experts were among a group of (NHR) who quickly came together after the Maui wildfires and gathered resources that could aid Lahaina museums, cultural centers, libraries and schools in salvaging fire damaged items.
Art Archivist Librarian Malia Van Heukelem and Paper Conservator Liane Naʻauao, the only active NHR members in Hawaiʻi, contributed their expertise in a series of webinar presentations recently made available online by the . While the webinars were developed for Lahaina cultural and heritage institutions, the information could also be helpful to Maui residents wishing to salvage family treasures.
“Despite what looks like total loss at some sites, there are things that can be saved, and it¡¯s worthwhile to take your time and carefully plan and salvage cultural heritage and precious family heirlooms,” said Van Heukelem in her presentation.
The videos cover topics including:
- : Overview of hazards, personal protective equipment, psychological first aid and available resources
- : Items that might be salvageable (types of materials), first entry (safety), retrieval (assessment and documentation), stabilization treatments, when and how to contact a conservator, packing and additional resources
- : Recommendations for assessment, documentation, handling and initial stabilization of paper-based materials
As NHRs, both Van Heukelem and Naʻauao have received professional training in assessing, handling, documenting and preserving collections. In addition, Van Heukelem previously worked in museum collections management with the state¡¯s Art in Public Places Collection and at ʻIolani Palace before going to work on flood recovery work and preservation management at Hamilton Library. Naʻauao specializes in library and archival material conservation and has worked in various collections care and conservation positions across the island.
More on how to help Maui ʻohana and the Maui wildfires.
They continue to share their knowledge and connect institutions and individuals with the information resources they need for recovery.
“We have advocated for hands-on salvage train-the-trainer workshops, training for the residents to salvage their family treasures, and funding for cleaning spaces and storage,” said Van Heukelem. “We have made a difference in some of the information being shared regarding safety and collections salvage, and will provide additional assistance as needs arise.”