ABSTRACT
Long-term preservation of objects is a stated goal of the conservation profession. In fact, the Preamble to the AIC Code of Ethics says it is the “primary goal,” and no other goal is mentioned!1
Preservation has two related meanings. In gross terms, it refers simply to assuring an object’s survival. A priority of the historic preservation movement, for example, is saving old buildings from demolition. But virtually all of the objects conservators treat are already in the care of some entity-an individual or institution-that wants to keep them. Preservation in this broad sense is therefore not primarily the responsibility of conservators. Our role, more often, is as a technical advisor to preservation efforts.
