North American Graduate Programs in the Conservation of

The Program Grows
In 1983, after over two decades in the Duke House, the Center moved
into the nearby Stephen Chan House. Originally a private town house, its
1917 facade was kept intact, while its interior was demolished to create
twelve thousand square feet of functional space. Designed by architect
Michael Forstl with guidance from then co-chairman Norbert S. Baer, the
new Conservation Center was equipped with teaching and research laboratories,
library and study rooms, photo studios, office spaces, and versatile
studio spaces flooded with northern light.
The newly expanded facility could accommodate more students and
offer more diverse courses. For example, the cooperative agreement with
the School of Library Service of Columbia University, begun by Paul
Banks and Norbert S. Baer in 1981, flourished. A total of twenty-six
Columbia University students attended courses and carried out research
at the Center until 1989.
Following the retirement of Lawrence J. Majewski, Margaret Holben
Ellis became chairman in 1987. Under new leadership, the program continued
to evolve in response to shifts in the profession and external
reviews. Certain aspects of the existing curriculum were modified and
entirely new course offerings were designed and implemented.
Recognizing the national need for improved instruction in the conservation
of archaeological and ethnographic materials, a pilot course of
studies was introduced in 1988-89 which later became a permanent part
of the curriculum. In addition to formal seminars, the program includes
colloquia on timely topics such as repatriation, related legislation, and
current issues within Native American communities. These colloquia are
open to the local conservation community and provide a forum for lively
discussion. The Institute's involvement since 1963 in archaeological
excavations also supplements classroom instruction. To date, over seventy
students have traveled to such disparate sites as Greece, Turkey, Italy,
Egypt, Crete, Australia, Israel, Cyprus, and the southwest United States to
participate as on-site conservators. Instruction in the conservation of
material culture collections continues to be in high demand and has been
bolstered by support from the National Endowments for the Arts and for
the Humanities.
In 1991, the paintings conservation curriculum was augmented by the
establishment of the Samuel H. Kress Program in Paintings Conservation.
The basis of this program is the examination and treatment of predomi-
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