Craig Deller

Senior Objects Conservator, Wisconsin State Historical Society. Lecturer, Historic Preservation (1999). Trained at the Conservational Analytical Laboratory, Smithsonian Institution. Fellow; American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works (AIC) & former board member. Prior to the WHS position, Craig was in a Chicago-based private conservation practise for 30 years.

I truly enjoy my role as a teacher, I have gathered much information throughout my career and revel in passing it on. Seeing that spark of "ah-ha" in a student eyes motivates me to give even more of myself to them. I encourage all my students to become life long learners, as technologies change, so does our approach to preserving our cultures.

My teaching philosophy requires that student learn by doing. Mistakes are best learned by making them to fully understand WHY they are mistakes. My mentor at the Smithsonian once said "It is my job to give you the information, what you do with it determines just how well you have learned" I abide by that comment.It is vital in all conservation work to fully understand the materials you are working with, as each treatment will be different. What you can do to one object may not necessarily be done to all. There is far more to historic preservation/heritage conservation than just architecture. We must keep open minds.

I have become an ardent advocate for the preservation of public art. Cities that have large collections are proud to unveil them, but struggle to understand they must be maintained. I am also deeply involved in Young Preservationist programs, particular here in Madison, WI. Millennials view preservation much differently than the typical Historic Trust members, who tend to be retired professionals. To keep preservation relevant, we must adapt to the new technologies to attract them, then stay relevant to keep them as life long preservationists.