Friday, 26th September 2025

Reflections on NCCPP 2025: Hannah Miller, Junior Security Consultant

Photo credit: Smithsonian Officer Will Palenscar

I had the honour of attending the National Conference on Cultural Property Protection (NCCPP) 2025 in September as a scholarship recipient. The conference, which was hosted by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., was a milestone in my professional development. As a junior practitioner working in cultural heritage security, the opportunity to engage with global experts, share experiences, and explore emerging threats and solutions was incredibly informative.

The conference offered a dynamic mix of panels, case studies, and presentations that addressed real-world challenges, from climate-related disasters to economic constraints and their impacts on cultural venues. Sessions such as Collaborative Strategies in Museum Security and The Interconnectivity of Global Events provided practical insights that challenged me to consider how I would advise on similar scenarios in slightly different contexts. I was particularly struck by the session on the LA Fires, which reaffirmed the importance of proactive planning and community collaboration.

Beyond the sessions, the chance to network with professionals from across the museum and security sectors was invaluable. I exchanged ideas with peers from museums, law enforcement, and other security practitioners, gaining fresh perspectives on how cultural protection is approached in different circumstances. Speaking with the other scholarship recipients allowed me to appreciate some of the new emerging research and initiatives which are taking place in various areas of cultural protection. These conversations have broadened my understanding, and I am sure they will influence how I support both UK-based and international clients.

Being part of NCCPP also reaffirmed the importance of education and awareness in cultural protection. I was proud to share my experiences delivering training across the UK and in Mexico, and to learn from others doing similar work worldwide.

A special highlight of the 3-day event, for me, was the opportunity to visit some of the fascinating museums that Washington D.C. has to offer. From the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the National Gallery of Art, and the International Spy Museum, I was extremely grateful to have had a chance to experience some of the city’s world-class collections.

Having the chance to attend NCCPP has enhanced my perspectives and developed my skills as a contributor to the global cultural protection community. I’m incredibly grateful to the NCCPP team for the scholarship and to Trident Manor for supporting my attendance.