Join us for a breakfast reception and registration from 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., where you can enjoy a light meal while checking in and networking with fellow attendees before the event begins.

SPEAKER

Mark E. Wallace, 

Director, Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Protection Services and Chair for the National Conference on Cultural Property Protection

The 2025 National Conference on Cultural Property Protection will open with a keynote address from Meroë Park, Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Smithsonian Institution. Deputy Secretary and COO Park will welcome attendees and set the stage for the conference’s focus on the importance of leveraging partnerships in cultural property protection, ethical returns and shared stewardship of objects, and the evolving role of federal institutions in safeguarding heritage.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) is dedicated to serving as a national and global resource for understanding Asian arts, cultures, and societies and their intersection with the United States. Reflecting on NMAA’s history and evolving role, Director Chase F. Robinson will speak about the museum’s commitment to building a future through collaboration, sharing and building knowledge, skills, and capacity across the sector.     

Acknowledging the polycentric world shaped by Asia’s cultural and economic influence, the museum envisions a future grounded in shared partnerships and the democratization of cultural knowledge. NMAA is rethinking traditional museum practices, as will be examined through the museum’s partnerships with Yemen, Cambodia, and Afghanistan. 

Over the past few years, NMAA has collaborated with the Embassy of the Republic of Yemen to care for about 80 objects that had been looted and sold into the international market of smuggled antiquities. The U.S. government seized these pieces and legally repatriated them to Yemen. Several are displayed temporarily in the museum, where they tell the story not only of Yemen’s history but also of the impact of looting and trafficking of antiquities.      

In Cambodia, the museum is partnering with the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts to support Cambodian museum professionals with capacity-building activities. This will lead to a co-curated exhibition focusing on repatriated Cambodian cultural heritage.     

With the former director of the Afghanistan National Museum, Omara Khan Massoudi, the museum has collected an oral history, now available in its archives, documenting his and colleagues’ heroic efforts to save thousands of invaluable artifacts during a time of war and destruction, shining a light on the issue of cultural preservation during conflict.    

These examples from NMAA’s global partnerships define the museum’s approach to collaboratively advancing the preservation and protection of cultural heritage, provenance research, and object histories. 

Embark on a gripping journey through the past year’s most impactful incidents threatening museums, libraries, and archives. This dynamic presentation unravels the stories behind the damage, distills critical lessons learned, and uncovers emerging trends. Join us to explore proactive strategies for shielding our cultural treasures from future harm. 

Since its founding in 2006, the SiLK network has promoted a preventive, collaborative approach to cultural property protection (CPP). By engaging a broad range of professionals — conservators, security specialists, risk managers, registrars, scientists, and administrators — SiLK supports institutions such as museums, libraries, archives, and heritage sites through practical tools, training, and advocacy.

This session will highlight the diverse, multidisciplinary networks that SiLK has built and participated in, including the triennial international SiLK conferences and the development of the SiLK Guidelines for the Protection of Cultural Property, an interactive online tool available in German, English, and Arabic. The tool helps institutions evaluate and strengthen their CPP efforts with expert-informed solutions and resources.

Attendees will also learn about SiLK’s coordination of Germany’s nationwide Preparedness Networks for Cultural Property Protection, which bring cultural institutions together to plan and respond to emergencies. The session will touch on SiLK’s involvement in the European Committee for Standardization (CEN/TC 346), as well as its broader efforts in training, policy advising, and international collaboration. Together, these activities have positioned SiLK as a leading platform for sustainable, cross-sector CPP initiatives.

Lunch provided:

• Lunch will be provided with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options for those who requested it. Those special meals will have your name on the box and be separate from the others. Notify staff when you get to the selection table.
• You’re welcome to eat in the ArtLab room, museum lobby, or take your meal outdoors on the plaza.
• Please no open containers in the museum.

Menu:

CHICKEN ELOTE SALAD (GF): Grilled Chicken, Mesclun, Red Cabbage, Elote Corn Salad, Tomato, Black Beans, Queso Fresco, Tortilla Strips And Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing

NICOISE SALAD WITH SIRLOIN (GF): Grilled Sirloin, Romaine, Mixed Greens, Red Bliss Potatoes, Hericot Vert, Kalamata Olives, Baby Heirloom Tomatoes, Beets And Fried Chickpeas With Dijon Vinaigrette

RSVP COBB WITH GRILLED SHRIMP (GF): Grilled Shrimp, Romaine, Crushed Avocado, Hard-Boiled Egg, Baby Heirloom Tomatoes, Red Onion, Blue Cheese And Smoked Sweet Potatoes With Basil Ranch Dressing

SHAWARMA BOWL WITH TOFU (GF,VG): Tofu, Arugula, Mesclun, Harissa Quinoa, Spice Roasted Cauliflower, Raisins, Red Cabbage, Cilantro, Crispy Chickpeas And Lemon Tahini Vinaigrette

PRETZEL ROLL & CIABATTA BUN SANDWICHES: Choice of: Curry Chicken Salad, Roasted Turkey, Ancho Roast Beef, Italian Ham, Chickpea Salad, with Potato or Fruit Salad

This presentation chronicles the city of Pasadena’s strategic response to the Eaton fire, highlighting the extensive preparation, coordinated emergency efforts, and community-focused recovery operations. Beginning with a background on proactive measures taken in response to severe windstorm notifications the week prior, this presentation outlines the courageous actions of first responders, including life and property-saving efforts. It emphasizes the city’s use of a multi-notification system, the evacuation of skilled nursing facilities, and the establishment of support infrastructure, including a disaster recovery center, shelter, and command center. The presentation concludes with recognition of the collaborative efforts of all city departments and a heartfelt thanks to those who protected and supported the community during a critical time.

The second part of the presentation is from the response of the city of Los Angeles to the Palisades Fire from the vantage point of the city’s Emergency Management Department. This will include a description of how the department’s outreach is designed to help residents and businesses prepare for disasters such as these horrible fires. The Emergency Management Department’s Emergency Operation Center was activated for several months as it coordinated the response to the fires and the subsequent mudslides in the Palisades area. The department had added a focus onto natural and cultural resources within the city, and this discussion will explain how the city has prepared to protect these resources, as well as what they have been doing to help them recover from the LA fires.

As cities host globally recognized events such as presidential inaugurations, state funerals, national memorial services and high-profile media events like the Met Gala, museum security leaders face unique operational challenges. These large-scale gatherings bring increased foot traffic, heightened public attention, and elevated security risks that ripple into surrounding institutions, including museums.

This expert panel brings together seasoned security professionals from the museum sector to share best practices in planning, coordinating, and responding to major citywide events. From intelligence sharing with federal agencies to street-level coordination with local law enforcement, panelists will explore successful interagency partnerships and discuss protocols tailored to cultural institutions. Attendees will gain insight into risk assessment models, crowd control strategies, and continuity planning that ensure public safety while preserving accessibility and the visitor experience.

Join us for a dynamic conversation that highlights how museum leaders are redefining security leadership during periods of urban spotlight — and helping ensure that culture remains secure and open to all, even amid the world’s biggest events.

At a time when many museums face significant financial and staffing limitations, the responsibility of safeguarding cultural property often rests on the ingenuity of small, dedicated teams. This session highlights institutions that have transformed these challenges into opportunities — leveraging community partnerships, local networks, and innovative problem-solving to protect and preserve their collections.

Attendees will gain insights from museum professionals who have developed collaborative strategies to navigate limited resources. While the session is relevant for institutions of all sizes, it will especially benefit those operating without substantial funding or endowments. Through shared experiences and actionable approaches, the session demonstrates how partnership-based models can strengthen cultural property protection from the ground up.

This presentation will explore the critical issue of insider threats within museums, examining the latest data regarding activism, particularly how certain forms of activism may evolve into insider-driven threats and the various forms these threats can take, including theft, vandalism, sabotage, and unauthorized access or disclosure of sensitive information. It outlines the different types of insiders — such as disgruntled employees, opportunists, contractors, and even trusted long-term staff — highlighting how their access and familiarity with institutional procedures can be exploited. The presentation also delves into interpreting museum thefts with a structured analytical approach known as “crime scripting,” which emphasizes proactive strategies to identify, map, assess, and mitigate these internal vulnerabilities by outlining strategic intervention points for security and law enforcement.

SPEAKER

During the dinner reception, Hirshhorn exhibits will be open for your enjoyment. 

Basquiat × Banksy

Revolutions: Art from the Hirshhorn Collection, 1860–1960

Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen

Mark Bradford: Pickett’s Charge

Network with peers in the cultural property protection field and enjoy private access to galleries. 

Visit vendors downstairs in the Barbara Kruger Exhibit.

The Hirshhorn is located prominently on the National Mall, at the corner of 7th St. SW and Independence Ave. SW. 

Metro and Bus 

The closest Metro station is L’Enfant Plaza (Green, Yellow, Orange, and Blue lines). The DC Circulator bus runs every 10 minutes throughout the National Mall and costs $1. Get off at stop 14, just north of the Hirshhorn. Children under 5 ride free with a paying adult rider. Cash (exact change) and SmarTrip® cards are accepted. The free Southwest Shuttle runs every 10 minutes among the Southwest Waterfront, L’Enfant Plaza, and the Hirshhorn. Get off at the National Mall stop, just south of the Hirshhorn. 

Bike 

Bike parking is available near the museum’s entrance, just off Independence Ave. SW. The closest bike share is Capital Bikeshare at 7th St. SW and C St. NW, a block south of the museum. 

Parking 

Street parking is limited; please read signs carefully for parking hours and permit restrictions. Parking is available along Jefferson Drive SW for visitors with disabilities. The closest parking garages are at L’Enfant Plaza (480 L’Enfant Plaza SW) and Capital Gallery (600 Maryland Ave. SW). 

Connect to the free Wi-Fi network: si-visitor. 

Talking on mobile phones is not permitted in the galleries or auditorium. 

Pack lightly for ease of entry and comfort in the galleries. Large bags and backpacks are not recommended. All visitor items are subject to security check. 

The following items are prohibited at all museums: 

• Sharp items such as knives (including pocket or “Swiss Army” style knives), screwdrivers, scissors 
• Firearms 
• Pepper spray and Mace 

Lunch will be provided to attendees with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.  

Enjoy provided lunch in the ArtLab room, museum lobby, or outdoors on the plaza.  

Other lunch and snack options throughout the day:

Dolcezza Coffee & Gelato at Hirshhorn 

Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  

Grab a snack at Dolcezza, the museum lobby’s café.   

Throughout the day, you can enjoy locally sourced and handcrafted gelato, specialty espresso drinks, and gourmet pastries in a stunning contemporary setting designed by world-renowned artist Hiroshi Sugimoto. 

Voted both “Best Coffee Shop” and “Best Gelato” in The Washington Post’s Best of DC 2017, Dolcezza offers: 

• Seasonal daily-made gelato 

• Espresso drinks 

• Drip and iced coffee 

• Nitro cold brew 

• Teas and chai 

• Gourmet sweet and savory pastries 

  Art and food don’t mix: please remember that food and drink are not allowed in the galleries.