Remembering Patrick Boylan’s Incredible Legacy

The U.S. Committee of the Blue Shield joins Blue Shield International in remembering and celebrating the incredible legacy of Patrick Boylan.

Professor Boylan recently passed away at the age of 84 following a short illness. He is remembered as a passionate advocate of cultural property protection, one of the field’s leading figures, and a founder of the Blue Shield Movement. He had a long career in heritage management and academia and was also instrumental in developing heritage protection in armed conflict as we know it today. In 1993, Professor Boylan published the Review of the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict: The Hague Convention of 1954, having been hired by UNESCO to undertake an assessment of the convention. The result of the review was the drafting of the Second Protocol.

Professor Boylan’s impact on international law and cultural property protection cannot be overstated.  Today, the Convention is ratified by 135 countries, and the Blue Shield Movement continues on as Blue Shield International, bringing together cultural heritage professionals from around the world.

The USCBS remembers and honors Professor Boylan’s years of work, dedication, and compassion. His legacy can be seen in the work of every National Committee, and for that, we are truly grateful.

Read more about Professor Boylan’s life and work at the Blue Shield International’s online tribute.

“If you have a threat or an actual disaster you need to look to the whole of the conservation and cultural heritage family for support.” – Patrick Boylan