chris3inc

It has been a busy and exciting few months, and I wanted to take a moment to share an important professional update. In February 2026, I accepted a position in a new role as Community Liaison for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History within the International Repatriation and Domestic Returns Program. This position focuses on helping connect museums, institutions, descendant communities, and stakeholders in conversations surrounding human dignity, repatriation,...

One year ago, CHRIS started as a simple idea: a small, determined cultural heritage firm built on experience, urgency, and respect for the past. I didn’t have a full team. I didn’t have a full roadmap. What I did have was vision, discipline, and the stubborn belief that communities deserve better care for their history than they’ve ever been given. Year One proved that belief right. We began by taking on the projects that most people overlook: the quick-turn assessments, the long-forgotten...

Quick Guide for Developers: Applying the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards This guide offers a concise overview of the four primary treatment approaches defined by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the treatment of historic properties— Preservation , Rehabilitation , Restoration , and Reconstruction . It includes practical tips and examples to help developers plan projects that respect the historical significance of properties while meeting modern needs. 1. Preservation...