University of Iowa Libraries Head of Preservation, Nancy E. Kraft, will be delivering the keynote address at the 10th annual Iowa Conservation and Preservation Consortium S.O.S. Save Our Stuff! preservation seminars. Kraft will discuss Connecting to Collections, a national preservation initiative and Iowa’s role in this effort.

Conference topics include identification of 19th century photo processes and care of photographic collections; customized storage systems; historic structure maintenance; emergency preparedness; behind the scenes tours of State Historical Society of Iowa (SHSI), and a special session and tour of the Battle Flag Project at the SHSI.

The S.O.S. Save Our Stuff! preservation seminars will be held at the State Historical Society of Iowa building in Des Moines, IA on Friday June 6, 2008, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Genealogists, librarians, archivists, museum workers, conservators, county clerks, historical society volunteers and anyone who cares about preserving our heritage are encouraged to participate.  The SOS seminars and tours will cost $40 for ICPC members and $50 for non-members.  The fee includes the State Historical Society of Iowa building tours and lunch.  Registration by May 31, 2008 reserves your lunch.

Iowa Conservation and Preservation Consortium (ICPC) is a membership organization seeking to initiate, encourage, and enhance preservation and conservation activities by providing basic preservation education and training.

Detailed information about joining ICPC and registering for SOS can be found at http://www.iowaconserveandpreserve.org/?page_id=330, or request a registration form by contacting Nancy E. Kraft at 319-335-5286, nancy-e-kraft@uiowa.edu or Lucy David at 319-338-0514, lucy-david@uiowa.edu.