Conservators at MCI conduct conservation projects, technical studies, and research to further the preservation and technical understanding of the Smithsonian's collections, particularly related to MCI's traditional strengths in historical and archaeological materials and technologies. The Conservation Group develops conservation protocols and procedures that are as safe as possible for the staff, the collections, and the global environment. 

MCI staff members are extremely active in presenting their work to both the conservation community and other professional organizations. But increasingly, MCI is also reaching beyond its professional constituency to wider audiences.

MCI's Protecting Cultural Heritage Program supports education and technical assistance for protection of cultural heritage world-wide to improve global cultural stewardship especially in partnership with U.S. federal agencies and international organizations.

Top Stories

Introduction to Fundamentals in Conservation: A collaboration between SI, IICAH, and GF Introduction to Fundamentals in Heritage Conservation The Iraqi Institute for Conservation of Antiquities and Heritage in partnership with MCI posted a series of YouTube videos titled Introduction to Fundamentals in Heritage Conservation in English, Arabic and Kurdish.
A severely corroded iron Carpenter & Co. lock after removal of corrosion from the brass patent seal at upper left center, inscribed with the maker’s name and the royal arms of England. Lock Project The lock project began with a request to assist with determining the age and conservation of a severely corroded iron rim lock found during renovation of an historic house at the Smithsonian’s Environmental Research Center.
Two Iraqi heritage specialists practice stabilization and lifting techniques as part of a course at the Iraqi Institute for the Conservation of Antiquities and Heritage in Erbil, Iraq. Credit: Jessica S. Johnson Sustainable Capacity Building for Iraq’s Heritage Sector Two Iraqi heritage specialists practice stabilization and lifting techniques as part of a course at the Iraqi Institute for the Conservation of Antiquities and Heritage in Erbil, Iraq. Credit: Jessica S. Johnson
NMAH Ruby Slippers (Accession No. 1979.1230) undergoing micro-XRF analysis by MCI scientists Janet Douglas and Dr. Gwénaëlle Kavich. Smithsonian Assists FBI in Ruby Slippers Case NMAH Ruby Slippers (Accession No. 1979.1230) undergoing micro-XRF analysis by MCI scientists Janet Douglas and Dr. Gwénaëlle Kavich.
Jia-Sun Tsang, in collaboration with curators of Visual Art Collection at NMAAHC, Dr. Jacqueline Serwer and Dr. Tuliza Fleming to conserve and care for paintings and painted artwork in Visual Art Gallery from 2007 to 2022. Preservation of African American Paintings and Painted Artworks The Visual Art Gallery highlights the important contributions of American artists of African descent through a historic and thematic lens.