We are excited to be in-presence in Campeche, Mexico, for the 21st International Course in Stone Conservation (SC23).
The course reflects advances in practice, science and technology, including the integration of practical methodologies for stone conservation on sites, buildings and structures. It is a joint effort of ICCROM and the Coordinación Nacional de Conservación del Patrimonio Cultural – Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (CNCPC-INAH) and the Instituto de Investigaciones Estéticas – Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (IIE-UNAM).
Due to continued international travel restrictions and the available resources for online learning, SC23 had an online component – from 11 September to 9 November 2023 – and is now conducting a field practice in Campeche from 12 November to 3 December 2023.
This year’s unique course has united stone conservation professionals from Canada, India, Iraq, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Spain, Syria, Türkiye and the United States, all of whom are dedicated to preserving stone-built heritage.
Over three weeks, these experts will participate in hands-on sessions. They will explore state-of-the-art photogrammetric documentation, apply various analytical techniques using scientific equipment and conduct simple on-site tests. This practical approach extends to direct interventions on stone cultural artefacts.
The in-presence module takes the “Batería de San Luis”, an integral part of Campeche’s 17th-century defence system, as a base case study. Participants will also work with select pieces from INAH’s archaeological collection.
To enhance this educational experience, the course includes visits to university laboratories and numerous archaeological and historical sites in the Yucatan Peninsula, offering a deeper insight into the region's rich stone cultural heritage.
This course represents one of ICCROM's most recent initiatives to adapt to the evolving needs of cultural heritage professionals worldwide. The online segment provided participants with foundational knowledge and interactive learning experiences for seven weeks, setting the stage for the hands-on experience.