What happens when you put art historians, conservators, and materials scientists in the same room? Join MIT Libraries’ Department of Distinctive Collections for a viewing of the exhibition Refracted Histories followed by a panel discussion with the exhibition curators, conservators, and two Materials Sciences and Engineering faculty who worked on this exhibition. The panelists will discuss their collaboration preparing two historic stucco and stained glass windows in the Rotch Art Collection for display through the lenses of art history, architecture, and scientific research. 

The doors to the Nexus will open at 2 PM and the panel will begin at 2:30 and run to 3:30. Coffee and pastries will be provided. The exhibit will be open from 10-4 PM in the libraries’ Maihaugen Gallery (Building 14N-130). Participants are invited to view the exhibit before or after the event. 

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The phrase "Preserve Knowledge" found in the Institute and Libraries' missions encapsulates the work of the MIT Libraries' Department of Distinctive Collections (DDC). The DDC preserves the Institute's physical and unique collections. We invite you to join us for this year's ALA Preservation Week Celebration at MIT, where we will highlight the collaborative and innovative methods we use to preserve and amplify the Institute's essential core collections. We also focus on how our staff safeguards the global human transmission of historical technologies related to bookmaking, printmaking, and historical writing traditions.

The DDC is home to the Aga Khan Documentation Center, the Institute Archives, the Maihaugen Gallery, Public Services, Rare Books, Records Management, the Visual Collection, and the Wunsch Conservation Lab.