News Release

Textile-based Regalia Conservation Workshop on July 31

Date: July 22, 2021
Contact: Emily Zivot, 907-747-0131

Sitka National Historical Park will host a conservation workshop on textile-based regalia Saturday, July 31, 2021 from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. Registration is required; call 907-747-0110 to sign up.

Participants will discuss how to care for a Chilkat robe, Raven's Tail robe, button robe or other textile regalia at home. The park has invited Sarah Owens, an Alaska-based conservator with lots of experience in care and conservation of regalia to share ideas and answer questions.

In the morning there will be a presentation, discussion, and demonstration. The presentation will cover what can harm textiles. The discussion will cover best practices for storing, cleaning, and traveling with them. The demonstration will cover techniques from the discussion, with an emphasis on what to do when professional-grade museum equipment is not available. Participation in these morning sessions is limited to ten people.

In the afternoon, people with questions about how to care for a specific piece or seeking advice on its condition can sign up for one of six special appointments to speak one-on-one with Sarah.

Participants are welcome to bring regalia to the workshop. This is an excellent opportunity to get thoughts from a skilled conservator who has worked with many individuals and museums.

Please call with questions about safety measures. Several, including limited participation, plenty of room for social distancing, and extra air filtration and ventilation are in place to keep our community healthy.