Often out of public view, registration is an integral cornerstone in the care of museum collections objects. Through loans, donations, purchases, bequests, field collecting, and more, objects come into the custody and care of the Smithsonian. Registrars handle logistics, agreements, data, and legal records associated with all objects coming in and out of the museum. Through stewarding data, handling insurance, coordinating shipping, and navigating a whole host of odd problems, registrars help preserve history for the common good.

This conversation features Erik Satrum, chief registrar at the National Air and Space Museum; Andrea Jain, head registrar at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden; and Emily Conforto, associate registrar for exhibitions and loans at the National Museum of Natural History. These Smithsonian experts will explain the important work that they do, the incredible collections they work with on a daily basis, and some of the odder problems they have had to solve. From spacesuits to huge sculptures to botanical samples, these registrars have seen it all. Retired chief spokesperson Linda St. Thomas will moderate.