Reposted from EMR-ISAC

For decades, firefighters have been using aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) for the vapor suppression and extinguishment of flammable liquid fires.

All AFFFs make use of chemicals containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. PFAS are a class of compounds with man-made carbon-fluorine bonds. These compounds improve the fire suppression capabilities of firefighting foams. However, PFAS are harmful to human health and the environment. Legislators in the United States and internationally are phasing out the use of PFAS-containing foams in military, aviation, industrial, and municipal firefighting arenas. In making the transition away from AFFFs, the fire service has several areas of concern:

• The health, safety, and environmental impacts of the PFAS in legacy AFFFs and how to limit exposure to these harmful chemicals.
• The rapidly changing regulatory landscape. Evolving regulations impact the use of firefighting foams containing PFAS and the way the foam is contained, recycled, or destroyed after use.
• Foam industry changes and the selection of AFFF alternatives. Many transitional and PFAS-free foam alternatives are being developed and tested. Standards are being developed to allow industry to benchmark and certify these new foam products in a reliable way. However, fire suppression capabilities still vary widely among these new foams, and they may come with their own safety risks.
• Changes to tactics and training. The fire service needs up-to-date information on how well new foams perform and what changes in tactics are required to use them effectively. This will impact how firefighters are trained to fight future flammable liquid fires.
• Changes to equipment. Existing equipment used with legacy foam should be cleaned until no longer contaminated with PFAS. Cleaning methods should incorporate ways to contain and dispose of the effluent used for cleaning, since the effluent will be contaminated with PFAS. Additionally, new foams may require different hardware so that the new foam solutions can be dispersed effectively.

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Reposted from CISA/DHS

 

Good morning/afternoon, In an era marked by evolving threats and unprecedented challenges, ensuring safety and security at large-scale events isn't just a priority—it's a collective responsibility that demands proactive community engagement and strategic measures. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) “If You See Something, Say Something®” Campaign invites you to attend a panel-style webinar to hear experts unravel the essential safety and security measures needed for safeguarding events and obtain insights, resources, and strategies to promote community engagement and awareness of terrorism-related suspicious activity. More details are below. Enhancing Public Safety Awareness: Collaborative Approaches for Law Enforcement Wednesday, April 3, 2024 1:30 pm–2:30 pm EDT Who will I hear from? City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management & Communications (OEMC) Washington D.C. Police Foundation Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department DHS “If You See Something, Say Something®” Campaign How can I participate? REGISTER HERE to join us on April 3, and we welcome you to share this event with your colleagues and industry peers. Note that registration is free yet required to attend this webinar. REGISTER NOW

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Reposted from Artnet News

The Worcester Art Museum is on the verge of recovering a painting nearly 45 years after a brazen art heist—and it’s all thanks to an $18 throw pillow. The robbery took place way back in 1978, at the Worcester home of Helen and Robert Stoddard. He was a former museum trustee who had promised to donate much of his art collection to the institution. Under cover of night, burglars made off with 12 pieces currently estimated to be worth $10 million, including a Pierre-Auguste Renoir canvas and a J.M.W. Turner watercolor. One of those works, Hendrick Avercamp’s Winter Landscape with Skater and Other Figures could soon be on its way back to Massachusetts, courtesy of some impressive online sleuthing by Clifford Schorer, the Worcester Art Museum’s former board president, reports Boston magazine. “The recovery of this painting would be a great boon to the Worcester Art Museum. Hendrick Avercamp is one of the most celebrated artists of the 17th-century Netherlands and the inviting details in his winter scenes are a source of delight for many visitors,” Claire C. Whitner, the museum’s director of curatorial affairs and curator of European art told Artnet News in an email. “I also see the recovery of this painting as having the potential to offer a bit of closure to a very distressing event in the Stoddard family’s past.”
A simple reverse image search of the 17th-century Dutch master’s winter scene by Schorer turned up a throw pillow featuring a print of the canvas—but in much higher fidelity than any known photographs taken of the work prior to the theft. And it wasn’t just the pillow. At Pixels.com, which sells merchandise on demand, you could put the painting, listed as the work of Barent Avercamp—Hendrick’s nephew and student—on an iPhone case, a canvas tote bag, a puzzle, and even a face mask, among other products. Schorer is an art collector and investor—in 2014, he swooped in to help keep Agnews, the venerable London Old Masters dealer, in business. He’s proven to have an eagle eye before, successfully identifying a drawing purchased at a Massachusetts estate sale for just $30 as an original Albrecht Dürer—a true rarity. (Agnews showed the work in January at Master Drawings New York.) So when he found the Avercamp throw pillow, Schorer trusted his instincts. He downloaded the image of the painting and found a clue embedded in the metadata. There was the name of an art library, as well as a New York art dealer. He called the dealer, who remembered the painting from a 1995 art fair, but said that a now-defunct gallery had conducted the sale.
After four months of research, Schorer tracked down the niece of that dealer, who in turn dug through the old company records to identify the buyers. Schorer estimates it cost less than $200,000—a bargain considering that Avercamp’s auction record is $8.6 million, according to the Artnet Price Database. Somewhere along the way, it appears someone had altered the painting’s signature to read “B. Avercamp” instead of “H. Avercamp,” making it easier to move the stolen work on the open market. Barent’s top price at auction is just £378,000 ($460,919).
The owners, a Dutch couple, had since died, so Schorer sent a letter to their heirs on behalf of the museum in 2021, looking to make arrangements for the work’s return. They never responded. This month, Schorer had a Dutch lawyer reach out, with a warning that after 40 days, the museum would instigate a criminal case in the Netherlands. He’s hopeful that the painting’s recovery is now close at hand. Only three of the Stoddards’ works have been found to date. The most significant was Camille Pissarro’s Bassins Duquesne et Berrigny a Dieppe, Temps Gris, which turned up at Wolfs auction house in Cleveland in 1998, not long before Helen Stoddard’s death. There was a complicated legal dispute, but Helen prevailed, and the painting entered the museum collection to much fanfare.

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Reposted from Museum Association

Body-worn cameras are being trialed at several English Heritage sites to deter anti-social behavior, as a new report finds that heritage crime is on the rise. The cameras, which are visible to visitors, are being worn by staff at four locations: Wrest Park in Bedfordshire, Tilbury Fort in Essex, Kenwood House in north London and Marble Hill in south London. The cameras are intended to support de-escalation of conflict or confrontation, the prevention or detection of crime and disorder, and resolution of disputes such as complaints against staff. The heritage body said on its website that footage was being recorded "on the basis of our legitimate interest in deterring and detecting crime". "Experience of these cameras has shown that they are useful at helping defuse confrontational situations and provide a reliable version of events, which can help us to clarify any dispute or serve as evidence in the event it is believed a crime has been committed," the organization added. It comes as new research reveals the scale and extent of heritage and cultural property crime in England. The research was commissioned by Historic England and National Police Chiefs' Council, both members of the Alliance to Reduce Crime Against Heritage (Arch). Funded by Historic England, the Heritage and Cultural Property Crime research was carried out by crime analysts at Opal (the National Crime Intelligence Unit for Serious Organized Acquisitive Crime) between February 2020 and February 2023. The report outlines a range of active and emerging threats to the historic environment, including the theft of historic lead and stone, high value burglaries targeting cultural objects, unlawful metal detecting (also known as nighthawking) and the removal of artefacts from protected wreck sites. It highlights the problem of antisocial behavior, particularly arson, vandalism and graffiti, which has led to recommendations for "more effective prevention and active enforcement of heritage crime". The research found that, spurred on by the cost-of-living crisis, the theft of historic stone is on the rise, as is the theft of high-value cultural objects from museums, art galleries and stately homes. "The theft of valuable heritage materials and cultural objects by opportunist offenders and organized crime groups is likely to increase as inflation continues to impact the price of commodities," said the report. However, following successful preventative measures, there has been a decrease in metal thefts and unlawful metal detecting. The research found that arson, vandalism and graffiti "continue to pose a significant threat" to England’s nationally important historic buildings and archaeological sites. However, initiatives such as the Heritage Watch program and the work of the National Fire Chiefs’ Council and the National Rural Crime Network are having an impact, the report said. Cyber-enabled crime was identified as another growing threat. "It is likely that stolen items will continue to be sold online where offenders can (often anonymously) make a profit. It is also likely that a higher number of fakes will enter the market as scams and fraudulent activity online rises," said the report. "We are committed to tackling this issue and our heritage crime officers across the country will continue to work with Historic England and other partners, to reduce offending and educate the wider public about the long-lasting damage heritage crime can have," said Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England. "This assessment reminds us that cultural heritage transcends time and generations," said Vernon Rapley, head of security at the V&A. "In the face of the many risks highlighted in this report, we must act quickly and decisively to safeguard our museums, galleries, and heritage sites for the enjoyment and education of future generations." The Arch partnership is calling for enhanced crime recording standards and the development of a heritage crime ‘marker’ on police call handling and crime management systems.

"Currently, no standardized methodology exists across all police forces, and heritage crime is not considered a priority. This limits our understanding of the true scale and extent of heritage crime in the historic environment and how to deal with it," said the report.

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On behalf of the Yale University Library Security Department, we are excited to announce this year’s Security Week programming from Monday, March 11^th – Friday, March 15^th.  This year’s Security Week is an eclectic mix of safety and security information, emergency preparation, cultural properties presentation, tours, management tools, and other topics of interest.  We have a couple of details to confirm but we wanted to send the most current information so staff can start to plan their calendar for the week.  Zoom links and/or locations are attached for each session. 

Please forward these events to anyone you feel would be interested in attending.  We will also send out presentation reminders and presenter bios each morning during Security Week. 

Looking forward to seeing you during this year’s events!

Monday, March 11, 2024

9 am – 9:45 am-- "…in the arena" after Theodore Roosevelt’s "Man in the Arena"— https://yale.zoom.us/j/93274556293

Jamila Beasley, Collections Security Manager Boston Public Library

The platform for her professional approach is a simple one...be clear, concise, consistent, and kind...and get the job done.

10 am – 10:45 am--Trending Now: Security Threats & Mitigations—  https://yale.zoom.us/j/91276175179

Michael-John Waite, Sr. Associate, Enterprise Security & Risk Management for Thornton Tomasetti

This presentation will explore emerging security threats and examine the best methods for identification, response, and recovery. The presentation will also highlight best practices for Threat, Vulnerability, and Risk Assessments (TVRAs), Active Assailant Awareness, and Social Media Threat Monitoring.

11 am – 11:45 am— Exploring Elegance: A Tour of the Yale University Art Gallery's Hume American Furniture Study Center—  https://yale.zoom.us/j/94766251011

Eric Litke, Curatorial Assistant Yale University Art Gallery

Join curatorial assistant Eric Litke as he provides a captivating overview and tour of the Yale Art Gallery’s Hume American Furniture Study Center at West Campus. Viewers will be introduced to some of the fine details, craftsmanship, and history behind Colonial and Federal-era furniture from Yale’s renowned Mabel Brady Garvan Collection, as well as more contemporary highlights from the nearly 1000 objects on view in this public study center.

12 noon – 1 pm—Heidi the Therapy Dog, Sterling Library Nave with Rich Simons Yale Public Safety

Come meet Heidi, Yale’s therapy dog, and pet your troubles away!  Heidi will be at a different library location each day.

1 pm – 1:45 pm—Harmonizing Teams: Leveraging the DISC Assessment for Enhanced Communication and Collaboration—  https://yale.zoom.us/j/97348181766

Stephanie McKenna, Protection Services Manager Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

The presentation will focus on utilizing the DISC assessment tool to enhance team dynamics and communication. It will cover how understanding different personality types (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness) can aid in fostering better collaboration, resolving conflicts, and improving overall team effectiveness. The session will include practical strategies for leveraging DISC insights to promote a more cohesive and productive work environment.

2 pm – 2:45 pm—Ensuring Event Safety: Key Considerations for Risk Mitigation at Your Facility—  https://yale.zoom.us/j/96172437209

Ascanio Odorico, AVP Security & Risk Management Royal Ontario Museum

This talk explores essential factors to consider when hosting an event at your facility, focusing on a robust risk mitigation strategy. From identifying potential hazards to implementing safety measures, attendees will gain insights on how to prioritize safety and security to ensure successful and incident-free events.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

9 am – 9:45 am—Fire System Discussion—  https://yale.zoom.us/j/92264749884

Jack Reese, Sr. Life Safety Specialist Nationwide Security Corp

Join us for an engaging discussion on fire safety systems, where we delve into the importance of fire prevention measures, the latest technologies in fire detection and suppression, and effective strategies for creating a safer environment. Discover key insights and best practices to protect lives and property from the risk of fire hazards.

10 am – 10:45 am-- Threat Management: The New Standard in Active Shooter Prevention—  https://yale.zoom.us/j/93990570454

Tim Keck, Consultant Safe Haven Security

Mass shootings have been around since the 80’s, yet our approach to this problem has changed little. Until now. Utilizing the same methodologies as the U.S. Secret Service we now understand how to recognize and de-escalate situations so that violence never occurs. Join us and learn about this promising system that has saved countless lives.

11 am – 11:45 am-- Ethics and 21st Century Collections: The Role of Provenance Research—  https://yale.zoom.us/j/92517559856

Lucy Mulroney Director of Academic Affairs and Exhibitions Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library and Antonia Bartoli Curator of Provenance Research Yale University Art Gallery

To whom should cultural heritage belong? How can museums equitably address unethical collecting practices? Whose story does the object tell?  During the past several years, with increased public and professional scrutiny of collecting practices, many institutions that steward cultural heritage have renewed their commitment to provenance research: research that traces the ownership history of an object. This presentation will provide an overview of provenance research that is conducted within libraries and museums, from the historical study of books as material objects that reveal traces of their past owners, and art historic investigations considering condition, function or value, to the urgent ethical questions facing institutions today about the rightful ownership of objects that were removed from their original repository or source community through force or duress. Relevant to anyone who is interested in understanding the principles and practicalities of provenance research, this presentation will include ample time for participants to ask questions and share examples from their own institutions.

12 noon – 1 pm-- Heidi the Therapy Dog, Haas Arts Library with Rich Simons Yale Public Safety

Come meet Heidi, Yale’s therapy dog, and pet your troubles away!  Heidi will be at a different library location each day.

12 noon – 1:45 pm—Lunchtime Movie—Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Sterling Memorial Library Lecture Hall

Brown bag lunch sessions—bring your lunch and enjoy a movie!

Melissa McCarthy stars in the adaptation of the memoir Can You Ever Forgive Me? the true story of best-selling celebrity biographer (and friend to cats) Lee Israel (McCarthy) who made her living in the 1970’s and 80’s profiling the likes of Katharine Hepburn, Tallulah Bankhead, Estee Lauder, and journalist Dorothy Kilgallen. When Lee is no longer able to get published because she has fallen out of step with current tastes, she turns her art form to deception, abetted by her loyal friend Jack (Richard E. Grant).  Lee Israel falls on hard times and turns to counterfeiting the letters of deceased writers and celebrities in order to pay her rent. When the forgeries start to raise suspicion, she turns to stealing the actual letters from library archives and sells them through an ex-con fence she met in a bar, while the FBI is closing in on the scam.

2 pm – 2:45 pm—Yale’s Active Assailant Video— https://yale.zoom.us/j/94119758353

Duane Lovello Senior Director of Public Safety and Community Engagement Yale University

A viewing of Yale's newest emergency preparedness video that will guide people through the actions they would take if confronted by an active assailant scenario on campus.  Also, the discussion will include other initiatives taking place on campus, including Stop the Bleed.  Join Yale Public Safety for a discussion and question and answer session related to these important topics.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

9 am – 9:45 am—TBA— https://yale.zoom.us/j/91360470627

10 am – 10:45 am -- The Doe Network:  Searching for the Missing & Restoring Names to the Nameless— https://yale.zoom.us/j/95241520687

Tara Kennedy, Head of Preventive Conservation Yale University Library Preservation

If one were to ask you, “What are the greatest tragedies in United States history?” you might answer, “The COVID Pandemic” or “The Civil War,” and you wouldn’t be wrong. Those events are in the Top Ten. But there is a catastrophe that would make the Top Ten in this country that you might not realize: the number of unidentified dead people – men, women, and children of all colors and creeds.  Over 14,000 voiceless, nameless people lay in morgues, medical examiners’ offices, and pauper’s graves. Their identity is stripped from them because of circumstances; violent crime; homelessness; suicide; or accidents. How can we give them back their names? Come hear how one staff member dedicates her free time doing this work: advocating for the nameless and locating the missing through her work with the Doe Network.

11 am – 11:45 am-- Innovative Technology & Training to Protect Communities— https://yale.zoom.us/j/96776538776

Tara Milardo, VP Sales and Marketing PowerPhone,

PowerPhone’s story goes back over four decades to a night when the founder, a CT state trooper, realized the gravity of the unspoken question. Fueled by the urgency of seconds that could mean the difference between life and death, PowerPhone was born.  Total Response by PowerPhone is at the forefront of technology that ensures emergency response teams always have access to the latest and most effective resources to best protect their communities. Its platform combines software and training in an innovative way to help public safety agencies dispatch smarter, faster, and safer. Total Response enhances the ability to save lives, property, and evidence. The platform offers a rapid way to reliably collect information from the caller to help the call taker be resilient and ready for any situation.

12 noon – 12:30 pm— What is the IFCPP?—   https://yale.zoom.us/j/95351782377

            Rob Layne Executive Director of IFCPP

The International Foundation for Cultural Property Protection trains and supports professionals who protect and manage cultural, educational, and public institutions worldwide.  To elevate the expertise, ethics, and professionalism of our membership, the IFCPP provides professional development, training & certification, industry insights and analysis of technology trends, resources & best practices for security governance, and peer networking opportunities.  Rob Layne will discuss the IFCPP, provide details for upcoming conferences (including one at Yale in 2025!), and tell you how you can join this professional organization.

12 noon – 1 pm-- Heidi the Therapy Dog, Divinity Library with Rich Simons Yale Public Safety

Come meet Heidi, Yale’s therapy dog, and pet your troubles away!  Heidi will be at a different library location each day.

1 pm – 1:45 pm—Stay Safe: Practical Personal Safety Tips for Everyday Life— https://yale.zoom.us/j/92531877943

Bill Powers, Director of Operations Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute

This session provides valuable insights and actionable tips to help individuals enhance their personal safety in various everyday situations. From navigating public spaces to utilizing technology effectively, attendees will learn practical strategies to safeguard themselves and protect their well-being.

2 pm – 2:45 pm—CyberSecurity Awareness Trivia Game— https://yale.zoom.us/j/98027689553

Wendy Battles Cybersecurity Awareness Advisor, & James Tucciarone Policy and Awareness Analyst Yale University ITS

Are you aware of simple actions you can take to be cybersafe? Our trivia game brings the learning to you. Join the Yale Cybersecurity Awareness team for a unique learning event. Part trivia game, part interactive presentation, you will boost your cyber knowledge while engaging in some friendly competition with colleagues. Get the scoop on how to click with caution, use secure passwords, apply regular updates and other ways to protect your data and systems. The interactive and engaging environment makes learning about cybersecurity awareness fun. And we’re adding some fun seasonal trivia questions too! Note: During this event, we play an online game called Kahoot. The game displays questions and participants use their phones to answer questions. Speed and accuracy are emphasized in this fun competition. Zoom auto-captions will be enabled.

Thursday, March 14, 2024

9 am – 9:45 am— Is Everything Secure? A Glimpse into the Painting Conservation Department of the Yale Center for British Art—Join us at SML International Room or by Zoom link: https://yale.zoom.us/j/91559961167

Mark Aronson Deputy Director and Chief Conservator Yale Center for British Art

The Yale Center for British Art Paintings Conservation Department is a hub of expertise and knowledge in the preservation and conservation of British art. This brief provides an overview of the department's responsibilities, restoration work, and technical research.

10 am – 10:45 am--Everything the Voynich Manuscript is Not—  https://yale.zoom.us/j/98101647597

Agniezka Rec Early Materials Cataloger Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library

Beinecke MS 408, otherwise known as the Voynich manuscript, has vexed readers, historians, cryptographers, and librarians for centuries. Written perhaps in the early 15th century in an unknown script representing perhaps a cipher or a natural language or a hoax or nothing at all, the manuscript has inspired countless theories from countless theorists. This presentation will offer a number of solutions; none of them will be correct (probably).

11 am – 11:45 am--A virtual tour of the Seattle Museum of Flight—  https://yale.zoom.us/j/93023549664

James MacSkimming Head of Security and Safety Seattle Museum of Flight

             Join us for a wonderful tour of the Seattle Museum of Flight where Head of Security and Safety James MacSkimming will highlight security concerns for this unique collection.

12 noon – 1 pm-- Heidi the Therapy Dog, Marx Library with Rich Simons Yale Public Safety

Come meet Heidi, Yale’s therapy dog, and pet your troubles away!  Heidi will be at a different library location each day.

1 pm – 1:45 pm—Emerging Trends in Security—  https://yale.zoom.us/j/93474298337

Lori Flor, Director of Safety and Security UC San Diego Library

            This presentation will highlight new and emerging trends in security.

2 pm – 2:45 pm—LiveSafe App Demonstration— https://yale.zoom.us/j/92727133344

Yale University Public Safety

LiveSafe is an app that gives students, staff, and faculty on campus an effective way to communicate with Yale Police (YPD) via a mobile device. With LiveSafe, you can use your smart phone as a personal security device to provide the YPD with accurate information about yourself and your GPS location.  Yale Public Safety will give a brief presentation about the LiveSafe app. This will include its functionalities, resource info, and safety features. They will also discuss how Public Safety is using the app to form engaging relationships with the Yale community.

Friday, March 15, 2024

9 am – 9:45 am—Book, Manuscripts and Forgeries—  https://yale.zoom.us/j/96772366965

E.C. Schroeder Retired Director of Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library

The talk will provide an introduction to the forgery of books, maps, and manuscripts, focusing on the notorious forger Mark Hofmann. Hofmann's forgeries included Mormon-related material, the Oath of the Freeman (the first item printed in the US), and a manuscript of Emily Dickinson, and to cover up his forgeries Hofmann murdered two individuals.

The talk will also highlight the range of forgeries at the Beinecke Library, some knowingly acquired as a forgery and others discovered after they were acquired.

10 am – 10:45 am--Risk Management in Museums and Libraries—  https://yale.zoom.us/j/96016822059

Marjorie Lemmon Director of Risk Management and Insurance Yale University

Special collections, and the buildings that house them, present a unique set of risks. Every action and activity contains a level of risk and everyone has a role in risk management. This interactive session will explain the process for managing risk, including how to identify, assess, and prioritize risk, and the selection of methods of mitigation.

11 am – 11:45 am-- Emergency Preparedness: Be Ready, Be Safe— https://yale.zoom.us/j/92267154535

James Johnston Senior Director of Security Programs Prevent Advisors

This discussion delves into the importance of proactive planning and readiness for unforeseen emergencies. It highlights key strategies, tools, and mindset shifts necessary to effectively prepare for and respond to a range of potential crises, emphasizing the critical role of preparedness in ensuring safety and resilience in any situation.

12 noon – 1 pm-- Heidi the Therapy Dog, 344 Winchester Ave with Rich Simons Yale Public Safety

            12 noon– 12:30 pm Beinecke / Preservation front lobby

            12:30 pm – 1 pm Library Tech Services front lobby

Come meet Heidi, Yale’s therapy dog, and pet your troubles away!  Heidi will be at a different library location each day.

1 pm – 1:45 pm—Preserving British Art: A live virtual tour of the Yale Center for British Art Paintings Conservation Department— https://yale.zoom.us/j/98003876521

Mark Aronson Deputy Director and Chief Conservator Yale Center for British Art

Kendall Francis Assistant Paintings Conservator Yale Center for British Art

The Yale Center for British Art Paintings Conservation Department is a hub of expertise and knowledge in the preservation and conservation of British art. This brief provides an exciting opportunity to virtually visit the painting conservation department to see firsthand the conservation methods, materials, and facilities dedicated to safeguarding cultural heritage, and the conservators' pivotal role in maintaining the YCBA’s painting collection.

2 pm – 2:45 pm— Yale Public Safety Drone Team — https://yale.zoom.us/j/95119087164

            Michael Naylor Manager of Business Continuity and Planning Yale University Office of Emergency Management and William Hewitt Security Supervisor Yale University Public Safety

            Power Point Presentation and live demo of Yale’s drone capabilities.

We're back starting March 26! Tickets are free for everyone! After four years, the new Yale Peabody Museum is finally here; 4.5 billion years of history is waiting for you to explore in your own backyard.  The Peabody is a museum for the community, and we can't waiting another minute to share what we've created for you. That's why we've decided to open the first and second floors of the museum starting in March, with the third floor to follow later this Spring. Plan your visit today by reserving a timed ticket, or join our free membership program for the chance to register for a special limited preview. We are committed to building a greater understanding of science, culture, and community, giving space to a wider range of collaborators and experts, and listening to our visitors. Each time you come back to the Peabody, expect to see something a little different - and be part of that change yourself.  Join us as we open the doors to the Peabody Museum of the next century. We've missed you!

Reposted from The Art Newspaper

Two members of the environmental activist group Declare Emergency have been charged with felony destruction of government property over a 14 February action in which they poured red powder on the display case at the US National Archives in Washington, DC, that contains the US Constitution. The Archives’ rotunda was closed for several days after the action for cleaning, which cost upwards of $50,000, according to the US Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia. Both suspects in the action—Donald Zepeda of Maryland and Utah resident Jackson Green—were arrested after the incident. Zepeda was released on bond. Green, meanwhile, has been ordered held in jail in DC because, in carrying out the National Archives protest, he violated the terms of a previous release. Earlier this year, Green was charged with damaging property of the National Gallery of Art for a November 2023 protest, during which he used red paint to write the words “Honor Them” on the wall next to Augustus Saint-Gaudens's Shaw 54th Regiment Memorial (1900), a monument to Black soldiers who fought in the US Civil War. After that incident, a judge had ordered Green to stay away from Washington, DC, and all public monuments and museums. Green and Zepeda’s cases are ongoing and are being investigated by several agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigations’ Art Crime Team.

According to a statement by the National Archives, the US Constitution—the 1787 document establishing the laws of the new country—was not damaged in the attack. Analysis revealed the powder that coated the case and activists to be a mix of pigment and cornstarch. Dozens of conservators were involved in the process of cleaning the sophisticated display case that houses the four-page document. “The cleaning of the Rotunda and preparation to reopen it was a large, collaborative effort involving [conservators], facilities personnel and building services contractors,” Stephanie Hornbeck, a National Preservation Program Officer, said in a statement. “Approximately 30 people were directly involved, contributing an estimated total of 335 person-hours.” Referring to the pages of the Constitution, Hornbeck added: “They are well protected by the enclosure in separate anoxic encasements located inside of the well-sealed, robust exhibit cases.”

A previous action by Declare Emergency targeted Edgar Degas’s 1880 sculpture La petite danseuse de quatorze ans at the National Gallery of Art. The group’s actions in Washington, DC, are the most high-profile US examples to date of “eco-vandalism”, or climate activism targeting works of art. In the past two years, high-profile actions by climate advocacy groups like Just Stop Oil have focused on famous works at some of Europe's most popular museums, including the soup-splattering of Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers at London’s National Gallery and Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa at the Louvre. These actions have attracted enormous media attention and prompted larger questions about the efficacy of these strategies in conveying the urgency of the current environmental moment. An adjacent display case at the National Archives that holds the US Declaration of Independence was a major plot point in the Nicolas Cage blockbuster film National Treasure (2004), though presumably the systems that his character, named Benjamin Franklin Gates, was ultimately able to circumvent are not based on the National Archives’ actual security apparatus.

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Reposted from BBC

Palestine Action said one of its activists had "ruined" a 1914 painting of Lord Balfour at Trinity College, part of the University of Cambridge. A statement on the group's website said the painting had been "slashed" and sprayed with red paint. A Cambridgeshire Police spokeswoman said: "This afternoon we received an online report of criminal damage today to a painting at Trinity College, Cambridge. "Officers are attending the scene to secure evidence and progress the investigation. No arrests have been made at this stage." Lord Balfour was foreign secretary in 1917 when a declaration was made pledging Britain's support for the establishment "in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people" and has been seen by some historians as a starting point for the Arab-Israeli conflict. A spokeswoman for Trinity College said: "Trinity College regrets the damage caused to a portrait of Arthur James Balfour during public opening hours. The police have been informed.

Support is available for any member of the college community affected." Palestine Action said, in a statement: "Palestine Action ruined a 1914 painting by Philip Alexius de László inside Trinity College, University of Cambridge of Lord Arthur James Balfour - the colonial administrator and signatory of the Balfour Declaration." They added that "an activist slashed the homage and sprayed the artwork with red paint".

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Reposted from CISA

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor and celebrate the remarkable women who have tirelessly advocated for equality and inclusion. Their contributions have paved the way for progress in various fields, including cybersecurity. At CISA, we recognize the importance of diversity in our workforce and the pivotal role women play in shaping the future of national security.

Within cyber, physical, and global security, there is a cadre of pioneering women who have fearlessly championed diversity and inclusion. Bold women like our Vice President, Kamala Harris, U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Avril Haines; and internationally, women like Lisa Fong, Director of New Zealand’s National Cyber Security Centre, Abigail Bradshaw Head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), and Lindy Cameron, former UK Head of Cybersecurity; and now, a new generation of women’s rights advocates like Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and U.S. soccer champion Megan Rapinoe, national youth poet laurate Amanda Gorman, and Nobel Peace Prize laurate Malala Yousafzai have emerged to carry the torch for women across the globe. Through highlighting their extraordinary contributions, we illuminate the path they have forged towards equal opportunities for all women--including within the world of cybersecurity, technology, and infrastructure protection.

As the Director of CISA, I am honored to lead an agency dedicated to safeguarding our nation’s critical infrastructure. Every day, we work tirelessly to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the cyber and physical infrastructure that Americans rely on. I am inspired every day when I look at the amazing women leading CISA, including our Chief of Staff, Kathryn Coulter Mitchell; Val Cofield, CISA’s Chief Strategy Officer; Alaina Clark, Head of Stakeholder Engagement; Mona Harrington, Head of the National Risk Management Center; Bridget Bean, Chief Integration Officer; and Dr. Elizabeth Kolmstetter, CISA’s very first Chief People Officer. And these are only a few of the women leaders shaping our mission in immeasurable ways for our Nation’s safety and security.

In 2022, I set an ambitious goal and nationwide challenge to have 50% of the cybersecurity workforce made up of women by 2030. While there is still much more work to do, I’m proud to say that we are 38% women at CISA, and we continue to aggressively seek out and hire exceptionally talented women who have revolutionized the way we operate. The value of women’s voices in security have had cascading effects across our organization and, more broadly, our nation.

Within CISA, we are committed to promoting diversity as a fundamental pillar of our organizational ethos. Through the implementation of strategic recruitment initiatives, comprehensive training programs, and ongoing efforts to cultivate a culture of belonging, we endeavor to nurture a workforce that provides the diversity of thinking required to solve our most challenging problems. I encourage you to learn more about CISA’s efforts to promote Women in Cybersecurity, and to share this information widely with the women in your life. Reflecting on the important contributions of women across history and today, I am inspired by the resilience, courage, and compassion, shaped by unique experiences, that define women’s contributions to not only society, but history. I am committed to leveraging my platform to effect positive change and empower the next generation of women leaders. I recently sat down with Caitlin Sarian, also known as Cybersecurity Girl, to talk about Women in Cyber and how we are working to increase the number of women in the cyber field. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us honor the achievements of women past, present, and future. Together, we can continue to build a more equitable and inclusive world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

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Reposted from Tim Richardson

Last week I talked about how high performers should take regular breaks away from work to bring their best into their work. This week we will consider the advantages of workflow pauses for high performers.

Over the last few weeks, I have had several speaking engagements that were within driving distance. To help make them as stress free as possible, I made sure that my luggage was packed 48 hours before traveling. Over the years, I have forgotten many travel necessities by hurriedly packing too close to my departure. Packing earlier, and using a checklist, has all but eliminated this problem. I’ve also tried to give myself extra travel time to account for anything unexpected. When I am at the event venue, I have been early for my appointed meeting times with my client. I double check hotel reservations and communicate with the team setting up the meeting room the day before. Anything that I can do the night before my speech is taken care of to reduce the last-minute stress of trying to get everything done. This includes laying out my clothes and presentation materials.

Since I have traveled a lot by car recently, I have been more aware of signs to encourage me to slow down. A rest area sign, that I would have driven by in the past, was a reminder to stop even for a few minutes to break up the monotony of the highway. I have had a lot quieter time in my car instead of always filling it with music or a podcast or audio book. To have more thinking time, I haven’t turned on a TV in my hotel room and I request restaurant seating that is out of view of a television screen. Finally, I changed the screen color on my iPhone to gray to remind me that life is much more colorful and interesting in the real world. Less time staring at a screen is helpful in focusing on things that really matter. Other content ideas for how to slow down at work include: Slowing down to prepare for an important phone call. Take some time to prep for a call just as you would for an important in-person meeting. Write down objectives of the call and anticipate questions you might be asked as well as any objections that may be expressed.

Reread your emails before you send them. Check for understanding and clarity in what you write. Make them as brief as possible and limit the number of people who are copied on your emails. Advise the reader if you need additional information with a reasonable time frame for them to respond. Really think before you speak. Be as brief as possible when you do and include questions to others and repeating their key points to check for understanding.

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