With recent rains and high tides causing flooding in many areas across Rhode Island, we wanted to share resources available to cultural institutions seeking support due to natural disasters. Below, find a listing of currently available resources. We will continue to update this list as other opportunities are brought to our attention. Contact Rachael Jeffers, Associate Director of Engagement at rachael@rihumanities.org with any additional resources.
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
- NEH Division of Preservation and Access
- Resources for Applicants: Preservation Assistance Grants for Smaller Institutions (see specifically the Crisis Management & Emergency Response section.)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF), co-sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Smithsonian Institution, is a partnership of 60 national service organizations and federal agencies.
- Cultural institutions and arts organizations affected by the flooding can call the National Heritage Responders hotline: 202.661.8068. The National Heritage Responders, a team of trained conservators and collections care professionals administered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, are available 24/7 to provide advice and guidance.
- If you, a constituent, or a stakeholder suffered facilities and/or collections damage as a result of this event, consider filling out one of three rapid damage assessment forms for:
- The information gathered will help HENTF identify where assistance is sought, direct assistance where needed, understand critical needs, and inform how recovery efforts move forward. HENTF wishes to thank the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation (FAIC) for hosting the survey for cultural institutions and the National Coalition for Arts’ Preparedness (NCAPER) for hosting the surveys for arts organizations and individual arts & performing groups.
- For individual members of the public: HENTF’s Save Your Family Treasures guidance is available at Save Your Family Treasures | FEMA.gov. Here you can find the downloadable FEMA fact sheets “After the Flood: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures” and “Salvaging Water-Damaged Family Valuables and Heirlooms,” available in multiple languages.
- Members of the public who have questions about saving family heirlooms can email the National Heritage Responders at NHRpublichelpline@culturalheritage.org
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