A colorful painted angel decorates the wall at San Xavier del Bac. The mission is a living, breathing church where the Mass is celebrated every day. Photograph by Susan E. Swanberg.
They gather evidence, take samples, look for fibers and test for trace elements, but they’re not conducting a crime scene investigation. Conservators of cultural history are working behind the scenes to stabilize, preserve or restore cultural property for future generations.
Susan E. Swanberg 