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In 2015 the Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative (SCRI) became the co-sponsor, with FEMA’s Office of Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (OEHP), of the Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF), a public- private partnership created to protect our nation’s cultural heritage. Both SCRI and OEHP are committed to expanding training for U.S. cultural stewards, first responders, and emergency managers to better prepare them to work together to address emergencies and disasters that affect cultural institutions and historic sites.

In 2017, HENTF created this training opportunity for U.S.–based professionals to gain skills and experience in disaster response for cultural heritage. SCRI hosted the inaugural Heritage Emergency and Response Training (HEART) for 25 participants selected from a range of museums, libraries, archives, and emergency management organizations representing 21 states and the Territory of Puerto Rico. In March and June of 2018, HENTF brought HEART to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, respectively. Previously, SCRI has successfully supported and hosted this type of training for international participants as part of its six-year partnership with ICCROM and the Prince Claus Fund for the First Aid for Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis (FAC) training program.

HEART combines the important principles of the internationally recognized FAC methodology with context-specific information for a U.S. audience. HEART goals are to improve U.S. disaster response at the institutional level, strengthen existing networks, and connect participants to the network of people trained to document and protect cultural heritage in times of crisis. Participants will learn to be proactive in determining risk for collections, respectful of local context, and, after completing their training, ready to support measures to protect cultural heritage at their respective institutions and in their own communities. Please note, the HEART program does not accept applications from international professionals, Smithsonian Institution staff, and staff of FEMA.