Learning activities

On this page

• Advanced professional development workshops
• In-person workshops
• Online learning activities
• Cancellations

The Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) and the Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN) share conservation knowledge on a range of conservation-related topics, such as collections care, preventive conservation and collections management, by offering learning activities to the heritage community.

The list below is regularly updated to reflect our current and upcoming activities.

Advanced professional development workshops

CCI and CHIN’s advanced professional development (APD) workshops provide in-depth instruction on a specific topic with a strong focus on practical application. APD workshops typically aim to reach mid-career heritage workers; however, the target audience can vary depending on the topic.

In-person workshops

In-person workshops are hosted by various regional partners across Canada from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. If you would like to host one of the workshops listed below, you must apply by March 13, 2026. Find out more about hosting an in-person workshop.

Once hosts are selected for each of the workshops, the location will be provided. The workshops offered in any given year may vary based on staff expertise and availability.

• Care of Objects

  Language

  English

  Description

  This workshop is designed as an introduction to the care of mixed collections for staff and volunteers. Topics covered include the structure and properties of various organic and inorganic materials, how and why these materials change and how to document and manage change.

  Full “Care of Objects” workshop description

  Facilitator

  Jill Plitnikas

  Dates

  October 21 and 22, 2026

  Location

  Cambridge Bay, Nunavut

  Registration

  To register, please contact:
  Joanna McMann
  Government of Nunavut
  jmcmann@gov.nu.ca
  613-572-1738

• Digital Photodocumentation of Museum Objects

  Languages

  English and French

  Description

  This workshop explains how to digitally photograph museum objects to meet conservation and documentation requirements. It includes information on how to choose proper photographic equipment, the various types of digital cameras and how they function, different light sources and how they influence colour, assorted lighting techniques and how to set up a digital workflow.

  Full “Digital Photodocumentation of Museum Objects” workshop description

  Facilitators

  Mylène Choquette and Germain Wiseman

  English session

  Dates

  November 18 and19, 2026

  Location

  Brampton, Ontario

  Registration

  Register online at Digital Photodocumentation of Museum Objects Workshop (In-Person)
  For more information, please contact:
  Carrie Kitzul
  Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives
  carrie.kitzul@peelregion.ca
  647-202-5745

  French session

  Dates

  March 9 and 10, 2027

  Location

  Montréal, Quebec

  Registration

  To register, please contact:
  Stephanny Boucher
  Société des musées du Québec
  formation@smq.qc.ca
  514-987-3264

• Introduction to Preventive Conservation

  Language

  English

  Description

  This workshop introduces participants to preventive conservation. It prepares participants to recognize how collections can be adversely affected by the ten agents of deterioration and advises how to protect against these agents in a way that thoughtfully considers both access to and use of collections.

  Please note that this in-person version of the “Introduction to Preventive Conservation” workshop includes the same content as the online version.

  Full “Introduction to Preventive Conservation” workshop description

  Facilitator

  Evelyn Ayre

  Dates

  September 15 and 16, 2026

  Location

  Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

  Registration

  To register, please contact:
  Gloria Bearss
  Saskatchewan Council for Archives and Archivists
  ed@scaa.sk.ca
  306-780-9414

• Care and Handling of Photographic Materials

  Language

  French

  Description

  This workshop discusses how to identify photographic processes as well as the structure, composition and format of a broad range of photographic materials. Agents of deterioration and mechanisms of deterioration are covered, as are proper storage and handling techniques for photograph collections. Ways to minimize potential damage and information loss in an emergency or disaster are also included.

  Full “Care and Handling of Photographic Materials” workshop description

  Facilitator

  Marie-Lou Beauchamp

  Dates

  September 23 and 24, 2026

  Location

  Edmundston, New Brunswick

  Registration

  To register, please contact:
  Hélène Martin
  Madawaska Historical Museum
  mhm@umoncton.ca
  506-737-5282

• Care of Archaeological Collections

  Language

  English

  Description

  This in-person workshop is designed as an introduction to the care of archeological collections from recent excavations or long-term storage. It combines lectures, discussions and hands-on activities to prepare participants for the long-term stabilization and preservation of archeological finds. Topics include documentation, labelling, packaging, basic ceramic repairs, preventive conservation strategies, drying of wet-site materials, and health and safety measures. This workshop adheres to the Code of Ethics and Guidance for Practice of the Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property and the Canadian Association of Professional Conservators.

  Full “Care of Archaeological Collections” workshop description

  Facilitators

  Kathleen Sullivan and Gyllian Porteous

  Dates

  October 21 and 22, 2026

  Location

  Burnaby, British Columbia

  Registration

  To register, please contact:
  Barbara Hilden
  SFU Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology
  museum@sfu.ca
  778-782-3325

Online learning activities

CCI and CHIN are currently offering the following online learning activities, which cover a variety of conservation-related topics, such as collections care, preventive conservation and collections management. The activities offered in any given year may vary based on staff expertise and availability. All activities listed below are offered at no cost.

We offer a number of options for online learning:

• Online workshops: Highly interactive sessions designed to help with a specific issue within a heritage institution. Participants are given the opportunity to share, collaborate and problem-solve with colleagues across the heritage community. Participants will also be expected to complete activities between sessions. Registration is limited to between 10 and 20 participants.
• Webinars: Interactive sessions designed to increase participants’ knowledge of a certain heritage-related topic. Registration is limited to between 25 and 40 participants.
• Webcasts: Informational presentations designed to introduce participants to a new tool, topic or method. Webcasts include an optional question and answer period. Registration is limited to 80 participants.
• Self-paced online courses: Courses (without a live facilitator) designed to be accessed at any time and completed at the participants’ own pace.

• Climate Guidelines: New Tools and Resources

  Activity type

  Webcast

  Languages

  English and French

  Description

  This one-hour webcast gives an overview of the tools and resources in CCI’s Climate Guidelines, demonstrates practical ways to use them and encourages participants to take sustainable climate control actions.

  Upon completion of this webcast, participants will be able to:

  • navigate the tools and resources in Climate Guidelines
  • describe the key principles of sustainable climate control
  • differentiate the ASHRAE types of control
  • use the resources to make informed climate control decisions for their collections

  Facilitators

  Evelyn Ayre and Marianne Breault

  Cost

  Free

  Dates and times

  English: February 25, 2027, from 1:00 pm (ET) to 2:00 pm (ET)
  French: February 24, 2027, from 1:00 pm (ET) to 2:00 pm (ET)

  Registration

  The registration period opens on September 8, 2026.

  Anyone can register for this webcast. However, priority will be given to members of the heritage community based in Canada.

  Register for “Climate Guidelines: New Tools and Resources” in English.

  Register for “Climate Guidelines: New Tools and Resources” in French.

• CCI and CHIN Conference Day

  Activity type

  Webcast

  Language

  English (simultaneous French interpretation and captioning available)

  Description

  This online conference day provides an invaluable opportunity for students, recent graduates and educators to gain a better understanding of heritage conservation and collections documentation and to learn more about CCI and CHIN. Throughout the day, talks will address general and specialized topics aimed at first-year students.

  Date and time

  February 4, 2026, from 9:00 am (ET) to 2:00 pm (ET)

  Registration information

  The event has already taken place.

• Response Ready: Developing an Emergency Plan for Heritage Institutions

  Activity type

  Online workshop

  Language

  French

  Description

  Through the seven sessions of this online workshop, you will explore the objectives of an emergency response and the key components for creating a plan tailored to heritage institutions. The workshop provides an engaging and interactive learning experience that helps you prepare or update your emergency plan. You will use the Emergency Response Planning Manual and associated worksheets as well as the Emergency Plan Template to guide your plan development and, with the support of experts and peers, create a plan suited to your institution’s needs. Additionally, you will also learn how to test your plan using simple tabletop exercises.

  Full “Response Ready: Developing an Emergency Plan for Heritage Institutions” online workshop description

  Facilitator

  Irene Karsten, Evelyn Ayre, Marianne Breault, and Samantha Letemplier

  Cost

  Free

  Dates and times

  Session 1: September 22, 2026, from 1:30 pm (ET) to 3:30 pm (ET)
  Session 2: October 6, 2026, from 1:30 pm (ET) to 3:30 pm (ET)
  Session 3: October 20, 2026, from 1:30 pm (ET) to 3:30 pm (ET)
  Session 4: November 3, 2026, from 1:30 pm (ET) to 3:30 pm (ET)
  Session 5: November 17, 2026, from 1:30 pm (ET) to 3:30 pm (ET)
  Session 6: December 1, 2026, from 1:30 pm (ET) to 3:30 pm (ET)
  Session 7: December 15, 2026, from 1:30 pm (ET) to 3:30 pm (ET)

  Registration

  The application period opens on March 16, 2026.

  Anyone can apply to attend this online workshop. However, priority will be given to members of the heritage community based in Canada who are responsible for writing and implementing an emergency plan.

  Applicants will be notified of whether they have been accepted for the workshop by August 21, 2026. A waiting list will be established once the maximum number of participants has been reached.

  Applicants can apply as a team of up to three people from the same institution.

  Apply for “Response Ready: Developing an Emergency Plan for Heritage Institutions.”

• Exhibit Lighting Basics

  Activity type

  Webcast

  Language

  English

  Description

  This one-hour webcast introduces fundamental concepts of light damage and exposure control in the display of heritage objects. Designed for heritage workers who are new to exhibit lighting concepts, it provides an essential understanding of light-related risks and practical mitigation strategies.

  Upon completion of this webcast, participants will be able to:

  • understand some of the main risks associated with illuminating objects
  • identify practical strategies to minimize damage

  Facilitator

  Eric Hagan

  Cost

  Free

  Date and time

  October 7, 2026, from 1:00 pm (ET) to 2:00 pm (ET)

  Registration

  The registration period opens on March 16, 2026.

  Anyone can register for this webcast. However, priority will be given to members of the heritage community based in Canada.

  If you are already familiar with light management in the display of heritage objects, please refer to the webinar “Exhibit Lighting: Beyond the Basics.”

  Register for “Exhibit Lighting Basics.”

• Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging: Your Questions Answered

  Activity type

  Webcast

  Languages

  English and French

  Description

  Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging is a standard for classifying and naming objects in cultural collections. This one-hour webcast will use real-world examples to answer frequently asked questions and present recent updates on Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging. Prior to the webcast, registered participants will be invited to submit questions, which will be addressed during the session.

  Upon completion of this webcast, participants will:

  • be able to identify common cataloging issues
  • be aware of recent updates to Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging and understand how they might apply to their own collections management system
  • know how to access additional resources about Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging

  Facilitators

  Nathalie Guénette and Heather Dunn

  Cost

  Free

  Dates and times

  English: November 25, 2026, from 1:30 pm (ET) to 2:30 pm (ET)

  French: December 2, 2026, from 1:30 pm (ET) to 2:30 pm (ET)

  Registration

  The registration period opens on September 8, 2026.

  Anyone can register for this webcast. However, priority will be given to members of the heritage community based in Canada.

  Prior to attending this webcast, we recommend that participants view the video series “Classification and naming of objects in museum collections.”

  Register for “Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging: Your Questions Answered” in English.

  Register for “Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging: Your Questions Answered” in French.

• Exhibit Lighting: Beyond the Basics

  Activity type

  Webinar

  Language

  English

  Description

  This webinar series is delivered in three 90-minute sessions and explores museum and gallery lighting through three key topics: the characteristics of light sources, the art of balancing rate of damage with visibility and the use of measurement tools. Examples from recent CCI research projects are included to illustrate concepts related to material damage. The series is intended for heritage workers seeking a more in-depth understanding of issues related to exhibit lighting.

  Upon completion of this series, participants will be able to:

  • identify the characteristics of light sources and their impact on colour perception and preservation
  • assess a material’s light sensitivity while considering its damage history
  • select strategies for balancing preservation with collection display
  • recognize light measurement instrumentation, material testing methods and emerging risk assessment tools

  Facilitator

  Eric Hagan

  Cost

  Free

  Dates and times

  January 27, February 3 and 10, 2026, from 1:30 pm (ET) to 3:00 pm (ET) (The registration period is closed.)

  January 20, 27 and February 3, 2027, from 1:30 pm (ET) to 3:00 pm (ET)

  Registration

  The application period for 2027 sessions opens on September 8, 2026.

  Anyone can apply to attend this webinar. However, priority will be given to members of the heritage community based in Canada who are already familiar with light management in the display of heritage objects.

  Applicants for the 2027 sessions will be notified of whether they have been accepted for the webinar by December 8, 2026. A waiting list will be established once the maximum number of participants has been reached.

  If you are not already familiar with light management but would like to learn more about exhibit lighting, please refer to the webcast “Exhibit Lighting Basics.”

  Apply for “Exhibit Lighting: Beyond the Basics.”

• Still Image Digitization for Heritage Institutions

  Activity type

  Online Workshop

  Languages

  English and French

  Description

  This online workshop is delivered in four two-hour sessions. It is designed for workers or volunteers in cultural heritage institutions who are seeking basic training on scanning practices and standards for reflective objects and small transparencies. Topics include digital imaging concepts, equipment and materials selection, verification of specifications claimed by vendors, software selection and use, general considerations for archiving and publishing, digitization workflow, project planning and project management. This workshop adheres to the Federal Agencies Digital Guidelines Initiative’s (FADGI) technical guidelines.

  Full “Still Image Digitization for Heritage Institutions” online workshop description

  Facilitator

  Ern Bieman

  Cost

  Free

  Dates and times

  English: February 17 and 24, March 3 and 10, 2026, from 1:00 pm (ET) to 3:00 pm (ET) (The registration period is closed.)

  French: February 19 and 26, March 5 and 12, 2026, from 1:00 pm (ET) to 3:00 pm (ET) (The registration period is closed.)

  Registration

  The application period opens on October 17, 2025.

  Anyone can apply to attend this online workshop. However, priority will be given to members of the heritage community based in Canada who are planning a digitization project.

  Applicants will be notified of whether they have been accepted for the workshop by December 19, 2025. A waiting list will be established once the maximum number of participants has been reached.

  You can apply individually or as a team of two people from the same institution.

• Bringing Heritage to Life in 3D: An Introduction to Photogrammetry

  Activity type

  Webcast

  Language

  English

  Description

  This one-hour webcast is aimed at heritage professionals and conservators who are new to 3D imaging. The webcast will introduce foundational concepts of photogrammetry, walk participants through a standard workflow, share case studies of Canadian Conservation Institute projects and highlight practical applications of 3D models. The webcast will also include visual examples of photogrammetry to help clarify the processes.

  Upon completion of this webcast, participants will be able to:

  • outline the main steps involved in a standard photogrammetry workflow
  • recognize how photogrammetry is being used in the cultural heritage field, as well as its benefits and limitations
  • know where to find further resources about photogrammetry

  Facilitator

  Germain Wiseman

  Cost

  Free

  Date and time

  February 9, 2027, from 1:30 pm (ET) to 2:30 pm (ET)

  Registration

  The registration period opens on September 8, 2026.

  Anyone can register for this webcast. However, priority will be given to members of the heritage community based in Canada.

  This introductory webcast is being offered in preparation for an advanced professional development workshop on photogrammetry (currently in development) that will provide hands-on training in capture methods, processing and practical applications for cultural heritage professionals.

  Register for “Bringing Heritage to Life in 3D: An Introduction to Photogrammetry.”

• Response Ready: Introducing Emergency Response Planning Resources for Heritage Institutions

  Activity type

  Webcast

  Languages

  English and French

  Description

  This one-hour webcast will introduce a suite of online resources designed to support emergency response planning in heritage institutions. The webcast will give an overview of these resources, which include a planning manual, worksheets and a plan template.

  Upon completion of this webcast, participants will be able to:

  • identify and access online resources supporting emergency response planning for heritage institutions
  • use the resources to develop an emergency plan for their institution or strengthen an existing one

  Facilitators

  Irene Karsten and Marianne Breault

  Cost

  Free

  Dates and times

  English: September 15, 2026, from 1:00 pm (ET) to 2:00 pm (ET)

  French: September 16, 2026, from 1:00 pm (ET) to 2:00 pm (ET)

  Registration

  The registration period opens on March 16, 2026.

  Anyone can register for this webcast. However, priority will be given to members of the heritage community based in Canada.

  Register for “Response Ready: Introducing Emergency Response Planning Resources for Heritage Institutions” in English.

  Register for “Response Ready: Introducing Emergency Response Planning Resources for Heritage Institutions” in French.

• Introduction to Preventive Conservation

  Activity type

  Online workshop

  Language

  English

  Description

  This workshop introduces participants to preventive conservation. It prepares participants to recognize how collections can be adversely affected by the ten agents of deterioration and advises how to protect against these agents in a way that thoughtfully considers both access to and use of collections. The workshop equips participants to be able to communicate preventive conservation concepts to collaborators, colleagues and decision-makers. It also provides an introduction to hazards related to working with collections to help keep people safe.

  Full “Introduction to Preventive Conservation” workshop description

  Facilitator

  Evelyn Ayre

  Cost

  Free

  Dates and times

  January 28, February 4, 11 and 18, 2027, from 1:30 pm (ET) to 3:30 pm (ET)

  Registration

  The application period opens on September 8, 2026.

  Anyone can apply to attend this online workshop. However, priority will be given to members of the heritage community based in Canada who want to learn more about preventive conservation concerns affecting their collection.

  Applicants will be notified of whether they have been accepted for the workshop by December 8, 2026. A waiting list will be established once the maximum number of participants has been reached.

  Please note that this online version of the “Introduction to Preventive Conservation” workshop includes the same content as the in-person version.

  Apply for “Introduction to Preventive Conservation.”

• Introduction to the Identification and Care of Photographic Materials

  Activity type

  Webinar

  Language

  French

  Description

  This two-part webinar discusses how to use distinctive characteristics to differentiate and recognize various photographic processes. It will also cover appropriate techniques for storing and handling photographic collections. This webinar, offered in French only, also emphasizes French vocabulary and English equivalents to give participants the basic knowledge necessary to use freely available English-language resources online.

  The webinar can be considered an introduction to CCI’s two-day workshop, “Care and Handling of Photographic Materials,” which offers a more comprehensive hands-on experience with in-depth course content.

  This webinar is ideally suited for curators, collection managers, archivists and others responsible for the preservation of photographic collections.

  By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • identify and explain differences in structure, composition and format of various types of photographic materials
  • understand appropriate handling, storage and display procedures for photographic collections

  Facilitator

  Marie-Lou Beauchamp

  Cost

  Free

  Dates and times

  June 3 and 10, 2026, from 1:00 pm (ET) to 3:30 pm (ET)

  Registration

  The registration period opens on March 16, 2026.

  Anyone can register for this webinar. However, priority will be given to members of the heritage community based in Canada.

  Register for “Introduction to the Identification and Care of Photographic Materials.”

• Museum Collections Documentation and Data Cleaning

  Activity type

  Self-paced online course

  Languages

  English and French

  Description

  This course covers a variety of topics related to collections documentation and data cleaning. It consists of seven modules:

  • Introduction to the documentation of heritage collections
  • Introduction to clean data for museums
  • Establishing a documentation policy and plan
  • Data entry: preventing errors in new data
  • Data cleanup and reconciliation: identifying and fixing errors in existing data
  • Data migration: migrating or merging data from another system
  • How to solve documentation problems

  The course provides essential museum documentation information for museum staff at all knowledge levels. It begins with an introductory overview and ends by exploring specific documentation issues. Learners have the flexibility to complete all modules sequentially or select individual modules that best suit their needs.

  Cost

  Free

  Access course

  The course “Museum Collections Documentation and Data Cleaning” is open to all and offered on a platform developed jointly with Athabasca University.

• Preservation Housekeeping for Heritage Sites and Small Museums

  Activity type

  Self-paced online course

  Languages

  English and French

  Description

  This course covers a variety of topics related to preservation housekeeping with an emphasis on small institutions and heritage sites. The course consists of six main sections:

  • How to clean
  • Ten agents of deterioration
  • Keeping house
  • Housekeeping plan
  • Walkarounds
  • Health and safety

  The preservation of heritage sites and museums is an essential area of knowledge for all staff and volunteers working in heritage institutions. Therefore, this course aims to provide introductory knowledge and tools on this topic.

  Cost

  Free

  Access course

  The course “Preservation Housekeeping for Heritage Sites and Small Museums” is offered on a platform developed jointly with Athabasca University.

Cancellations

Please note that CCI and CHIN reserve the right to cancel an online or in-person learning activity if the minimum enrolment requirement is not met.

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