The Guardians of Our Heritage

The Guardians of Our Heritage provides assistance to museums, libraries, and many other cultural institutions to help protect valuable assets, including physical facilities, contents, and proprietary data. Our enterprise of experts and firms are offering comprehensive physical and cybersecurity, emergency response planning, disaster recovery, and continuity services.

The Guardians of Our Heritage offers unique end-to-end solutions reflecting best practices across critical areas, including the following services:

• Development of Emergency Response Plans; Recovery and Continuity Plans; Collection Surveys; Emergency Preparedness Training and Awareness Tabletop Exercises; Business Continuity Plans and Policy Analysis

• Risk Assessment of Your Critical Infrastructure and Physical Premises (Physical Security Audit)

• Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment of Your Information Technology Systems (Cybersecurity Audit)

• Ongoing Consultation and Implementation of Physical and Cybersecurity Best Practices for Optimum Risk Mitigation, Regulatory Compliance, Containment of Reputational Damage, and Avoidance of Costly Liabilities and Exposures

Our team of experienced professionals – who have held high-level roles in their respective fields and are well-respected across local, state, and federal government agencies – are committed to helping organizations in which the public has placed its trust to protect properties of historical significance, art works, cultural artifacts, and other priceless items. Our services take an all-hazard approach to addressing risks. 

Solutions/Technologies

Among the solutions and technologies that we can support are (but not limited to):

• Object relocation and salvaging procedures

• Physical monitoring, sensing, fire protection, communication and electronic protection consulting, design, and compliance services

• Full ubiquitous cellular coverage throughout the buildings(s); managed wireless platform for museum guests, staff, building management and security personnel. Having full access is a critical component to enhance the guest experience (e.g., story mapping and ADA assistance such as memory disability) and to also provide a level of safety for all occupants at any point during the day or night. (i.e., clear signal for 911 calls, in the event of an emergency) including our Active Shooter sensors at all perimeter doors to each museum at no cost when accompanied by our full in-building wireless network

• Blockchain technology for the digitalization and securing of photos and documents

• Digital twin processes of facilities with ongoing control of building assets

• Interdisciplinary response teams

• Facilitation of strategic partnerships/relationships with first responder and heritage communities to develop integrated response teams (i.e., Alliance for Response)

• Ongoing communications with municipal Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs)

• Updated vendor lists and related vetting of third-party vendors

• Insurance review

• Regulatory compliance with various mandates and standards (i.e., American Alliance of Museums, American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, Code of Ethics for Archivists, Society for American Archivists, National Fire Protection Association, ISO Standards, New York SHIELD Act, etc.)

• And emergency operations planning; mitigation planning; collections management planning

Terms/Fees

The Guardians of Our Heritage are ready to provide critical assistance – especially during these challenging times. 

Offerings are tailored to each entity’s specific needs and requirements relative to their physical premises, assets, and current state of preparedness. Fees are determined based on the scope of services to be provided, labor to be assigned for implementation, and hours required. Free estimates are available upon request.

To schedule a formal introduction and initial consultation, contact:

Richard Rotanz, PhD
631-905-5651
rich@rotanzandassociates.com