How do museums ensure the preservation of historical artefacts, and what are some of the considerations - technical, cultural and ethical - that conservation experts are guided by? With a close look at three major conservation projects, this panel discussion will highlight the critical work undertaken in preparation for the installation of MHM's new core exhibition, everybody had a name. Joining us will be Dr Holly Jones-Amin, Team Leader and Principal Objects Conservator at the University of Melbourne, and Dr Anna Hirsh, Manager of Collections & Research, MHM, with the conversation chaired by Sandy Saxon, Senior Curator, MHM.

Dr Holly Jones-Amin

Dr Holly Jones-Amin is the Team Leader and Principal Objects Conservator at the University of Melbourne, where her work straddles research, teaching, community engagement, and commercialisation. She is an expert in the conservation of low-fired pottery and holds degrees in Archaeology and Conservation and a PhD in the conservation of low-fired archaeological ceramics. Her conservation practice within museums, houses, and archaeological sites has led to work throughout Australia, Syria, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, Italy, Turkey, Georgia, and Nepal. Jones-Amin has specialist skills in conserving archaeological, Indigenous, and world culture objects.

Dr Anna Hirsh

Dr Anna Hirsh is the Manager of Collections and Research at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, where she has worked for the past 9 years. She is responsible for the expansion of the historical collection at the MHM, encouraging donations of original historical materials, artworks and testimonies, mostly from the Melbourne survivor and descendant community. Anna has worked on various museum and art projects over the years. Anna has a PhD in Jewish History and Culture, a Masters of Art Curatorship, and a B Ed in Visual Arts. She holds honorary positions as Co-President of the Australian Association for Jewish Studies and Honorary Fellow at Deakin University.