Tour of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) Archives
Thursday, February 27, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm.
PACA members were invited on an exclusive tour of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) Archives. Members of PAFA's Curatorial staff showed us around their galleries and archives while answering questions about storage, and ongoing HVAC renovation project. As an added treat, staffed pulled some special works on paper for our members to see some of the paper collection up close!
Thursday, February 27, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm.
PACA members were invited on an exclusive tour of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) Archives. Members of PAFA's Curatorial staff showed us around their galleries and archives while answering questions about storage, and ongoing HVAC renovation project. As an added treat, staffed pulled some special works on paper for our members to see some of the paper collection up close!
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Spring Social at PHS Pop Up South
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 5:30-7:30 p.m.
March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers... and the PACA Spring Holiday Party! Preservation professionals and enthusiasts from around Philadelphia gathered to meet old friends, make new ones, and mingle with colleagues at the beautiful PHS pop up garden bar on South Street. Guests enjoyed the weather, colorful drinks, pizza, and more hot dogs than we had ever seen before. A dog also joined the party!
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 5:30-7:30 p.m.
March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers... and the PACA Spring Holiday Party! Preservation professionals and enthusiasts from around Philadelphia gathered to meet old friends, make new ones, and mingle with colleagues at the beautiful PHS pop up garden bar on South Street. Guests enjoyed the weather, colorful drinks, pizza, and more hot dogs than we had ever seen before. A dog also joined the party!
Tour of Drexel University's Robert & Penny Fox Historical Costume Collection
Thursday, February 29, 2024 - 4:00-5:30 p.m.
PACA members visited the storage vaults of the Robert & Penny Fox Historical Costume Collection at Drexel University. Monica Stevens Smyth, their Collections Manager, led our group for a behind the scenes tour. The collection boasts some 14,000 articles of fashionable garments, textiles and accessories. Among her personal favorite artifacts were an early GAP t-shirt with a printed wizard image, a muddied pair of 501 jeans documented to have been worn at the original Woodstock Festival in 1969, and the well known coral encrusted evening gown gifted by Her Serene Highness, Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco.
By lucky happenstance, Professor Pamela Yau, Co-Curator for their CHASING THE DRAGON (China in the Western Imagination) exhibition, arrived to lead an in depth, personal tour for our group. Her exhibit highlights the influence of Chinese design throughout fashion history, including Western interpretations and imitation known as “Chinoiserie.” Professor Yau elaborated on the acknowledgement of historical cultural appropriation in the arts and “how the interpretation of Chinese culture has played an impact on perceptions and what it means for Asian and Asian American designers to take hold of the narrative through their own designs.”
Thursday, February 29, 2024 - 4:00-5:30 p.m.
PACA members visited the storage vaults of the Robert & Penny Fox Historical Costume Collection at Drexel University. Monica Stevens Smyth, their Collections Manager, led our group for a behind the scenes tour. The collection boasts some 14,000 articles of fashionable garments, textiles and accessories. Among her personal favorite artifacts were an early GAP t-shirt with a printed wizard image, a muddied pair of 501 jeans documented to have been worn at the original Woodstock Festival in 1969, and the well known coral encrusted evening gown gifted by Her Serene Highness, Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco.
By lucky happenstance, Professor Pamela Yau, Co-Curator for their CHASING THE DRAGON (China in the Western Imagination) exhibition, arrived to lead an in depth, personal tour for our group. Her exhibit highlights the influence of Chinese design throughout fashion history, including Western interpretations and imitation known as “Chinoiserie.” Professor Yau elaborated on the acknowledgement of historical cultural appropriation in the arts and “how the interpretation of Chinese culture has played an impact on perceptions and what it means for Asian and Asian American designers to take hold of the narrative through their own designs.”
Tour of the Penn Museum's Conservation Lab Annex
Saturday, November 24, 2023 - 10:30-11:30 a.m. - Penn CLA
PACA toured the Conservation Lab Annex (CLA), which functions as offsite storage and conservation lab space for monumental Egyptian sculpture being treated in preparation for the Penn Museum's Egyptian Gallery renovation. Current projects included limestone doorways inlaid with faience, monumental carved columns, and pylons from the palace complex of Merenptah. Members of the conservation team were onsite to share about their innovative work on these large scale objects. The tour was followed by coffee and donuts!
Saturday, November 24, 2023 - 10:30-11:30 a.m. - Penn CLA
PACA toured the Conservation Lab Annex (CLA), which functions as offsite storage and conservation lab space for monumental Egyptian sculpture being treated in preparation for the Penn Museum's Egyptian Gallery renovation. Current projects included limestone doorways inlaid with faience, monumental carved columns, and pylons from the palace complex of Merenptah. Members of the conservation team were onsite to share about their innovative work on these large scale objects. The tour was followed by coffee and donuts!
PACA 2023 General Meeting
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 - 2-7 p.m. - The Rosenbach Museum and Library
Tessa Gadomski, former Senior Co-Chair, welcomed the audience and introduced the
Board members. Barbara Chernyavsky, Treasurer, recounted PACA’s financial situation and estimated
budgeting for the year.
Seven speakers then began their presentations:
1). Temporary Gating and Venting Systems for Epoxy Resin Castings Facilitated by Transparent Silicone Rubber Molds, presented by Marlene Yandrisevits and Karen Stamm, working at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
2). Repeat Photography and Virtual Reconstruction of Los Santos de Angeles de Guevavi, Tumacacon National Historical Park, Arizona, presented by Ha Leem Ro, working at The Center for Architectural Conservation, Stuart Weitzman School of Design.
3). Conservation of Humbert Howard’s Three Nudes, presented by Charlotte Shepard and Carole Abercauph, working in a private practice.
4). Species Identification of Animal Organics in the Winterthur Collection Through Visual and Proteomic Analysis, presented by Lara Kaplan and Rosie Grayburn, working at the Department of Conservation, Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library.
5). Beyond Albumin! How William H. Rau’s Use of Photographic Materials Evolved Over Time, presented by Laura Wahl, working at the Hagley Museum and Library.
6). The Floating Cradle: A Mounting Solution for Light Books, presented by Lucía Torner, working for Torner Conservation.
7). A Sustainable Approach to Exhibiting Bound Volumes Using Standardized Cradle Mounts, presented by Elizabeth McDermott, working in private practice.
At the conclusion of the presentations, a reception was held in the Rosenbach gardens behind the townhouse and a good time was had by all. The General Meeting fostered a warm and collegial space where everyone felt welcome to participate and to share their thoughts and experiences. This was PACA's first General Meeting after a long pause due to the Covid pandemic and it was well attended by fifty people, from a variety of Institutions and Private Practices based in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 - 2-7 p.m. - The Rosenbach Museum and Library
Tessa Gadomski, former Senior Co-Chair, welcomed the audience and introduced the
Board members. Barbara Chernyavsky, Treasurer, recounted PACA’s financial situation and estimated
budgeting for the year.
Seven speakers then began their presentations:
1). Temporary Gating and Venting Systems for Epoxy Resin Castings Facilitated by Transparent Silicone Rubber Molds, presented by Marlene Yandrisevits and Karen Stamm, working at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
2). Repeat Photography and Virtual Reconstruction of Los Santos de Angeles de Guevavi, Tumacacon National Historical Park, Arizona, presented by Ha Leem Ro, working at The Center for Architectural Conservation, Stuart Weitzman School of Design.
3). Conservation of Humbert Howard’s Three Nudes, presented by Charlotte Shepard and Carole Abercauph, working in a private practice.
4). Species Identification of Animal Organics in the Winterthur Collection Through Visual and Proteomic Analysis, presented by Lara Kaplan and Rosie Grayburn, working at the Department of Conservation, Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library.
5). Beyond Albumin! How William H. Rau’s Use of Photographic Materials Evolved Over Time, presented by Laura Wahl, working at the Hagley Museum and Library.
6). The Floating Cradle: A Mounting Solution for Light Books, presented by Lucía Torner, working for Torner Conservation.
7). A Sustainable Approach to Exhibiting Bound Volumes Using Standardized Cradle Mounts, presented by Elizabeth McDermott, working in private practice.
At the conclusion of the presentations, a reception was held in the Rosenbach gardens behind the townhouse and a good time was had by all. The General Meeting fostered a warm and collegial space where everyone felt welcome to participate and to share their thoughts and experiences. This was PACA's first General Meeting after a long pause due to the Covid pandemic and it was well attended by fifty people, from a variety of Institutions and Private Practices based in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.
Mercer Museum Behind the Scenes Tour
Saturday, June 3, 2023 - 9-11 a.m. - The Mercer Museum
PACA was excited to offer a behind the scenes tour of the Mercer Museum. The Mercer Museum, located in Doylestown, is a six-story reinforced concrete castle designed by Henry Mercer and completed in 1916. Its core collection includes over 50,000 pre-Industrial tools. The tour, guided by Assistant Collections Manager Emma Falcon, included behind the scenes collections spaces, and attendees were welcome to stay afterwards and tour the rest of the museum independently.
Saturday, June 3, 2023 - 9-11 a.m. - The Mercer Museum
PACA was excited to offer a behind the scenes tour of the Mercer Museum. The Mercer Museum, located in Doylestown, is a six-story reinforced concrete castle designed by Henry Mercer and completed in 1916. Its core collection includes over 50,000 pre-Industrial tools. The tour, guided by Assistant Collections Manager Emma Falcon, included behind the scenes collections spaces, and attendees were welcome to stay afterwards and tour the rest of the museum independently.
PACA Meetup at the Rodin Museum Garden Bar
Saturday, September 23, 2022 - 5:30-7 p.m. - The Rodin Museum
PACA members and friends joined us for a meetup at the Rodin Museum's beautiful garden bar! We enjoyed refreshing beverages, some small plates, and the company of some PACA people. There was a free tour of the Rodin's Hands exhibit starting at 6:00pm for any interested attendees.
Saturday, September 23, 2022 - 5:30-7 p.m. - The Rodin Museum
PACA members and friends joined us for a meetup at the Rodin Museum's beautiful garden bar! We enjoyed refreshing beverages, some small plates, and the company of some PACA people. There was a free tour of the Rodin's Hands exhibit starting at 6:00pm for any interested attendees.
Eastern State Penitentiary Tour and Social Meetup
Saturday, March 26, 2022 - 1-3 p.m. - Eastern State Penitentiary and OCF Coffee
PACA hosted a private group tour of the historic Eastern State Penitentiary. Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells once held many of America's most notorious lawbreakers, including bank robber "Slick Willie" Sutton and Al Capone.
The tour began at 1:30pm at the front entrance. Attendees learned about the history of the site, cellblock design, and even got a behind-the-scenes look into the collections storage and archives.
Attendees joined us beforehand for a social meetup at OCF Coffee House across the street staring at 1:00pm.
Saturday, March 26, 2022 - 1-3 p.m. - Eastern State Penitentiary and OCF Coffee
PACA hosted a private group tour of the historic Eastern State Penitentiary. Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells once held many of America's most notorious lawbreakers, including bank robber "Slick Willie" Sutton and Al Capone.
The tour began at 1:30pm at the front entrance. Attendees learned about the history of the site, cellblock design, and even got a behind-the-scenes look into the collections storage and archives.
Attendees joined us beforehand for a social meetup at OCF Coffee House across the street staring at 1:00pm.
Mural Arts Tour
Saturday, November 6, 2021 - 2-3:30 p.m. - West Philadelphia
12 participants joined PACA for a preservation-focused walking tour with Mural Arts in West Philly. We gathered at 3801 Market Street (Legacy of Richard Allen Mural) at 2pm for a 90-minute walking tour to learn about Mural Arts' initiatives to save the landmark murals under their care. For more details about Mural Arts and the West Philly inspired walking tour, check out the Mural Arts website.
Saturday, November 6, 2021 - 2-3:30 p.m. - West Philadelphia
12 participants joined PACA for a preservation-focused walking tour with Mural Arts in West Philly. We gathered at 3801 Market Street (Legacy of Richard Allen Mural) at 2pm for a 90-minute walking tour to learn about Mural Arts' initiatives to save the landmark murals under their care. For more details about Mural Arts and the West Philly inspired walking tour, check out the Mural Arts website.
Atelier FAS Tour and Happy Hour
Wednesday, September 15, 2021 - 5:30-7 p.m. - Atelier FAS
On September 15, PACA celebrated our first in-person event in over a year! Guests enjoyed a tour of Atelier Fine Art Services workshop, warehouse, and gallery in Brewerytown, as well as a visit to neighboring Albertson & Nunan art conservation studio (now Flux Art Conservation) for lovely, late summer, outdoor happy hour.
Wednesday, September 15, 2021 - 5:30-7 p.m. - Atelier FAS
On September 15, PACA celebrated our first in-person event in over a year! Guests enjoyed a tour of Atelier Fine Art Services workshop, warehouse, and gallery in Brewerytown, as well as a visit to neighboring Albertson & Nunan art conservation studio (now Flux Art Conservation) for lovely, late summer, outdoor happy hour.
Inside the Wanamaker Organ
Wednesday, February 5, - 5:30-7 p.m. - Macy's, The Wanamaker Building
PACA members met at the at the eagle statue in the Center Court of the Macy's in the Wanamaker Building to enjoy a tour of the interior of the Wanamaker Organ, the world's largest fully functional pipe organ. We visited the organ repair workshop and parts of the organ's interior with restoration woodworker Scott Kip, who keeps the organ running. After the tour, attendees were welcome to stay for the 7 p.m. organ concert!
Wednesday, February 5, - 5:30-7 p.m. - Macy's, The Wanamaker Building
PACA members met at the at the eagle statue in the Center Court of the Macy's in the Wanamaker Building to enjoy a tour of the interior of the Wanamaker Organ, the world's largest fully functional pipe organ. We visited the organ repair workshop and parts of the organ's interior with restoration woodworker Scott Kip, who keeps the organ running. After the tour, attendees were welcome to stay for the 7 p.m. organ concert!
Lemon Hill Talk and Tour + Parks on Tap!
Thursday, September 5, 2019 - 6-8 p.m. - Lemon Hill Mansion
Attendees joined PACA to enjoy a talk and tour of Lemon Hill mansion with Lucy Strackhouse, Senior Director of Preservation & Property Management for the Fairmount Park Conservancy - followed by drinks at the Parks on Tap pop-up bar!
Thursday, September 5, 2019 - 6-8 p.m. - Lemon Hill Mansion
Attendees joined PACA to enjoy a talk and tour of Lemon Hill mansion with Lucy Strackhouse, Senior Director of Preservation & Property Management for the Fairmount Park Conservancy - followed by drinks at the Parks on Tap pop-up bar!
Art, Science, Invention: Conservation and the Peale-Sellers Family
Thursday, July 18, 2019 - 5:30-7 p.m. - Benjamin Franklin Hall, American Philosophical Society
At this book launch, PACA Past Co-Chair Renée Wolcott shared the work behind her new book from the APS Press, Art, Science, Invention: Conservation and the Peale-Sellers Family. She discussed the conservation treatment of items from the Peale-Sellers Family Collection, the world's largest collection of materials related to Charles Willson Peale and his many relations.
This collection served as the basis for two APS exhibitions in 2017: the Museum's Curious Revolutionaries: The Peales of Philadelphia and the Library's Conservation and the Peale-Sellers Family Collection. In preparation for these exhibits, the current APS conservation staff repaired 53 of the 75 Library items selected for display in the Museum, and 14 of 43 items selected for display in the Library.
Wolcott, the APS conservator who curated the Library's exhibition, drew links between Charles Willson Peale's interests and those of today's art conservators, and traced the history of conservation efforts in the United States and at the APS in particular. She also shared several conservation case studies from the two Peale exhibitions, including the treatment of a Charles Willson Peale diary, two books of hand-cut silhouettes, a hand-colored form letter soliciting donations for the Philadelphia Museum, Rembrandt Peale's pamphlet describing the skeleton of the mammoth, and Nathan Sellers's account book. The repaired books and documents were on display, and attendees enjoyed a light reception before the lecture.
To see the recorded version of the lecture, click here.
Thursday, July 18, 2019 - 5:30-7 p.m. - Benjamin Franklin Hall, American Philosophical Society
At this book launch, PACA Past Co-Chair Renée Wolcott shared the work behind her new book from the APS Press, Art, Science, Invention: Conservation and the Peale-Sellers Family. She discussed the conservation treatment of items from the Peale-Sellers Family Collection, the world's largest collection of materials related to Charles Willson Peale and his many relations.
This collection served as the basis for two APS exhibitions in 2017: the Museum's Curious Revolutionaries: The Peales of Philadelphia and the Library's Conservation and the Peale-Sellers Family Collection. In preparation for these exhibits, the current APS conservation staff repaired 53 of the 75 Library items selected for display in the Museum, and 14 of 43 items selected for display in the Library.
Wolcott, the APS conservator who curated the Library's exhibition, drew links between Charles Willson Peale's interests and those of today's art conservators, and traced the history of conservation efforts in the United States and at the APS in particular. She also shared several conservation case studies from the two Peale exhibitions, including the treatment of a Charles Willson Peale diary, two books of hand-cut silhouettes, a hand-colored form letter soliciting donations for the Philadelphia Museum, Rembrandt Peale's pamphlet describing the skeleton of the mammoth, and Nathan Sellers's account book. The repaired books and documents were on display, and attendees enjoyed a light reception before the lecture.
To see the recorded version of the lecture, click here.
General Meeting and Multidisciplinary Conservation Talks
Friday, March 10, 2019 - 6-8 p.m. - Penn Museum
PACA members gathered at the Penn Museum for our annual General Meeting on May 10, 2019. We enjoyed three short conservation talks, noshed on delicious food and drink, and elected new PACA board members, co-chair Anisha Gupta and treasurer Tessa Gadomski .
Our speakers included photograph conservator Rachel Wetzel on the early daguerreotypes of Robert Cornelius, paper conservator Juliet Baines on yasha, a brown colorant made from alder cones that is traditionally used in Japanese paper conservation, and preprogram candidate Alyssa Rina (PACA's social media chair) on collaboration with indigenous advisors at the American Museum of Natural History during renovation of the Northwest Coast Hall.
Friday, March 10, 2019 - 6-8 p.m. - Penn Museum
PACA members gathered at the Penn Museum for our annual General Meeting on May 10, 2019. We enjoyed three short conservation talks, noshed on delicious food and drink, and elected new PACA board members, co-chair Anisha Gupta and treasurer Tessa Gadomski .
Our speakers included photograph conservator Rachel Wetzel on the early daguerreotypes of Robert Cornelius, paper conservator Juliet Baines on yasha, a brown colorant made from alder cones that is traditionally used in Japanese paper conservation, and preprogram candidate Alyssa Rina (PACA's social media chair) on collaboration with indigenous advisors at the American Museum of Natural History during renovation of the Northwest Coast Hall.
Disaster Planning Talks and Behind-the-Scenes Tour at the PMA
Friday, March 29, 2019 - 2:30-8 p.m. - Philadelphia Museum of Art
PACA, Alliance For Response Philadelphia (AFR), and the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Contemporary Conservation Working Group joined forces at 2:30 p.m. on March 29 for a series of short talks on emergency planning at cultural heritage institutions. Participants heard from the following folks:
Friday, March 29, 2019 - 2:30-8 p.m. - Philadelphia Museum of Art
PACA, Alliance For Response Philadelphia (AFR), and the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Contemporary Conservation Working Group joined forces at 2:30 p.m. on March 29 for a series of short talks on emergency planning at cultural heritage institutions. Participants heard from the following folks:
- John Gardosik, Hurricane Sandy Recovery Project Manager for the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office, on proposals to preserve a flood-prone historic site
- Samantha Snell, Collections Management Specialist at the Smithsonian, on the institution's Preparedness Response in Collections Emergencies program
- Joy Gardiner, Director of Conservation, and Beth Parker, Registrar, from the Winterthur Museum, Gardens & Library on their emergency response teams, annual training schedule, and supply-maintenance programs
- Anisha Gupta, Assistant Conservator at the American Philosophical Society, with tips for encouraging institutional buy-in for disaster preparedness and for emergency response
- Cindy Albertson, Theodor Siegl Conservator of Modern and Contemporary Paintings at the PMA, on Alliance for Response efforts in New York during and after Hurricane Sandy.
Saving Time: Restoration of a Rare Christopher Souers Tall Clock
Wednesday, February 27, 2019 - 5:30-6:30 p.m. - The Library Company of Philadelphia
Twenty PACA members joined Friends of the Library Company to hear horologist Lili von Baeyer discuss her treatment of a rare Christopher Souers tall clock from the collection of The Library Company of Philadelphia. Souers (also known as Christopher Saur or Sauer) was an early 18th-century tailor, printer, and clock-maker from Germantown. Lili described the challenge of honoring the clock's past while preserving its functionality well into the future. The project confronted her with difficult choices as well as an experience to learn deeper and more nuanced horological methods. Attendees were able to see photographs of her work on the clock's mechanism while hearing the restored clock chime the hour behind her! They also had the opportunity to tour The Library Company's current exhibition, Stylish Books: Designing Philadelphia Furniture.
Wednesday, February 27, 2019 - 5:30-6:30 p.m. - The Library Company of Philadelphia
Twenty PACA members joined Friends of the Library Company to hear horologist Lili von Baeyer discuss her treatment of a rare Christopher Souers tall clock from the collection of The Library Company of Philadelphia. Souers (also known as Christopher Saur or Sauer) was an early 18th-century tailor, printer, and clock-maker from Germantown. Lili described the challenge of honoring the clock's past while preserving its functionality well into the future. The project confronted her with difficult choices as well as an experience to learn deeper and more nuanced horological methods. Attendees were able to see photographs of her work on the clock's mechanism while hearing the restored clock chime the hour behind her! They also had the opportunity to tour The Library Company's current exhibition, Stylish Books: Designing Philadelphia Furniture.
"Unbridled Love" Science on Tap Happy Hour at National Mechanics
Monday, February 11, 2019 - 5-7 p.m.
A few intrepid souls braved the wintry weather to share the latest conservation news and learn about "the other conservation" when it comes to wild horses and burros. Rebecca Kaplan, a fellow at the Science History Institute, explained the difference between "wild" and "feral" horses, why their numbers on federal lands have been booming and busting since the 1960s (when they were still slaughtered for pet food), and how a yearly birth-control vaccine could help to control their populations at healthy, non-starving levels. We also learned that burros get no respect. #andburros
Monday, February 11, 2019 - 5-7 p.m.
A few intrepid souls braved the wintry weather to share the latest conservation news and learn about "the other conservation" when it comes to wild horses and burros. Rebecca Kaplan, a fellow at the Science History Institute, explained the difference between "wild" and "feral" horses, why their numbers on federal lands have been booming and busting since the 1960s (when they were still slaughtered for pet food), and how a yearly birth-control vaccine could help to control their populations at healthy, non-starving levels. We also learned that burros get no respect. #andburros
2018 PACA Holiday Party at National Mechanics
Thursday, December 13, 2018 - 6 p.m.
About 35 PACA members and their guests gathered at National Mechanics to celebrate a great year in conservation with good conversation, lots of laughter, drinks, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and homemade holiday goodies. Three new members joined, and several more renewed—thanks! Alisa Vignalo and Alisa Lenander won the professional and student-level AIC memberships in our annual prize drawing. Many more members drew successfully for Inherent Vice Squad pin cushions, a Winsor & Newton travel watercolor set, a mini microscope, a sun printing kit, and gift cards from Dick Blick and Talas!
Thursday, December 13, 2018 - 6 p.m.
About 35 PACA members and their guests gathered at National Mechanics to celebrate a great year in conservation with good conversation, lots of laughter, drinks, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and homemade holiday goodies. Three new members joined, and several more renewed—thanks! Alisa Vignalo and Alisa Lenander won the professional and student-level AIC memberships in our annual prize drawing. Many more members drew successfully for Inherent Vice Squad pin cushions, a Winsor & Newton travel watercolor set, a mini microscope, a sun printing kit, and gift cards from Dick Blick and Talas!
Laurel Hill Cemetery Tour
Sunday, October 21, 2018 – 1 p.m.
PACA members gathered for a a private guided tour of Laurel Hill Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark on 78 scenic acres overlooking the Schuylkill River. Our guide, Mike Lewandowski, explained the cemetery's history and preservation challenges, and monuments conservator Seth Gartland gave us insight into conservation challenges for historic cemeteries. Tip of the day: choose granite! It is far less susceptible to acid rain.
Sunday, October 21, 2018 – 1 p.m.
PACA members gathered for a a private guided tour of Laurel Hill Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark on 78 scenic acres overlooking the Schuylkill River. Our guide, Mike Lewandowski, explained the cemetery's history and preservation challenges, and monuments conservator Seth Gartland gave us insight into conservation challenges for historic cemeteries. Tip of the day: choose granite! It is far less susceptible to acid rain.
Conservation of Outdoor Sculptures at Fairmount Water Works
Thursday, September 13, 2018 – 6 p.m.
Nicole Matchette and Lucy Strackhouse of the Fairmount Park Conservancy discussed the conservation and installation of the Mercury, Nymph, and Bittern statues at the Water Works. Drinks and munchies were available for purchase from Parks on Tap, Philadelphia's traveling beer garden.
Thursday, September 13, 2018 – 6 p.m.
Nicole Matchette and Lucy Strackhouse of the Fairmount Park Conservancy discussed the conservation and installation of the Mercury, Nymph, and Bittern statues at the Water Works. Drinks and munchies were available for purchase from Parks on Tap, Philadelphia's traveling beer garden.
Members' Meeting and Tour of Penn Museum Conservation Labs
Wednesday, May 16, 2018 – 6 p.m.
PACA members gathered for our 7th Annual General Meeting, a multidisciplinary tip session, and a tour of the Penn Museum Conservation Labs. In the General Meeting, we shared our accomplishments from the last year, elected new board members, and made plans for next year. We also enjoyed a hearty reception and traded conservation and preservation tips at the first-ever PACA Tip Session — thanks to those who participated! Penn Museum conservators and interns also gave us a guided tour of their lab and ongoing conservation projects.
Wednesday, May 16, 2018 – 6 p.m.
PACA members gathered for our 7th Annual General Meeting, a multidisciplinary tip session, and a tour of the Penn Museum Conservation Labs. In the General Meeting, we shared our accomplishments from the last year, elected new board members, and made plans for next year. We also enjoyed a hearty reception and traded conservation and preservation tips at the first-ever PACA Tip Session — thanks to those who participated! Penn Museum conservators and interns also gave us a guided tour of their lab and ongoing conservation projects.
Conservation of The Dream Garden
Thursday, April 26, 2018 – 12:30 p.m.
Mary McGinn, PAFA paintings conservator, and Andrew Fearon, architectural conservator, gave PACA members an up-close look at The Dream Garden, a Tiffany glass mosaic designed by Maxwell Parrish. The mosaic is one of only two interior landmarks on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places and is Tiffany’s most significant favrile glass mosaic work. This informal midday presentation focused on the mosaic's history, assessment, seismic monitoring, stabilization, testing, and conservation treatment.
Thursday, April 26, 2018 – 12:30 p.m.
Mary McGinn, PAFA paintings conservator, and Andrew Fearon, architectural conservator, gave PACA members an up-close look at The Dream Garden, a Tiffany glass mosaic designed by Maxwell Parrish. The mosaic is one of only two interior landmarks on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places and is Tiffany’s most significant favrile glass mosaic work. This informal midday presentation focused on the mosaic's history, assessment, seismic monitoring, stabilization, testing, and conservation treatment.
Conservation Talks and Tour, MOAR
Thursday, January 18, 2018 – 12:30 p.m.
A textiles conservator, paper conservator, and object conservator discussed their work on items from the Museum of the American Revolution’s permanent and special exhibitions. Virginia Whelan treated George Washington’s tent, Corine McHugh treated a watercolor depicting that tent, and Alisa Vignalo treated a Revolutionary War mug. Following their presentations, PACA members were treated to a curatorial tour of the special exhibition Among His Troops: Washington's War Tent in a Newly Discovered Watercolor.
Thursday, January 18, 2018 – 12:30 p.m.
A textiles conservator, paper conservator, and object conservator discussed their work on items from the Museum of the American Revolution’s permanent and special exhibitions. Virginia Whelan treated George Washington’s tent, Corine McHugh treated a watercolor depicting that tent, and Alisa Vignalo treated a Revolutionary War mug. Following their presentations, PACA members were treated to a curatorial tour of the special exhibition Among His Troops: Washington's War Tent in a Newly Discovered Watercolor.
