We at the U.S. Committee of the Blue Shield are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and the widespread destruction caused by the recent wildfires in California. Our hearts go out to all those affected during this difficult time.
Among the devastation, we mourn the damage and loss suffered by important cultural landmarks, which are irreplaceable treasures of our shared heritage. These sites connect us to our history, identity, and community.
We also wish to commend those who took proactive measures to safeguard cultural properties and we look forward to learning as much as possible from their success stories as we consider ways we can assist institutions in the future with emergency preparedness.
USCBS remains committed to advocating for the protection of cultural heritage and supporting efforts to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Together, we must prioritize the safeguarding of our shared history to ensure it endures for future generations.
Latest News & Alerts
July 31, 2026
On Wednesday, July 29, the Field Museum announced the creation of the Patty Gerstenblith Legal Fellowship in Art, Museum, and Cultural Heritage Law, a new endowed, two-year fellowship in honor of Dr. Patty Gerstenblith. We are [...]
July 27, 2026
A reminder that our 2026 Conference is fast approaching! Registration will open in the coming weeks and we will be sure to circulate registration links and details to our online platforms and membership. In the meantime, [...]
July 23, 2026
The Museum Conservation Institute-Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative (MCI-SCRI), along with the Virginia Museum of Natural History’s Cultural Heritage Monitoring Lab (CHML), Penn Cultural Heritage Center, Ukrainian Heritage Monitoring Lab, and the University of Maryland’s Center for International [...]
