While CSA was in New York, we made time for two visits that reinforced an important point for our community: cultural property isn...

While CSA was in New York, we made time for two visits that reinforced an important point for our community: cultural property isn’t only what we hang on walls—it’s also what we grow, steward, and keep accessible for future generations. During CSA’s time in the city, we visited the New York Botanical Garden, and we’re sincerely grateful to Robert Carotenuto for showing us around. Botanical gardens are more than beautiful public spaces—they’re living cultural properties: places where science, history, education, and community identity are preserved in real time. For CSA members, they’re also a reminder that “cultural property protection” includes living collections, specialized facilities, and public-facing environments that must stay open, welcoming, and resilient. We also spent time at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, a powerful space of remembrance that reinforces the responsibility we all share: protecting places that carry profound meaning, while supporting safe access for the public. The museum’s approach to stewardship, visitor experience, and sensitivity to mission is something our network can learn from—regardless of institution type. For CSA members, these visits aren’t “nice to have”—they’re part of how we broaden our shared lens, learn across institution types, and bring back practical insights that strengthen the network. #CulturalSafeguardAlliance #CulturalPropertyProtection #CulturalSecurity #HeritageProtection #MuseumSecurity #Stewardship #PublicTrust #NYC #CSACommunity