American Institute for Conservation

The American Institute for Conservation (AIC) is a leading membership association for current and aspiring conservators and allied professionals. Together with its affiliated Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, AIC supports professionals, institutions, and the public in preserving and protecting cultural heritage. Its work includes advancing the conservation field through advocacy, professional standards, research, publications, and educational opportunities.

Members can access professional development, conferences, workshops, online learning, publications, and communities that encourage knowledge-sharing and collaboration. AIC also offers grants and scholarships, collection-care resources, and emergency preparedness and response assistance, with foundation support for initiatives including sustainability and collection care. For the public, the organization provides practical information on caring for belongings, finding and hiring a conservation professional, and accessing help.

Its Find a Professional tool helps people locate conservators and preventive care specialists, while resources for volunteers and collection stewards support a wider community of heritage care. Through membership, education, funding, and public guidance, AIC connects expertise and resources to help safeguard irreplaceable cultural materials