The Committee on the Protection of Cultural Treasures in War Areas of The American Council of Learned Societies was established at the council’s annual meeting in January 1943, and was aided financially by the Rockefeller Foundation and headquartered at the Frick Art Reference Library.

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Expert scholars, art historians, collectors, and artists – the most renowned in the world – aided the council in compiling lists and preparing maps of the most important monuments and works of art to be protected. A master index of all works in occupied countries was developed, as well as an extensive photo archive collection.