list are qualified?
We only list peer-reviewed members in Find a Professional. All have undergone our peer-reviewed Professional Membership application process. A body of their peers recognized by the field reviewed their training, knowledge, and experience.
Can I get something appraised?
Conservation professionals can identify or provide more information about an object, but they should not appraise it for any monetary value. We recommend that you only solicit appraisals from someone who is a designated appraisal expert, which you can find by visiting the websites of either the Appraisers Association of America at www.appraisersassoc.org or the American Society of Appraisers at www.appraisers.org.
Where can I find archival storage materials?
Visit our Conservation Vendors and Products page for the latest in conservation products.
Careers
How do I become a conservator?
Please visit our Become a Conservator page for information on the steps you can to take to become a conservator.
Do you offer internships?
As an administrative office for the association, we do not offer any conservation internships or fellowships. We suggest that you search for those opportunities in our Career Center.
Membership
Can anyone become a member? How do I become one?
Yes, any individual or institution that has an interest in the field of conservation can become an Associate or Institutional member. Go to our Membership page to learn more about becoming a member.
Can I become a member even if I'm not a U.S. citizen or resident?
Yes, see our
Join page to learn more about becoming a member.
How can I support the field without becoming a member?
You can make a donation to the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation (FAIC). The foundation supports conservation education, research, and outreach activities that increase understanding of our global cultural heritage. If you want to learn more about topics in conservation and support the foundation's work, consider becoming a Friend of Conservation.