BC HERN hands-on workshops provide training and guidance on emergency response and collections salvage (mixed and archival materials).
These in-person intensive 2-day workshops are for keepers of cultural heritage who have little to no training in emergency response related to collections as well as for those who wish to build on existing experience and knowledge.
Instruction and practice on key salvage techniques will build the confidence needed to help in emergency situations. The workshop will include hands-on salvage of objects impacted by water and fire.
Upcoming Salvage Training Workshops
February 19-20th – New Westminster, BC
Click here to register for our workshop in New Westminster
Anvil Centre, New Westminster, BC
February 19-20th, 2026
$125 registration fee.
Lunch inclusive. Contact heidi@bchern.ca if cost is a barrier. No fee for indigenous organizations, contact us for details.
April 8-9th – Smithers, BC
Click here to register for our workshop in Smithers
Bulkley Valley Museum, Smithers, BC
April 8-9th, 2026
$45 registration fee.
Use code “BCHERN” to receive a 25% discount for accommodations at Prestige Hudson Bay Lodge & Conference Centre if you book before March 27th, 2026.
Lunch inclusive. Contact heidi@bchern.ca if cost is a barrier. No fee for indigenous organizations, contact us for details.
April 28-29th – Montreal, Québec
Click here to register for our workshop in Montreal
McCord Museum, Montreal, Québec
April 28-29th, 2026
$125 registration fee.
Lunch inclusive. Contact heidi@bchern.ca if cost is a barrier. No fee for indigenous organizations, contact us for details.
Workshops Goals
- Building confidence to engage in emergency situations
- Gaining skills in the salvage of museum and archival collections
- Developing a supportive professional network by connecting with others in the region
Workshops Content
- Introduction to the BC HERN
- Case Studies – the anatomy of an emergency
- Health & Safety including the psychology of responders
- Documentation of site and collections
- Salvage primer – care and response techniques for collections salvage
- Problem-solve an emergency scenario through a tabletop emergency response exercise
- Hands-on exercise involving a variety of salvage techniques that can be used to improve outcomes for water-damaged collections
From the participants
“Fantastic encapsulated experience for disaster response.”
‘This workshop is a great job of teaching the basics (and more). I feel a lot more competent when it comes to dealing with a disaster and salvaging items.”
“I took a lot away about how to improve our disaster planning, but I also appreciate the hands-on training, as that feels like the daunting part of an emergency.”
Completion of the collections salvage workshop is required in order to become a member of the BC HERN.
These workshops are supported by Canadian Heritage’s Museum Assistance Programme.