According to the SAA Dictionary of Archives Terminology, preservation is "the professional discipline of protecting materials by minimizing chemical and physical deterioration and damage to minimize the loss of information and to extend the life of cultural property," or "the act of keeping from harm, injury, decay, or destruction, especially through noninvasive treatment."

The Museum of Ontario Archaeology explain conservation rather simply, "conservation involves direct, hands-on intervention to stabilize and restore objects, often through invasive techniques." 

For example, the Wyoming State Museum put in the time and effort to return a Yellowstone National Park touring wagon to its original form. This would be an example 

According to the SAA Dictionary of Archives Terminology, restoration is "the process of rehabilitating an item to return it as nearly as possible to its original condition."

For example, the Wyoming State Museum put in the time and effort to return a Yellowstone National Park touring wagon to its original form. This would be an example of restoration.