conservator

A conservator is a person charged with preserving and safeguarding irreplaceable cultural property, such as artworks, manuscripts, or historical artifacts, or a person appointed by a court to manage the affairs of someone who cannot do so. The term also refers to a guardian empowered to oversee the financial and personal welfare of an incapacitated individual, in a conservatorship or guardianship proceeding.

In the cultural heritage field, conservators assess condition, stabilize structures, treat damage, and implement preventive measures to slow deterioration. They document interventions, monitor environmental conditions, and work in museums, archives, libraries, or private practice. Training typically includes a specialized degree in conservation, with additional certifications from professional bodies such as the American Institute for Conservation.

In legal contexts, a conservator is appointed by a probate or family court to protect a person or their property when they cannot manage their affairs. Conservatorship may cover the person, the estate, or both, and involves duties such as safeguarding assets, paying bills, and making medical or living arrangements as authorized. The appointment is subject to court oversight and annual report requirements, and can be terminated or modified if the person regains capacity. In many jurisdictions, a conservator for property and a guardian for the person may exist separately.

Ethics and accountability are emphasized in professional standards; conservators must avoid conflicts of interest, maintain thorough records, and seek ethical approvals.