Small Museum Association

Small Museum Sessions at the AAM Conference

2012-01-25T11:40:00.001-08:00

Let’s Get Small! Celebrating Small Museums at the 2012 AAM Annual Meeting

2012 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo™

Minneapolis Saint Paul

April 29-May 2

The 2012 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo™ offers plenty for small museums. Don’t miss out. Register by January 31st to save 40% off the full registration rate.

The premier professional development and networking opportunity of the museum year, the AAM Annual Meeting has numerous offerings designed to help small museums. With the leadership of the Small Museums Administrators Committee, there will be numerous sessions devoted to the issues confronting smaller institutions of all types, including the following:

Your Turn: Answers About MAP, CAP, and StEPS National Assessment Programs

Monday, April 30, 9-10:15

Building Community: Addressing the Challenges and Achievements of University Museums

Monday, April 30, 2-3:15

Small Museum Successes: Creative Ideas and Helpful Hints for Small Institutions

Monday, April 30, 3:30-5:30

Learn more about the Annual Meeting, check out the hotel bargains and roommate options, explore fellowship opportunities (also due January 31!) and plan your learning opportunities at http://aam-us.org/am12/.

Conference Presenter: Douglas Horhota

2012-01-25T04:12:00.001-08:00

Partnerships (Monday Feb 20 3:30 -4:30)

We all are under increased pressure to raise our museum's visibility and vitality. One way to accomplish this is to establish partnerships with outside organizations. As museum professionals we typically speak the same language, but what happens when we set up partnerships with non-museum organizations? Representatives from Jamestown/Yorktown and St Mary's City will lead a group discussion focusing on your experiences in developing partnerships and their background in building corporate and educational relationships.

Employment Opportunity with the Newlin Grist Mill

2012-01-24T06:04:00.001-08:00

Newlin Grist Mill Site Manager

The Nicholas Newlin Foundation seeks a Site Manager. The private, non-profit foundation maintains a collection of ten historic buildings including the 1704 gristmill, working blacksmith shop, and a research archive situated on 160 acres. The organization has a dual mission of historical and environmental preservation and education.

The Site Manager is responsible for the preservation and maintenance of Newlin Grist Mill’s buildings, archaeological resources, grounds and all associated equipment. The Site Manager will oversee preservation planning, creation of historic structure reports, periodic inspections, project planning, and work with maintenance staff to complete maintenance projects for the various structures. The foundation’s structures include a working millrace with canals, dams and gates. Since water is critical to the operation of the site, the position is also responsible for conducting water quality monitoring and overseeing the fishing operations in the ponds and streams. Responsibilities include maintaining the 8.5 miles of trails, protecting the foundation’s environmental resources, overseeing public safety and site security, and completing all paperwork associated with these duties.

The Site Manager must be enthusiastic and possess the manual skills required for historic property maintenance. The Site Manager will be required to work well with other staff and oversee outside contractors. Extensive practical maintenance experience in historic structures or a Bachelor’s degree in Preservation, Museum Studies or a related field is required. Experience with project management, research, and landscape preservation is desired.

Application deadline is February 15, 2012.

Inquiries and resumes to:

tshahan@newlingristmill.org or

Director, Newlin Grist Mill, 219 S. Cheyney Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342

Conference Presenters: Rod Cofield & Mary Alexander:

2012-01-19T08:14:00.001-08:00

Let's face it, working with visitors is hard. They demand a lot, they're always asking questions, they want to know everything about everything, and they don't often care if we're having a challenging day. But..., museums exist for visitors and thus we need to pay attention to our visitor experiences. This participatory session, Visitor Services Improv, will draw on real life examples to help us all become more attuned to how museums are sometimes not so visitor-friendly. (No one was actually hurt in this photo shoot.)

Historical Society Seeking Early 20th Century Schoolbooks

2012-01-18T05:34:00.001-08:00

The Historical Society of Marshall County (Iowa) wants to buy texts for our 1913 country school reenactments:

Gordon Readers First Book, 1910 or 1912.

Gordon Readers Third Book, 1910 or 1912.

Brooks's Readers Second Year, 1907

Brooks's Readers Fourth and Fifth Years, 1907

Please take a few minutes to dig and see if you have any of these. The authenticity of our full day reenactments, for every fourth grader in our county, will be enhanced by using these texts.

Julie Lang, Volunteer Director

Taylor #4 Country School

605 Elmwood Drive

Marshalltown, IA 50158

jjlang@mediacombb.net

Preservation Assistance Grants for Smaller Institutions

2012-01-17T08:05:00.001-08:00

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES

DIVISION OF PRESERVATION AND ACCESS

The National Endowment for the Humanities’ Division of Preservation and Access has offered Preservation Assistance Grants for Smaller Institutions for more than a decade. These grants help small and mid-sized cultural heritage institutions such as libraries, museums, historical societies, archival repositories, town and county records offices, and colleges and universities improve their ability to preserve and care for their humanities collections. Awards of up to $6000 support preservation related collection assessments, consultations, training and workshops, and institutional and collaborative disaster and emergency planning. Preservation Assistance Grants also support education and training in best practices for sustaining digital collections, standards for digital preservation, and the care and handling of collections during digitization. Institutions may request funds for a preservation assessment of digital collections. NEH does not fund digitization or the development of digital programs in this grant category.

All applications to the NEH must be submitted through Grants.gov. See the application guidelines for details.

The 2012 guidelines for Preservation Assistance Grants for Smaller Institutions are available at http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/pag.html. You will also find sample project descriptions, sample narratives, and a list of frequently asked questions. The deadline for applications is May 1, 2012.

Small and mid-sized institutions that have never received an NEH grant and those considering projects in digital preservation are especially encouraged to apply.

For more information, contact the staff of NEH's Division of Preservation and Access at 202-606-8570 and preservation@neh.gov

Conference Presenter: Beth Maloney

2012-01-17T05:50:00.000-08:00

One thing I love about working with small museums is how good they are at getting folks around the table and tackling problems in nimble, creative and concrete ways. Our session, " Making your site Family- Friendly: Expert Advice from the Pros ," tries to capture this spirit. We've gathered together some colleagues who have a wealth of experience in the field of family-focused programming, interpretation and exhibit design. And we're inviting you, session participants, to bring one issue or problem you've encountered while trying to make your site or museum more family friendly. At our session we'll address your issue specifically and develop some concrete tips and suggestions for real solutions you'll be able to take back to your site and try out. If you'd like us to address your issue, please send me an email at beth@bethmaloney.com and include your name/contact information, the name of your organization/museum, the number of staff you have, a 5 sentence description of your problem or issue and a one sentence desired outcome. We'll take a look at issues in the order they are received so don't delay!

Employment Opportunity with PastPerfect

2012-01-10T05:40:00.001-08:00

PastPerfect Software, Inc. has an open position for a Museum Software Specialist to assist clients with the implementation and use of PastPerfect Museum Software and PastPerfect-Online. Our team of museum and technical professionals is based in Exton, Pennsylvania and serves over 8000 organizations around the world. PastPerfect continues to grow as the leader in providing collections and contact management to museums of all sizes.

Position Details:

-Full time permanent position in our Exton, PA office.

-Assists clients with all aspects of ordering, installing, and operating PastPerfect Software.

Benefits:

-Complete medical and dental benefits at no cost to the employee.

-$32,000 a year starting salary with additional pay increases and incentives after the first year.

-Regular business hours 9:00am - 5:30pm weekdays. (some weekend hours may be required for conferences occasionally)

-Leave (vacation) accrues from start of employment. After first year, employee accrues 12 days per year of paid vacation and 7 paid holidays.

Qualifications:

-Uncompromising commitment to help fellow members of the museum community.

-Excellent communication skills with the desire to work as part of a small team.

-Strong computer skills with a focus on Microsoft products.

-Preference given to the candidate who has put collection management principles in place at a small to medium size museum.

-Undergraduate degree in a museum studies related discipline.

-Familiarity with our products is a plus.

Applications are being accepted by email through January 20, 2012.

Please provide references with your resume and give us your earliest available start date.

Brian L. Gomez
Vice President, Operations
brian@museumsoftware.com
voice: 800-562-6080 Ext 102
cell: 484-883-4198

Conference Presenter: Nomi Dayan

2012-01-09T05:57:00.000-08:00

When I saw this year’s conference theme, I just knew I had to give a presentation!

The subject "Adapt & Reuse: Fresh Ideas and New Approaches” could not describe our museum enough. Our museum has undergone a major change in the past few years. I was hired by the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum in 2008 in an effort to help revitalize the museum’s vision and approach to education programs. I would like to share our experiences and inspiration with you and show you how we started new programs throughout the year, expanded our audience, rethought how we use our physical spaces, and revamped our offerings to adults, families, and children.

I plan to talk about the strategies I’ve used to maximize every inch possible, making creative connections between our mission and fresh program ideas (celebrating Chinese New Year in a Whaling Museum, anyone?), interdisciplinary learning in rotating stations, and what I call “imaginative transformation” of a given space.

Take a look at the picture – what’s going on? Why is there a boy absolutely thrilled for having found what he is holding? Join me on Tuesday morning for “Salt Water? Fresh Ideas: Creative Programs in Small Spaces” to find out!

See you in Ocean City – and remember to bring your imagination!

Nomi Dayan

The Whaling Museum

Conference Presenter: Alana Blumenthal

2012-01-05T05:54:00.000-08:00

As we lead up to SMA 2012, we will be sharing posts from several of this year's speakers! Come back regularly to learn more. Thanks!

Hey folks! I am really excited to be facilitating a roundtable at this year’s SMA conference. The topic is one that I think benefits everyone in the small museum field, the role of the Emerging Museum Professional.

Who is the emerging professional? What does their educational and professional experience tend to look like? And, most importantly, how does that experience benefit a small museum?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Because there are relatively few openings, candidates may have to work part time, as an intern, or even as a volunteer assistant curator or research associate after completing their formal education. Substantial work experience in collection management, research, exhibit design, or restoration, as well as database management skills, will be necessary for permanent status.

(you can check out more here: www.bls.gov/oco/ocos065.htm )

Sound familiar? It did to me. I have put in my time as an unpaid intern, an underpaid employee, and, of course, unemployed. We will discuss that experience and how to make the best of it.

We will also discuss the other end of the EMP experience.

As the collective belts of the non-profit world tighten, we have all seen significant changes in staffing. As the theme of this year’s conference indicates, museums have had to “adapt and reuse.” Part of that adaptation includes bringing in young professionals in roles that formerly might have been shared by multiple employees. That’s where I am now, as the only paid professional at a small museum that formerly had a staff of six. We will try to tackle how a museum can best utilize the talent available, and how an EMP must balance the responsibilities.

I hope you will join me for “Learning and Doing: Emerging professionals in Today’s Museums.” The more perspectives we have in the discussion, the more valuable it will be for everyone. See you there!

-Alana Blumenthal, Curator/Collections Manager of the Loudoun Museum, Leesburg, VA

Small Museum Fellowships to AAM's Annual Meeting

2011-12-21T09:52:00.000-08:00

The Small Museum Administrators Committee of AAM (SMAC) is partnering with other Professional Networks to offer Fellowships to the 2012 AAM Annual Meeting for Mid-Career Professionals working in small museums.

Two Fellowships will be awarded for mid-career professional from small museums (budgets of $350,000 or less) who have worked in the museum field for at least 3 years. These Fellowships are open to volunteers as well as paid staff.

The Fellowships cover basic conference registration, registration for one evening event and one business lunch, a Fellowship Breakfast, and a $750 travel stipend. All monies must be used to attend the 2012 AAM Annual Meeting in Minneapolis.

To Apply: Visit http://aam-us.org/am12/fellowships.cfm for more information about eligibility requirements and application. When applying, you will be expected to provide the following:

A description of your job responsibilities and how a fellowship would help advance your museum career and benefit your institution.
A summary of your significant contributions and future plans for service to the small museum community, highlighting any leadership roles. Examples include but are not limited to presenting sessions or teaching; serving on professional committees or association board; publications; and/or mentoring interns and emerging professionals.
How you will specifically use the opportunity to attend the meeting to assist your colleagues.
A statement of your financial need.
Your current resume
A letter of recommendation from your employer that includes a statement of the value to your institution of your conference attendance.
A copy of the museum’s annual budget or other proof of budget size

Deadline: Tuesday, January 31, 2012.

Emerging Museum Professionals Fellowships for those in the first 10 years of their careers and Diversity Fellowships for those who are members of under-represented groups in the museum field are also available. Both are open to individuals working in small museums. Visit http://aam-us.org/am12/fellowships.cfm for more information.

Institute for Cultural Entrepreneurship

2011-12-15T05:49:00.001-08:00

Cooperstown Graduate Program announces its third annual Institute for Cultural Entrepreneurship (ICE) May 6-9, 2012. Twenty (20) openings are available for mid-career museum professionals at the spring 2012 entrepreneurial training program in Cooperstown, N.Y.

ICE’s enrichment program teaches museum, preservation, historic site and other arts and culture professionals the entrepreneurial skills designed to strengthen institutions and build on sustainability while engaging community.

Here's what fellows from the 2011 institute said about their ICE experience:

ICE gave me "a new framework for problem solving, or rather taking challenges and transforming them into opportunities." - Laura Thayer
"Create the buzz folks - this program rocks!" - Elizabeth Shapiro
"Using the interaction and experiences I had at ICE has really allowed me to envision and plan for a future with a clarity that I did not have before." - Matthew Mittelstadt

ICE tuition is $500 and includes most meals and your stay at the historic Otesaga Resort Hotel ( http://www.otesaga.com/ ) on Otsego Lake in Cooperstown. Some scholarships are available.

Join ICE on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Institute-for-Cultural-Entrepreneurship-for-Museum-Leaders/190560077627609

Get more information on the ICE website: http://www.oneonta.edu/academics/ice/index.html

E-mail Elizabeth Furlow at ICE: furlowew@oneonta.edu

Workshop: Incorporating Visitors into Museum Interpretation

2011-12-02T09:18:00.000-08:00

[ Prepaid registration required.

To download the registration form, go to this program's website here. ]

You are invited to participate in this exciting museum workshop,

Incorporating Visitors into Museum Interpretation

Friday, January 13, 2012

The first workshop in a brand-new series:

“Creating the Visitor-Centered Museum”

This workshop series is one of only 10 museum programs in the nation supported by the

Institute of Museum and Library Services' 21st Century Museum Professionals Grant program.

The day’s sessions will cover:

What is Interpretation?

Customer Service and Interpretation

Being a Presence and Keeping the Visitors’ Attention

Recent Research on Visitor-Directed Interpretation

This interactive, engaging workshop will be hosted at

Historic London Town and Gardens.

839 Londontown Road; Edgewater, MD 21037

$10 for students

$25 general registration fee

$15 for staff and volunteers of supporting organizations

Lunch included in price.

For more information, or if you want to register by phone with a credit card,

please contact Rod Cofield at

410-222-1919 x206 or rodcofield@historiclondontown.org

This workshop and the workshop series are a jointly-sponsored project of:

Historic London Town and Gardens

Maryland Association of History Museums

Maryland Historical Trust

Thanks to a 21st Century Museums Professionals grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Historic London Town and Gardens, in partnership with the Maryland Historical Trust and Maryland Association of History Museums, will be offering a series of twelve workshops during the next three years for museum staff and volunteers. This workshop series, “Creating a Visitor-Centered Museum,” will help area museums explore how their museums can become more engaging, educating, and fascinating places to visit.

This workshop series is also supported by:

Four Rivers: The Heritage Area of Annapolis, London Town & South County

Historic Annapolis Foundation

Watermark

Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area

Sotterley Plantation

The project is made possible through a 21^st-Century Museum Professionals grant awarded by the Institute for Museum and Library Services.

For more information about this particular grant award and the grant program in general, follow this link.

Call for Small Museums! Share Your Data

2011-11-30T08:26:00.000-08:00

"I think it’s important to have small museums represented as a significant part of the museum community, and very few have contributed data so far to AAM’s Museum Benchmarking Online project. Ultimately, the data collected by the American Association of Museums will be useful for all of us—to lobby our cities/counties/parent organizations for funding; to plan/refine our budgets; to apply for grants; etc." - Karen Daly, Director, Dumbarton House and SMA Board Member

Museum Benchmarking Online (MBO), AAM's new web-based tool, makes it easy for you to share your museum's data for the good of the whole museum field. MBO follows in the footsteps of our old, reliable, authoritative Museum Financial Information survey. The collected data is AAM's best weapon for advocacy on Capitol Hill and beyond.

December 31, 2011 is the deadline for your museum's data to be included in a museum advocacy report! Contributors can review and update their data at anytime; and subscribers can make comparisons and generate reports on demand.

Learn more by visiting www.aam-us.org/mbo or emailing benchmark@aam-us.org.

Employment Opportunities with Mt. Clare Museum House

2011-11-29T10:05:00.000-08:00

CURATOR OF COLLECTIONS AND EXHIBITIONS for Mount Clare Museum House, Baltimore, MD

The Mount Clare Museum House management team is seeking an energetic, highly organized and creative museum professional to plan, develop, implement and oversee all aspects of the museum’s permanent and temporary exhibition schedule as directed and assist as necessary with site operations of Mt. Clare Museum House; an historic site collecting and interpreting American Art and Regional History as it relates to the Carroll family and their 18^th century estate located in Carroll Park in Baltimore City.

The successful candidate will possess proven leadership and administrative experience with sound judgment and objective decision-making ability. This position requires strong knowledge of American art, American Decorative Arts, American history, current curatorial and collections management methodologies.

This position reports directly to the Site Manager and is a part-time 20 hour per week position without benefits.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Curator of Collections & Exhibits develops interpretive exhibits, exhibit–related programs and publications, and is responsible for all aspects of collections management. Work will focus on interdisciplinary and collaborative projects with staff, community organizations, and peer museums.

The Curator will research and promote scholarship on the museum’s collection, including provenance, the Carroll family history and the role the site has played in Baltimore and the region’s art and cultural history. Interpret works of art on exhibition in an engaging manner; think rigorously and communicate sensitively about the conception and reception of museum exhibitions. Conceptualize and plan the installation of seasonal changes to the permanent collection; install and rotate objects in the collection and refresh and upgrade installations as needed. Manage the storage and display of loans and related correspondence. Participate in decisions regarding new acquisitions and conservation of objects in the permanent collection.

The candidate is expected to develop collaborative projects that engage and build audiences, as well as participate in public speaking. Assists in the writing of local, state, and national grant proposals to support collections care and exhibitions; and contributes to the writing of materials related to exhibitions and interpretation. The Curator will assist in routine operations of the House Museum as necessary and directed.

The Curator will work with staff to implement exhibit plans for the War of 1812 Bicentennial and work with the Curator of Education to organize interpretative programming to support the special exhibit, opening to the public on or about September 2012. The Curator will have an extraordinary opportunity to create a vision for the interpretation of the permanent collection, furnishing plans, and the installation and interpretation of special exhibitions in 2013-2014 as part of the continuation of museum’s commemoration of the Civil War Sesquicentennial 2011-2015.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Three to five years of professional curatorial experience working in museums is required, including experience building and managing a decorative arts collection; administering a departmental budget; training and managing intern staff, volunteers and docent corps. Excellent knowledge of current curatorial standards and proven track record in creation of exhibits are essential. A concentration in Museum Studies, American Studies, American History or comparable field is preferred. Master's Degree in Art History, American History or related field is desired. Relative experience may be substituted for educational requirements.

Must have working knowledge of the principles and practices of office management and tools, work organization and supervision; the ability to supervise, train, motivate and direct interns and volunteers; the ability to interact effectively with all age levels and cultural backgrounds; Must have excellent oral, written, computer, problem-solving and communication skills. Ability to work independently as well as an integral team member is desirable. Goal directed, results driven. Grant writing is a plus. Ability to lift 30 lbs, a valid driver’s license and vehicle required. Experience with PastPerfect software a plus.

To apply for this position, send a letter of application, resume, and the names and contact information for at least three professional references to chiefcurator@borail.org or mail to:

B&O Railroad Museum

Attn: Dave Shackelford

901 W. Pratt Street

Baltimore, MD 21223

CURATOR OF EDUCATION for Mount Clare Museum House, Baltimore, MD

The Mount Clare Museum House management team is seeking an energetic, highly organized and creative museum professional to plan, develop, implement quality educational programs, and assist as necessary with site operations of Mt. Clare Museum House; an historic site collecting and interpreting American Art and Regional History as it relates to the Carroll family and their 18^th century estate located in Carroll Park in Baltimore City.

The successful candidate will possess proven leadership and administrative experience with sound judgment and objective decision-making ability. This position requires strong knowledge of American art, American history, current educational theories and art education methodologies including current technological advances in internet and classroom learning.

This position reports directly to the Site Manager and is a part-time 24 hour per week position without benefits.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Curator of Education provides leadership and vision in the development and coordination of all programming associated with the museum’s mission, collection, history and special exhibits, working with staff and volunteers to constantly revise, distinguish, diversify, and participate in the Museum’s educational program offerings to attract and serve the broadest possible audience.

In accordance with the museum’s long range plan, the Curator oversees the development and implementation of programs, including but not limited to: preparation of program budgets, ongoing training for volunteer tour guides and the development and coordination of programs related to current exhibitions and the permanent collection. The Curator assists in the writing of local, state, and national grant proposals; and contributes to the writing of materials related to exhibitions and family/public programs.

The Curator is responsible for the Visitor Services aspects for the museum including but not limited to scheduling and planning of group tours and related correspondence, scheduling docents, and preparing the template for the quarterly newsletter. The Curator will assist in routine operations of the House Museum as necessary and directed.

The Curator works on audience advocacy to raise awareness of the Museum as a resource within the community by working with local cultural and community organizations to develop partnerships, collaborations, and special programs to serve their unique needs.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
A minimum of 3+ years combined experience working in museums and/or teaching, including experience building and administering a departmental budget; training and managing intern staff and the docent corps; and designing and coordinating quality education programs for adults and children with a diversity of backgrounds, ages and interests. A Master’s degree in museum education, art history, American history, or related field is desired. Relative experience may be substituted for educational requirements.

Knowledge of current issues in the field of museum education and museum-school partnerships, including knowledge of and participation in professional organizations at the state, regional and national level in the field of museum education or art education; and knowledge of curriculum standards for art and history for school age children.

Must have working knowledge of the principles and practices of office management and tools, work organization and supervision; the ability to supervise, train, motivate and direct staff and volunteers; the ability to interact effectively with all age levels and cultural backgrounds; Must have excellent oral, written, computer, problem-solving and communication skills. Ability to work independently as well as an integral team member is desirable.

To apply for this position, send a letter of application, resume, and the names and contact information for at least three professional references to chiefcurator@borail.org or mail to:

B&O Railroad Museum

Attn: Dave Shackelford

901 W. Pratt Street

Baltimore, MD 21223

Explore and Share Cultural Heritage Collections Online With Viewshare

2011-11-14T13:28:00.000-08:00

From Trevor Owens, Digital Archivist, Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is excited to launch Viewshare.org, a free, easy-to-use tool that lets historians, curators, archivists, and librarians create interactive interfaces to digital collections. If you can create a spreadsheet you can create and share a dynamic online interface including maps, timelines, and charts that allow for rich exploration collection information with Viewshare. Stewards of cultural heritage collections can request a free account to use the tool by sending an email to ndiippaccess@loc.gov.

An Example of the Collection Interface created with Viewshare for a collection of photographs of segregated schools in Mississippi.

The best way to explain Viewshare is to walk through how it helped a user make a collection more accessible. Over a week last summer, Gloria Gonzalez, a junior fellow at the Library of Congress, used Viewshare to help tell a story about the Phay Collection, a collection of historic photographs she had worked with as an undergraduate at the University of Mississippi. As Gloria explained, “I care about this collection DEEPLY; I worked around 600 hours over the last year scanning the photos and slides while making an Excel sheet of the metadata at the same time.” Gloria, like many aspiring and professional historians, archivists, librarians, and curators across the country, cared both about the individual stories in each photograph and what the collection as a whole says about her community.

By uploading data from the collection to Viewshare, Gloria was quickly able to create a dynamic interface to the collection of photos she had worked so hard to make accessible online. Viewshare enabled her to place the items on an interactive map, create an interactive timeline, and create search tools making it easy to sort through and analyze the collection’s categories and data. She was able to do this without needing to write any code or build her own website. All Viewshare required was a little bit of patience to work with a point-and-click and drag-and-drop interface.

Pamela Williamson, Curator of Visual Collections at the University of Mississippi, and Gloria’s manager on her project to digitize the Phay collection, explained how the Viewshare views supplement the existing online collection. “Viewshare really picks up where our digital collection management system leaves off. It allows the information presented by the collection to be seen and manipulated in a way that builds and expands our online Phay Collection.” The central idea behind Viewshare is that stewards of cultural heritage collections have a great deal of knowledge about their collection. Providing a tool that makes it as easy as possible for those stewards to create dynamic and engaging interfaces to their collections will support access to, and use of, those materials by anyone interested in understanding and exploring the history of the nation.

Small Museum Finds Assistance!

2011-11-10T06:04:00.000-08:00

From Flavia Cigliano, Director of the Nichols House Museum in Boston, MA. Nichols House has participated in several Museum Assessment Programs through AAM as well as in StEPS with AASLH.

"I noticed that the Museum Assessment Program (MAP) has another application deadline coming up, at the first of next month. I know I’ve been quoted as a strong supporter of MAP in many vehicles before, but I wanted to send one more personal message to small museums to consider a MAP application. It did wonders for our museum, the Nichols House in Boston.

"We did our first MAP in 2000, and have done a total of four, the most recent in 2010. Our results speak to the value of the program.

"Since that first MAP, we have been able to more than triple our staff, receive 4 grants from the IMLS ( 2 CPS; 2 MFA) 5 Preservation Assistance Grants from the NEH, and numerous grants from state agencies and private foundations when previously the Nichols House had received less than a handful. We have catalogued, digitized, and put on-line our entire collection (previously undocumented). With recommendations from our Institutional MAP [now called an Organizational MAP], we developed our first strategic plan, setting the ground work for considered long term planning for the museum.

"MAP is a marvel. It made us better stewards of the historic treasure we are charged with managing, made our board better able to fulfill their responsibilities, and made Nichols House a more important entity in the community. MAP helped make our museum investable. I cannot overestimate its impact on our museum."

To learn more about MAP, IMLS and AAM are offering a free webinar today at 3pm. Here is the information: The MAP webinar is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. EST. To connect to the audio portion of the webinar, use the following phone number and participant code:

1(866)459-4770
Participant code: 8452132

Nominations for 2012 Leadership in History Awards Program

2011-11-09T12:30:00.000-08:00

Contact: Bethany Hawkins

AASLH

(615) 320-3203

hawkins@aaslh.org

American Association for State and Local History Invites Nominations for 2012 Leadership in History Awards Program

NASHVILLE, TN—October 2011—The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) invites nominations for the 2012 Leadership in History Awards. Now in its 67th year, the Awards Program is the most prestigious national recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of local, state, and regional history. AASLH initiated the Awards Program in 1945 to establish and encourage standards of excellence in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of state and local history throughout America.

The AASLH Leadership in History Awards Program recognizes exemplary work completed by state or federal historical societies, institutions, or agencies; regional, county, or local historical societies, institutions, or agencies; specialized subject societies in related fields such as oral history, genealogy, folklore, archaeology, business history, railroad history, etc.; junior historical societies; privately owned museums or foundations; individuals; and organizations outside the field of traditional historical agencies. Awards are given for general excellence, exhibits, public and educational programming, special projects, publications, multimedia, individual achievement, and preservation or restoration projects. Nominees need not be members of AASLH to qualify.

Nomination forms may be obtained by visiting www.aaslh.org/aaslh_awards.htm, or by contacting the AASLH office by phone: 615-320-3203 or email: hawkins@aaslh.org.

Nominations are due to state award representatives on March 1, 2012. A list of state award representatives can be found at the AASLH website. Nominations are then reviewed by a national committee in the summer of 2012 with formal presentation of the awards made during the AASLH Annual Meeting, October 3-6, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The American Association for State and Local History is a not-for-profit professional organization of individuals and institutions working to preserve and promote history. From its headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, AASLH provides leadership and support for its members who preserve and interpret state and local history in order to make the past more meaningful to all Americans. AASLH publishes books, technical publications, a quarterly magazine, and monthly newsletter. The association also sponsors regional and national training workshops and an annual meeting. For more information about the Leadership in History Awards Program, contact Bethany Hawkins in the AASLH office at 615-320-3203.

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Photograph Collection - Possible Donation

2011-11-07T12:06:00.000-08:00

SMA received the following request to spread the word about a collection of photographs that could be accepted by a small museum. Please respond directly to Mr. Riley with any questions or interest:

"Hello. I am interested in the possibility of donating, as an outright gift, a collection of photographs to any small museum that might be interested in obtaining these works. I seek your assistance in notifying your members of this offer.

The collection comprises thirty (30) black & white still life photographs printed on double-weight silver gelatin papers that are dry-mounted on white, 4-ply, acid and lignin-free, pH buffered, 100% cotton rag boards. Each photograph is approximately 10” x 13” in size. The mounts, French-cut mats, and backing boards are each 16” x 20” in size. All of the photographs are in pristine condition: all have been processed and handled using archival methods. Each photograph is signed in customary fashion and stamped on the back with identifying information. The mounted photographs are individually contained in polyethylene sleeves and all are stored in acid-free portfolio boxes.

The entire collection of 30 images can be viewed at: http://normanrileyphotography.com/page5.html and http://normanrileyphotography.com/page6.html. There are 15 thumbnail images on each page. Click on the thumbnails for enlarged views of each image.

Please contact me at this email address or by telephone at (360)220-8000 if any of your member museums are interested in adding these photographs to their collections.

Sincerely,
Norman E. Riley"

Employment Opportunity with the Milton Historical Society

2011-10-25T09:11:00.001-07:00

Job Posting—Executive Director

Milton Historical Society

2011

The Executive Director is the executive officer of the Milton Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) organization and reports to the Board of Trustees. The Milton Historical Society is the hub of a historic community of 2000 residents at the head of the Broadkill River in Milton, Delaware. The Executive Director is responsible for a wide range of administrative and programming activities to advance the society’s mission and will lead the effort to complete an ambitious strategic plan. During the next 5-10 years, the Milton Historical Society plans to expand its physical space creating a vital, attractive town center while preserving its high standard of dynamic programming, preservation, governance, and financial strength.

Responsibilities:
1. Provide leadership in developing programs, projects and financial plans.
2. Supervise and train staff and volunteers and promotes active participation by MHS members and volunteers to support the organization.
3. Develop and maintain sound financial practices and works with the Finance Committee to prepare a budget and develop fundraising strategies to ensure adequate operating funds.
4. Identify, prepare and submit grant applications to fund programs and needs.
5. Maintain official records and documents and ensure compliance with all pertinent regulations.
6. Direct all educational programs and research activities.
7. Document, collection and manage archival and society holdings and provides for safe storage and a safe environment of all items.
8. Develop exhibits on and off site including collateral programs and activities that will enhance community participation.
9. Maintain the Lydia B, Cannon Museum building and grounds, plan for its expansion, and coordinate the expansion.
10. Inform the Board of Trustees of all conditions impacting the Society, prepare quarterly Board meeting agendas and minutes, and implement authorized plans and policies.
11. Publicize MHS activities and accomplishments through the website, newsletters, press releases, online media and publications.
12. Network with local, state, and regional historical and preservation groups to foster cooperative relationships.
13. Interact in a positive manner with the community to foster trust, commitment and support for the MHS.

Qualifications:
1. An interest and passion for learning, preserving, and sharing the history of Milton and the Broadkill Hundred.
2. Minimum three years in non-profit management or museum work.
3. Strong interpersonal skills.
4. Effective communication skills both verbal and written including public speaking.
5. Demonstrate initiative, creativity and dedication.
6. Knowledge of conservation and preservation techniques.
7. Computer experience required with knowledge of Past Perfect software preferred to manage the collection and analyze and share records and inventories. Able to produce publications and utilize and implement web resources.
8. Available to supervise some evening and weekend programs and events

This position can range from 30 – 40 hours per week dependent on the interest and skills of the candidate. Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume, salary requirements and list of three references to info@historicmilton.org by November 30, 201

SMA at NTHP Conference!

2011-10-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who attended SMA's lunch yesterday at the National Preservation Conference of the National Trust for Historic Preservation! We had about a dozen participants from all across the country join us for lunch and a tour of the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site.
Here's a photo:

Join MAHM on a MAP-Quest!

2011-10-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

From long-time SMA member Pam Williams and MAHM --

Join MAHM on a “MAP-Quest”…Find the right road to professional development!

We are pleased to announce an exciting new partnership between the Maryland Association of History Museums and the American Association of Museums’ Museum Assessment Program. MAHM and AAM are partnering to offer an opportunity for Maryland museums who want to participate in MAP to be part of a state working group. This opportunity is special for MAHM members.

This state working group will give you three times the support to work through the Museum Assessment Program. You will have the support of AAM, MAHM and each other as you work through the MAP self-study, prepare for the peer review site visit and begin implementing report recommendations. The MAP Maryland Working Group will have several opportunities to meet in person as well as a special online community available for virtual meetings and discussions. The MAP-Quest Working group will give you an opportunity to share ideas, find solutions to problems, and direct your MAP journey onto a superhighway.

Participation in MAP is free to $750, depending on your operating budget. To participate in the MAP Maryland working group, you will need to apply to MAP for the December 1 deadline and let MAHM know that you’re interested in joining the working group at: mahm1634@gmail.com. Space is limited in the MAP Maryland Working Group. You can contact Jill Connors-Joyner at jconnors-joyner@aam-us.org with any questions about MAP.

We hope you’ll join us on this “road trip” – it will be a MAP to success!

Best,

Pam Williams

--
Maryland Association of History Museums
Belair Mansion - C/O Pam Williams
12207 Tulip Grove Drive
Bowie MD 20715
(P) 301-809-3089
(F) 301-809-2308
http://www.mahm.org/

Tomorrow: SMA Lunch at NPC in Buffalo!

2011-10-19T05:48:00.001-07:00

Will you be there?
Join the Small Museum Association at the 2011 National Preservation Conference in Buffalo, NY on Thursday, October 20th from 12 - 1pm for an afternoon of discussion, lunch and a tour of the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site with colleagues from historic house museums and other small museums from across the country. Fee is $15 per person; call 302-841-0032 to make a reservation and payment.

Article Highlighting Small Museums!

2011-10-18T05:40:00.000-07:00

Check out this fun article from MA enticing people to visit their area's local museums! Have you ever worked with other small museums in your area to get combined press coverage? What have been your experiences?

Help is on the Way! Guidance Program for Small and Mid-Sized Museums

2011-10-12T13:33:00.001-07:00

"Our decision to participate in MAP has been among our best decisions. I believe the MAP process has given us both clarity around our issues and the depth of knowledge needed to successfully develop a plan that will allow for the museum's long term viability and sustainability." - Jamie Berry, Executive Director, Toy & Miniature Museum of Kansas City, Missouri

Do you want the answers to help your museum move forward? Would you like a roadmap for future success?

Consider participating in the Museum Assessment Program (MAP), which assists all types of small and mid-size museums (e.g., aquariums, art, history, natural history, public gardens, science centers and zoos). While engaging in guided self study, your museum will be matched with an expert peer reviewer who will provide a customized site visit and report. In less than a year, MAP will help you develop strategies for improved operations, planning, staff and board education and fundraising.

Since 1981, over 4,300 organizations have participated in MAP as a low-cost method of becoming more sustainable. Become the next museum to take advantage of MAP. The next application deadline is December 1, 2011.

Visit www.aam-us.org/map to download the application and for more information about MAP. You can also email map@aam-us.org or call 202-289-9118. MAP is administered by the American Association of Museums and supported through a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Small Museum Challenges

2011-10-06T18:24:00.000-07:00

SMA received a request looking to see if other small museums are facing similar challenges. While they're a college art gallery, many of these issues may resonate with a larger swath of museums. Does it sound familiar to you? Have you faced -and perhaps overcome- some of the concerns listed below? Share your thoughts in the comments and/or on the SMA Facebook page.

"Our gallery does not have space for artist demonstrations or workshops, as well as no clean-up facilities other than a bathroom that is shared with the rest of the student center in which we are located. This community is largely blue-collar and agricultural, and money and resources are lacking. While we are part of a university, the university has its roots as a vocational and technical college, and it is still difficult to demonstrate that fine arts (and even liberal arts) are valuable. The university offers a graphic design program (housed in the business college), and an art history minor. There is no fine arts major or minor offered!

I am curious if other museums have faced similar challenges. Does the above description of my community resonate with anyone? If so, what educational/outreach programs have been successful for you? What has brought people to your gallery or museum?"

Employment Opportunity with the National Watch & Clock Museum

2011-09-22T11:17:00.000-07:00

NAWCC, Inc.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
TITLE: NAWCC Library & Archives Supervisor
LOCATION: National Watch & Clock Museum, Columbia, PA
STATUS: Full-time, exempt

The Library & Archives Supervisor is responsible for managing and making accessible one of the largest
horological libraries in the world. Housed within the Watch and Clock Museum, the collection consists of
over 30,000 books, catalogs, and periodicals dealing with all aspects of the study of time and timekeeping.
Special collections material includes 21,000 American patents; postcards dealing with horological subjects;
postal stamps showing timekeeping devices; ledgers and drawings from the Hamilton Watch Company; the
Whitaker Westclox collection; and the personal papers of such noted horologists as Jesse Coleman, Orville
Hagans, Barclay Stephens, Robert Franks, James W. Gibbs, Albert Potter, and Charles Alvah Smith.
Researchers of all types use our materials both remotely and on-site.

This is a full-time position reporting to the Museum Director. The responsibility of the Library & Archives
Supervisor is to build, manage, and promote the collections with regard to access, reference, processing,
outreach, acquisitions, and preservation, establishing priorities for both ongoing responsibilities and projects.
The Library & Archives Supervisor supervises and schedules one full-time librarian/archivist, one part-time
circulation staff person, and occasional full-time or part-time project archivists. The Library & Archives
Supervisor also recruits, trains and manages a number of excellent, highly-valued volunteers and interns,
upon whom the department and the Museum rely.

Primary Responsibilities
* Selects and orders library material and performs technical service functions including cataloging,
circulation, etc.
* Work with on-site and remote researchers to provide professional reference service.
* Arrange, describe and create electronic access tools for archival collections and books.
* Support the Museum in its development and research of museum exhibits.
* Establish and maintain relationships with watch and clock industry partners.
* Work with Museum Director on accessioning procedures and rights and reproductions requests.
* Plan processing, digitization, access, conservation, cataloging and other projects, and work with the
Museum Director to write grants seeking project funding.
* Manage the departmental and grant budgets and make budget recommendations.
* Develop, research, design, and install/create exhibits for the department’s exhibit areas and the
museum’s website.
* Active participation with the Philadelphia Area Consortium of Special Collections Libraries (PACSCL)
and local management of consortium projects.
* Develop archives and library collections through donations and purchases, with attention to developing
relationships with donors, potential donors, and vendors.
* Participate in museum-wide leadership, strategic planning, and policy creation.
* Work with other NAWCC departments on institution-wide projects.
* Work collaboratively with other horological organizations and institutions.
* Give presentations about library collections for prospective donors and VIPs.
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities
* Supervisory skills and the ability to organize work, develop effective work processes, and assess work
priorities.
* Strong service orientation and an interest in working with NAWCC staff, members and the general
public.
* Demonstrated ability to work with researchers of all types, including scholars, teachers, students,
enthusiasts, and genealogists.
* Ability to assist and instruct museum staff, departmental staff, interns, and volunteers with a patient,
respectful, and supportive approach.
* Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
* Demonstrated understanding of, and receptiveness to, the uses of emerging technologies in archival
and special collections.
collections.
* Ability to work both independently and with other departments.
* Ability to meet deadlines.
* Ability to lift items of 25 pounds or more. Ability to stand or kneel for long periods of time. Ability to stand
on and move rolling ladder and reach items on upper library shelves.
* Requires working rotating weekend schedule and some holidays.

Required education and experience
* The Library & Archives Supervisor should have a Master of Library Science or Master of Arts in History
with experience in archives and/or library operation, as well as professional experience in a special
collections library or research setting.
*Formal training in archival practice and care in handling of unique material.
* Very strong hands-on computer skills, including experience with web development, relevant library
computer systems software, and software and technologies required for providing digital access to
resources
* Facility with OCLC mixed materials cataloging and standard professional tools and programs (e.g.
LCSH, DACS, Archivists’ Toolkit, etc.).
* Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively to develop programs and exhibits.
* Demonstrated ability to maintain, manage and seek out new relationships within your institution and in
partnership with other institutions.

Preferred experience
* Knowledge of horological history and technology preferred.
* Evidence of active participation within the profession.

The salary for this position is commensurate with experience. Start date of late 2011 or early 2012.Please
submit resume, salary requirements and three references via email to: staffing@nawcc.org

AASLH: Small Museum Toolkit Available for Pre-Order

2011-08-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

The Small Museum Toolkit is Now Available to Pre-Order

Order Your Copy Now and Save 30%!

As a small museum staff person, you are responsible for a lot, including areas outside of your expertise or training. You need a quick reference that makes the process of becoming a sustainable, valued institution less overwhelming. The Small Museum Toolkit is a collection of six books that serve as a launching point for small museum staff to pursue best practices and meet museum standards. Each brief volume, written in a friendly tone by experienced museum professionals, helps you define the questions you should be asking, gives you tools to achieve your goals, and guides you where to go for help.

About the Editors
Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko is chief executive officer at the Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor, Maine. She was the founding chair of the AASLH Small Museums Committee and serves as a peer reviewer for the American Association of Museums.

Stacy Klingler is assistant director of Local History Services at the Indiana Historical Society. She serves as chair of the AASLH Small Museums Committee and is a member of the Field Services Alliance.

Use promo code BESLH11

Pre-order through AltaMira Press
CALL 1-800-462-6420
OR ORDER ONLINE
www.altamirapress.com

Paper Retail Price: ~~$150.00~~
DISCOUNT PRICE: $105.00

Cloth Retail Price: ~~$300.00~~
DISCOUNT PRICE: $210.00

Toolkit Ships: December 2011

Pre-Order Promo Ends October 20, 2011

Outstanding Small Museums - Where Are You?

2011-08-04T09:14:00.000-07:00

SMA has received a request from a student at Cooperstown Graduate Program wanting to know about outstanding small museums, who are fully engaged with their communities. In particular, she is seeking to identify volunteer run organizations without staff and/or museums with 1 - 3 professional staff members. Naturally, we want to know about them too! Please share your recommendations on our wall (either blog or Facebook), and we will pass them along to her. We need the submissions by next week, if possible.

Employment Opportunity with Poplar Hill Mansion

2011-08-02T13:01:00.001-07:00

The Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion is seeking a live in Curator for Poplar Hill Mansion, Salisbury’s oldest Federal home, built 1795-1805. If you are interested in history, skilled in computers, grant writing , marketing and event planning, please contact Aleta Davis , Board Chair, for an interview. Please call 410 749 5168 or email curator@poplarhillmansion.org

What is That? (And What Does it Mean?) Part II: Material Culture in the Chesapeake, c1650-1800

2011-07-28T05:48:00.000-07:00

SAVE THE DATE

"What is That? (And What Does it Mean?) Part II:

Material Culture in the Chesapeake, c1650-1800"

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Hosted at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum

Come 'rummage' through the more than ?? million artifacts at the

Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory to learn about:

Artifacts of entertainment
Adaptive Reuse
Clothing

You'll be able see and touch these exciting artifacts while also

learning how they shed light on our understanding of the time period.

$30 - Registration Fee

$15 - Student Fee

$20 - Volunteers, staff, and members of sponsoring organizations

Lunch included in cost.

(For previous workshop attendees, you know it is worth it for the food alone)

Registration procedure and additional workshop information will be sent out in September.

Sponsored By:

Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum

Maryland Association of History Museums

Historic London Town and Gardens

Southern Maryland Museum Association

Join SMA at the 2011 National Preservation Conference!

2011-07-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

Join the Small Museum Association at the 2011 National Preservation Conference with the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Buffalo, NY on Thursday, October 20th from 12 - 1pm for an afternoon of discussion, lunch and a tour of the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site with colleagues from historic house museums and other small museums from across the country. Fee is $15 per person; call 302-841-0032 to make a reservation and payment.

Hope to see you there!!

Small Museums with Big Voices Wanted

2011-07-26T05:51:00.000-07:00

Do you want to make your voice heard on the key issues facing small nonprofits -- not just museums, but all nonprofit organizations that support and enlighten their communities?

The Johns Hopkins Nonprofit Listening Post Project tracks how nonprofits are affected by major trends and how they are responding. This cutting-edge research project is now recruiting small organizations (no more than $500,000 in annual revenue, preferably less) in all fields to participate in short surveys. Just 20 minutes of your time 2 or 3 times a year will ensure that the needs of small nonprofits aren't ignored -- and that museums are always part of the conversation about the future of the nonprofit sector. AAM has been a partner in this project since 2003. Participating museums get free customized reports, advanced access to research publications, networking opportunities and other benefits.

For more details, visit http://ccss.jhu.edu/index.php?section=content&view=9&sub=5 or contact Philip M. Katz at pkatz@aam-us.org.

Employment Opportunity with Historic London Town

2011-07-21T10:20:00.001-07:00

Historic London Town and Gardens

Historic London Town and Gardens, an Annapolis-area museum interpreting colonial history, horticulture, and archaeology is hiring for two part-time, seasonal positions (education programs assisant and seasonal interpreter). The main job duty for both positions is to interpret London Town's story to our visitors. The education position will work mostly with grade school students; the interpreter position with general visitors of all ages.

The education position usually works when needed Wednesday through Friday, 9:30 - 2:00 with additional days and times as pre-scheduled. The interpreter position usually works Saturdays and Sundays during our public hours.

These positions can be filled by one or more individuals depending on applicants' schedules and London Town's needs. The same individual could work both in positions. Both positions are seasonal and will start mid-September with mandatory, paid training. Pay is $10/hour. As these are contractual positions, no benefits are available.

Use this link to read the position description for the Education Programs Assistant (click here)

Use this link to read the position description for the Seasonal Interpreter (click here)

Resumes with letters of intent may be emailed (preferred) to Lisa Robbins at education@historiclondontown.org or mailed to:
Lisa Robbins
Education Programs Administrator
Historic London Town and Gardens
839 Londontown Road
Edgewater, MD 21037

Call for Proposals for SMA 2012 now Available!

2011-07-09T05:56:00.000-07:00

The Small Museum Association (SMA) is planning its 28th Annual Conference, which will be held in Ocean City, Maryland, February 19 - 21, 2012. The most important part of that planning is assembling speakers for the 40+ concurrent program sessions that will be presented during the conference. Through this Call for Proposals we invite you to share your knowledge, experience and lessons learned with hundreds of colleagues who – like you – are committed to small museums everywhere. The deadline for submitting all proposals is September 1, 2011.

As the only conference in the country dedicated specifically to small museums, the Annual Conference draws museum professionals from the Mid-Atlantic region and from across the country as our membership and attendee base continues to expand. The conference goal is to support and nurture the small museum community through a mix of invited speakers, contributed presentations, workshops and engaging discussion. The conference provides a unique and comfortable learning environment for individuals and institutions with diverse experiences to meet and learn from each other, to share their expertise, build capacity and increase professionalism. Conference sessions typically provide practical, relevant discussions and examples for small museums and institutions with limited budgets and staff. This year, the Small Museum Conference will offer sessions that address the conference theme, Adapt and Reuse: Fresh Ideas and New Approaches.

We invite proposals based on institutional experience or original research. Proposal topics should explore how organizations can adapt and reuse ideas, strategies, or even materials to create successful programs and healthy institutions, no matter how small. This should be a central theme to any presentation, whether it addresses fundraising, education, curatorial issues, museum boards or volunteers. Sessions should also indicate the level of the information that will be provided, and whether it is most appropriate for a beginner who is new to museums, someone with intermediate experience, or an expert in the field.

Possible session topics include: · Mining your Board - How to take advantage of skills you didn’t know they had · New ways to sell your project - writing winning grant applications · Using every day materials to create amazing exhibits · Turn your volunteers into social media ambassadors · How to be green on a shoestring budget · More with Less - Coping with reduced resources · Which Hat Today? - How to grow your museum with a staff of one.

Proposals should be submitted using the form here, and sent to one of the SMA Speaker Coordinators no later than September 1, 2011.

SMA's mission is to develop and maintain a peer network among people who work for small museums, giving them opportunities to learn, share knowledge and support one another, so that they, in turn, can better serve their institutions, communities and profession.

Conference Materials - Small Spaces, Big Ideas - Emily Schultz and Sarah Coster

2011-06-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

Here are some materials from the well-received session, "Small Spaces, Big Ideas - Designing Temporary Exhibits for Historic House Museums" from the 2011 Conference. We will be posting more conference materials over the next few weeks, to inspire you to develop a session for the 2012 Conference. Watch this space, we will be issuing a Call for Proposals for 2012 very soon!!

Small Spaces, Big Ideas Presentation Outline

Small Spaces, Big Ideas Power Point

Exhibit Script-Writing Cheat Sheet

Step-By-Step Exhibit Planning

Employment Opportunity with the Society of the Cincinnati

2011-06-16T07:01:00.001-07:00

Museum Collections Manager

The Society of the Cincinnati

The Society of the Cincinnati, a nonprofit historical and educational organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., seeks a full-time museum collections manager to oversee the care and preservation of its museum collections, which include more than 4,000 works of art and artifacts, including portraits, armaments, furniture, textiles, and other decorative arts objects. Founded in 1783, the Society strives to promote increased public awareness of the American Revolution and its achievements. Since 1938 the Society has maintained its headquarters at Anderson House, a 1905 Beaux Arts mansion and National Historic Landmark in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.societyofthecincinnati.org.

Major Duties:

The museum collections manager is the primary staff member charged with maintaining the Society’s museum collections and the records that document them. Major duties include:

• processing museum acquisitions, including accessioning, cataloging, and deaccessioning

• maintaining the collections management database and object files

• evaluating collections storage conditions and developing a plan for their improvement

• developing a museum housekeeping plan

• monitoring environmental conditions in the museum and collections storage rooms

• arranging incoming and outgoing loans for exhibitions at Anderson House and other venues

• conducting periodic collections inventories

• contributing to emergency preparedness and museum security procedures

• processing image reproduction requests and assisting with collections research requests

• assisting with exhibition planning and installation

• assisting with identifying conservation priorities

• participating in the development and execution of public programs

Qualifications:

A Master’s degree in history, art history, American studies, museum studies, or a closely related field is strongly preferred. At least two to three years of professional experience working with museum collections and collections management software (particularly Past Perfect) is also strongly preferred. A successful candidate will be familiar with collections management standards and have experience with proper methods for museum registration, object care and storage, and loans. Familiarity with the history and material culture of the American Revolution, Washington, D.C., and/or the Gilded Age is a plus. A successful candidate should be an excellent writer and an effective speaker and should be organized, detail-oriented, and capable of working on several projects simultaneously. Some physical activity such as climbing ladders, lifting, and kneeling is required, as are occasional evening and weekend hours.

Salary and Benefits:

This is a mid-level position on the professional staff of the Society of the Cincinnati with an annual salary in the range of $36,000-$43,000. Excellent benefits include annual leave, health insurance, a 401(k) plan, a commuting stipend, and professional development opportunities.

To apply, send a resume and cover letter, including mention of where you learned about this opening, by Friday, July 15 to:

Emily L. Schulz

Deputy Director and Curator

The Society of the Cincinnati

2118 Massachusetts Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20008

eschulz@societyofthecincinnati.org

Textile Workshop

2011-06-02T12:40:00.001-07:00

The Tri-State Coalition of Historic Places invites you to a workshop on textiles, being held June 16, 2011 in New Castle, DE. Details and registration information can be found at: Tri-State Workshop.

Employment Opportunity with the Society of the Cincinnati

2011-06-02T12:37:00.001-07:00

Historical Education Programs Manager: The Society of the Cincinnati, a non-profit historical society, is seeking a professional to develop and manage educational programs on the American Revolution with particular emphasis on the War for Independence and its American and French leaders. The Society’s focus is on influencing educators and educational decision-makers and on creating and distributing educational materials rather than on staging programs for students.

A successful candidate will have a B.A. in history or a closely allied subject (M.A. preferred), detailed knowledge of the history of the American Revolution, excellent writing and verbal abilities, strong editorial skills and familiarity with educational outreach programs and advocacy, as well as proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with website design techniques. Proficiency in spoken and written French would be valued highly but is not a requirement. A candidate with experience teaching American history will receive serious consideration, as will a candidate with experience in a professional position in museum education. Detailed knowledge about the American Revolution is an inflexible prerequisite. Apply only if you possess such knowledge now. Willingness to learn is not a substitute.

This is a full-time position on the professional staff of The Society of the Cincinnati at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. Annual salary in the range of $36,000-$43,000 and excellent benefits. Applicant must be available to start September 6 or before. Position will be open until filled.

Send resume and cover letter to the Executive Director, The Society of the Cincinnati, 2118 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008. Applications may be sent by electronic mail (please include your name in the name of each attached document (e.g., Robert Jones Resume, Susan Smith Cover Letter) to admin@societyofthecincinnati.org. Recent college graduates with little applicable work experience will be considered, but must include copies of their undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate school transcripts.

Employment Opportunity with Julia A. Purnell Museum

2011-05-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

Site Name and Address: Julia A. Purnell Museum, 208 West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863

Position Title: Assistant Director

Educational Requirements: Bachelor's Degree, or equivalent experience.

Experience Required: Museum experience preferred but not required.

Postition Description: The Museum Assistant Director will assist the Executive Director of the Julia A. Purnell Museum in all aspects of museum management under the guidance of the Executive Director. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to assisting in artifact conservation, inventory and record keeping, exhibit design and fabrication, marketing, research, interpretation, program development and implementation, site maintenance, and administrative functions.

Other pertinent information: This is a full-time position. Salary is 22,000/year plus benefit package. The start date is August 1, 2011. Position includes some weekend hours.

Application Requirements (resume, cover letter, salary requirements, writing sample?): Please send cover letter, resume, and three references.

Contact Name: Claire Otterbein

Title: Executive Director

Where to send application packet (e-mail address, street address, fax?):

Julia A. Purnell Museum

Attention: Claire Otterbein

208 West Market Street

Snow Hill, MD 21863

SMA's Board President wins national award

2011-05-20T05:14:00.001-07:00

MIKE DiPAOLO NAMED RECIPIENT OF 2011 AAM

NANCY HANKS MEMORIAL AWARD

Honor Recognizes Excellence by a Museum Professional

With Less Than 10 Years Experience

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 9, 2011) ─ The American Association of Museums (AAM) today announced that Mike DiPaolo, executive director of the Lewes (Del.) Historical Society (LHS) is the recipient of its 2011 Nancy Hanks Memorial Award for Professional Excellence, honoring a museum professional with less than 10 years experience in the field. DiPaolo will receive his award during the general session of the AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo™ in Houston on Wednesday, May 25^th at 10:30 A.M..

DiPaolo became the LHS’s first full-time executive director in 2001, and since then the group’s membership has grown to more than 1,000 and its revenues increased more than five-fold. Under DiPaolo’s stewardship, the society’s facilities have undergone a major re-design, the number of exhibits has expanded dramatically and the society’s profile within the state and beyond has increased markedly. On the last point, DiPaolo’s communications initiatives have incorporated social media, publications and numerous public events to acquaint the community and state elected officials with the historical significance of Lewes, the first Dutch settlement in Delaware. And all of this was achieved with a full-time staff of two, including DiPaolo.

One of DiPaolo’s signature achievements came in 2006, on the 375^th anniversary of the first Lewes settlement. The LHS staged a ceremonial session of the Delaware General Assembly, a body that had met in Lewes in 1780-81.

“Mike DiPaolo has re-confirmed one enduring truth in the museum field: that one person, with energy and drive and imagination, can turn a modest institution into a major one,” said AAM Board Chair Douglas Myers. “His achievements in Lewes are emblematic of a museum leader’s commitment to education and community engagement, and that success in these areas only leads to more success and a wider impact.”

On the eve of its 50^th anniversary, the Lewes Historical Society now welcomes more than 80,000 visitors annually, making the LHS among the most-visited museum in the state. These visitors come for year-round programs that include exhibitions, tours and events. The society holds a collection of 10,000 objects, ranging from fine art to decorative arts, large industrial items and small maritime vessels.

“Mike DiPaolo’s work is a prime example of the challenges many small museum leaders face daily,” said AAM president Ford W. Bell. “Such individuals provide the vision for their institutions, while also acting as fundraiser-in-chief, collections manager, exhibit creator and designer and chief communications officer, among many other roles. Mr. DiPaolo has excelled in all these capacities, and the chief beneficiaries of his efforts are the people of Lewes and of Delaware.”

DiPaolo began his career in Lewes in 2001, and seems to have found a niche. “This is a good place to be,” the Cleveland, Ohio native said. “Lewes residents are very engaged in improving the community and supporting local organizations.”

Thanks, in no small measure, to the Lewes Historical Society.

First given in 1985, the Nancy Hank Memorial Award recognizes a specific achievement that has benefitted either the honoree’s home institution or the museum field in general. The cited achievement may be in any area of a museum’s operation: administration, exhibitions, education, public relations, registration, collections management or development. Alternatively, the accomplishment may benefit the museum field generally (for instance, a development plan, membership plan, exhibition design, or collection policy that can serve as a model for other museums).

The award commemorates the lifelong support by the late Nancy Hanks of cultural endeavors, and in particular her encouragement of young professionals in the cultural arena. Nancy Hanks served eight exceptional years as Chairman of the National Endowment of the Arts, among other accomplishments.

About AAM

The American Association of Museums has been bringing museums together since 1906, helping to develop standards and best practices, gathering and sharing= knowledge, and providing advocacy on issues of concern to the entire museum community. With more than 18,000 individual, 3,000 institutional and 300 corporate members, AAM is dedicated to ensuring that museums remain a vital part of the American landscape, connecting people with the greatest achievements of the human experience, past, present and future. For more information, visit www.aam-us.org.

###

Press Contact:

Dewey Blanton

AAM Communications

Phone: (202) 218-7704

Email: dblanton@aam-us.org

Employment Opportunity with Montgomery County Historical Society

2011-05-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

Weekend Coordinator Job Announcement

The Montgomery County Historical Society (MCHS), a private non-profit organization located in Rockville, Maryland, seeks a part-time Weekend Coordinator to manage the Historical Society’s operations on Saturdays and Sundays. MCHS is dedicated to encouraging the County's residents and the public at large to discover their common heritage. To achieve this, the Society uses its historic resources to create a shared sense of place in a changing environment. The Weekend Coordinator is responsible for managing the Historical Society’s weekend visitor experience including; MCHS volunteers and the general public.

Supervisor

Education Director

Time Commitment

· Every other weekend: Saturday and Sunday 11:45-4:00

Duties

· Manage all aspects of weekend visitor services, including opening/closing the Museums and Library, and collections security

· Supervise weekend volunteer docents

· Provide guided tours of the Beall-Dawson House and the Stonestreet Museum of 19^th Century Medicine

· Maintain and enforce Museum procedures and policies as necessary

· Provide customer assistance and process sales in the Museum Shop

· Assist with Society-related activities and oversee set-up, coordination, and clean-up of programs as needed

· Assist in Library when needed

Qualifications

· Visitor Services, museum education or museum studies experience

· One year experience working with the public

· Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills

· Strength, dexterity and mobility to perform all duties (to include light lifting and stair climbing)

· Interest in local history

· Prior experience leading tours and supervising others a plus

Salary

· This is a part-time position

· $13/hour, paid on an hourly basis and not eligible for MCHS benefits

Training

· Paid training provided by MCHS staff

To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, and two references to Director of Education, Montgomery County Historical Society, 111 W. Montgomery Ave., Rockville, MD 20850; eotey@montgomeryhistory.org; FAX: 301-340-2871.

No phone calls please. Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview.

Employment Opportunity with the College Park Aviation Museum

2011-04-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK & PLANNING COMMISSION

invites applications for the position of:

Museum Director (10167, Grade I)

An Equal Opportunity Employer

SALARY: $53,834.98 - $92,300.00 Annually

OPENING DATE: 04/12/11

CLOSING DATE: Continuous

DESCRIPTION:

The Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation, of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is seeking a Museum Director for the College Park Aviation Museum.

The incumbent provides professional museum management and serves as the Director of the College Park Aviation Museum, a premier museum facility dedicated to the history of the nationally significant College Park Airport. This century-old airfield was founded by the Wright Brothers in 1909 and was the site of their training with the first military aeroplane. The museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate, and therefore of the highest quality and purpose.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT DUTIES:

Incumbent manages and directs the daily operations of the facility, including staff supervision, program administration, facility maintenance, budget coordination, implementation and approval of all financial paperwork, and implementation of the museum's mission to the general public. The museum director maintains the overall integrity of the museum, its collections, programs and implementation in order to serve the general public and educate its visitors. This is a seven (7) day a week museum that serves all ages but focuses on a family audience. The incumbent works with it’s various partners to expand the museum's mission, leads fundraising activities, facilitates programs and exhibits to bring in repeat visitation and serves as the spokesperson on the history of the airport.

The incumbent defines the goals and objectives of the museum, works in cooperation with the airport staff, implements grants, works with vendors and contractors, plans and produces major programs and special events, maintains a budget, hires and evaluates staff, works with volunteers as well as the Field of Firsts Foundation; and coordinates building improvements and spearheads efforts for a possible future expansion of the museum.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in history, American studies, museum studies, archaeology, education, historic preservation, or a related field; and

2. Five years of progressively responsible experience, including two years as a program coordinator or supervisor; or

3. Master’s degree in one of the above fields; and three years of related experience; or

4. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

5. A valid driver’s license, or the ability to acquire one.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Candidate should have experience with and knowledge of museum management, and administration musuem education and at least five (5) years of advanced experience in one of these fields.

An advanced degree and knowledge and experience in aviation history is desirable.

Occasionally works nights and weekend hours.

APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:

http://www.mncppc.org/jobs

OUR OFFICE IS LOCATED AT:

6611 Kenilworth Avenue

Riverdale, MD 20737

301-454-1411

Employment Opportunity with MAPS Air Museum

2011-04-07T13:25:00.000-07:00

MAPS Air Museum of North Canton, Ohio seeks a full-time executive director to provide leadership and direction within this all volunteer organization. This is an exciting opportunity for a person with a passion for aviation history and a commitment to continuous improvement of an exceptional military aircraft museum.

The successful candidate will work with the Board of Directors and an established corps of volunteers to implement the long-range business plan in order to ensure sustainability for the organization. Emphasis will be on increasing revenue and effective management of the volunteer and community resources. The Executive Director will be responsible for both financial and facilities management, including conservation and security of the museum’s collection. The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader who is able to articulate the mission and present a positive contribution to the community.

Qualified candidates will possess:

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.
Experience in education and managing volunteers.
Proven interpersonal and team building skills. Networking experience in fundraising and board membership.
Fund development and corporate outreach experience.
Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders.
Proven ability to motivate, develop and manage volunteers.
Skilled in basic office word processing programs and internet usage.
Passion, enthusiasm, flexibility, common sense and an uncommon commitment to our mission.

Deadline: April 22,2011 For complete job description please see www.mapsairmuseum.org

Interested applicants should send an electronic version of cover letter, resume, and salary history to: mapsbod@mapsairmuseum.org

No phone calls please. MAPS is an equal opportunity employer.

Conference Materials - Greening Your Museum 101/102 - Sarah Brophy

2011-03-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

Check out Sarah Brophy's very useful chart on different strategies for greening your museum, available here. The chart includes different activities and methods, as well as possible negative consequences of different environmentally friendly actions you may be considering!

Conference Materials - Long Range Thinking/Planning - Perfect for Small Museums

2011-03-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

Lindsey Baker and Mary Alexander have very kindly shared the PowerPoint presentation from their session, "Long Range Thinking/Planning - Perfect for Small Museums." If you attended the session, this will reinforce what you learned, and if you weren't able attend, see what you missed! Click here to open it in Google Docs.

Conference Presenter - Dr. Lisa Hayes

2011-03-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

In case you weren't able to attend Dr. Lisa Hayes' very well-received session, "Don't Forget the Drama" at the 2011 Winter Conference, check out her blog post on the topic here.

Employment Opportunity with Montgomery County Historical Society

2011-03-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

MONTGOMERY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION DESCRIPTION

The position is open immediately. The job requirements and personal qualifications are:

Assume overall strategic and operational responsibility for the Society’s staff, programs, volunteers, and execution of its mission

Participate in the creation and implementation of educational and County based historical-type activities and events

Prepare and present the Society’s contributions to the preservation of history in the County at governmental meetings (like the County Council)and professional associations for the purpose of enhancing the Society’s finances and explaining the Society’s role in history preservation

Expand local revenue generating and fundraising activities to support existing program operations

Ability to work well with people, including the staff of 8, volunteers, local politicians and state government representatives and personnel

Some knowledge and experience with financial matters and budgets

Some management experience, preferably in the museum/history field

Ability and willingness to work with others in developing a broader based individual and business membership

Past experience working with a Board of Directors in achieving the goals of the Society and cultivation of existing board member relationships

The successful candidate should have an action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable and innovative approach to business planning. Salary commensurate with experience and enthusiasm in the field of history.

Interested persons should submit their resume of applicable experience by April 19, 2011 to:

MCHS.Director@gmail.com

For more detailed information about the Society and its many activities, interested persons should check our website at

www.montgomeryhistory.org.

SMA and Museums Count!

2011-03-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

SMA participated in the IMLS/AAM Museums Count surveys by filling out questionnaires, examining previous survey efforts, taking part in brain storming meetings and reviewing drafts of questions. It is important to note that the Museum County census is truly aimed at attempting to identify all museums in America . This will help museums’ case that we deserve and need critical funding that will enhance our efforts to collect, preserve and display our shared cultural and environmental heritage; in the end, there is only so long that any of us can continue to do more with less. In addition, SMA was an active participant to ensure that issues critical to small museums were included in the survey and that the survey would be designed with small museums in mind. - Mike DiPaolo, SMA Board President

(From AASLH's Dispatch):

Last fall, the Institute of Museum and Library Services anounced a contract with The White Oak Institute and the American Association of Museums to develop a web-based census of museums in America , including standard data definitions and the collection of baseline data. I was delighted to be invited to participate on a panel of expert reviewers to help with the project, known as Museums Count. To date we have worked via snail-mail, email, Wiki, and at a recent convening held in Washington , DC .

“To be successful, this effort must engage a broad cross section of museums and provide useful data for practioners, the public, researchers, and policy makers,” said Susan Hildreth, director of IMLS. “Museums Count is an important step toward building a stonger evidence-based story about the integral role museums play in urban and rural communities across the United States .”

Developing a census of history museums is a tough nut to crack for a variety of reasons. First, there are a lot of them. Next, some very small, all-volunteer history museums are not on the radar screen for any of us, including state museum associations. Then there’s the issue of how to define a museum. IMLS authorization has a paragraph that defines a museum (see Sec. 9172. Definitions), then for granting purposes IMLS breaks it down even further to say that a museum must be open to the public a minimum of 120 hours a year.

AASLH has gone round and round for years trying to figure out how to afford to conduct a census of history organizations (not necessarily museums). We even applied for funding to IMLS and NEH, but the project was so large and complicated it didn’t receive funding. This time, with IMLS as a full partner in the project rather than acting as prospetive grantor, I believe developing a census of museums has a real shot.

Developing standard data definitions and collecting data is no walk in the park. The Museums Count panel of experts is making great headway on the data definitions. We haven’t, however, found the magic bullet that will ensure museums complete the data survey and keep it up to date.

The amount of information known about history museums in America is embarrasing. No other segment of the museum community has the problem—why is that? The answer has two parts. First, segments such as children’s museums and science centers are pretty small. It’s a lot easier for their associations to pick up the phone and retrieve data when a few museums simply don’t respond to surveys. Art museums have a different solution —money. There are a lot of art museums, no doubt. But unlike with history museums, states have a real incentive to collect data on art museums because of the federal-state partnership grants that flow from the National Endowment for the Arts. As I always say, when money flows down, data runs up. Does this ring a bell? AASLH and others have been working for years to establish federal-state partnership grants within IMLS, and have made some headway and you can read more on our website.

Kudos to IMLS, et al. for this much-needed project. Its success is really up to you. When you get the call from AASLH or IMLS, I beg you to go directly to your computer and complete the data survey. It won’t happen for quite a while, so don’t get too excited. And I know you get lots and lots of surveys. But your participation will be essential if you want good benchmarks, or to be able to respond when a Congressman asks how many people are employed by history museums (or all museums), or when a foundation wants to know how many school children are impacted by museums, or when one of your family members asks how many museums there are in America.

As is true with most things in life, it’s only as good as you make it! Please, help us make the Museums Count data the best that it can be. After all, without data—museums don’t count!

Small Museum of the Month: Fabyan Villa Museum

2011-03-03T16:49:00.000-08:00

The Fabyan Villa Museum is the former home of George and Nelle Fabyan, a wealthy progressive couple from Chiocago. The Fabyans commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to remodel and expand the 1870's farmhouse, which they named the Villa. A guided tour tells the story of the Fabyan’s lives in Geneva , and reveals the scope of their country estate, Riverbank. The home is partially furnished, with some spaces used to display their collections and other estate artifacts.

The Japanese Garden is a historic landscape site, with original and recreated structures. The Fabyans had the garden designed and installed below the Villa in 1910. The Garden has undergone extensive renovation since 1972.

Fabyan Villa Museum

Open May 15 to October 15

Public hours—guided tours:

Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m. (last tour 3:30 p.m.)

Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4:30 p.m. (last tour 4 p.m.)

Tours on the half hour, last 45 minutes

Self-guided family tours:

June through August, Thursdays 1-4 p.m.

Admission--suggested donation of $2 per adult, $1 per child

Japanese Garden

Open May 1 to October 15

Public hours—self-guided tours:

Wednesdays and Sundays 1-4 p.m.

Admission—suggested donation of $1 per person

Allow 15 to 20 minutes to walk through

What I Learned from Museum Advocacy Day 2011

2011-03-03T16:32:00.000-08:00

SMAers Lauren and Lindsey visit their local representative as part of Museum Advocacy Day 2011.

SMA helped sponsor AAM’s 2011 Advocacy Day. A few SMA’ers and I attended. Here are some thoughts I came away with…

What I Learned From Museum Advocacy Day 2011:

Advocacy matters. Talking to our legislators at any level of government doesn’t guarantee funding for museums but not talking to them guarantees that they will not know the great work we do, the partnerships we create, the money we generate in our neighborhoods, the educational opportunities we provide, or the cultural heritage we preserve. By talking to them – and talking to them often – they are beginning to understand what a critical role we play in our communities and will help us fight for the funding we need. This was the third year of Museum Advocacy Day, and many attendees told me that some of the people they encountered remembered them from previous years. They felt that our message was beginning to sink in.
Lots of people really do care. Being in a room on Capitol Hill with 300 other attendees felt awesome. Walking around the Hill and running into those 300 other attendees felt awesome. Talking to our representative’s aides and finding that they cared was awesome. I couldn’t get over how many people were really interested in museums and what I had to say.
Both a lone voice and a big group are important. I quickly realized that each attendee needed to be both about the bigger message and selfish at the same time. It’s vital to tell my museum’s story, to invite legislators to my museum, and to keep them informed about my museum. By connecting to those legislators in a group – be it other staff, volunteers, board members, members, educators, other museums, companies we partner with, etc – we were a real show of force and made a big impact. By having a focused message to drive home (e.g. sustaining IMLS funding, including museums in the reauthorization of ESEA, etc) and by connecting that message to personal anecdotes and economic impact statements, we were concise and powerful.
Advocating is easy. While it was a bit nerve-wracking to enter those marbled halls, everyone I spoke to was polite and responded well to our message. It helped that I had looked up my representatives’ websites ahead of time to see what they cared about and figured out how I could match their interests. Now that it’s over, I can follow up with emails and phone calls. Pretty straightforward. (Although I will admit that I was pretty tired from my six meetings with representatives from both Maryland and Tennessee – but a good tired.)
Don’t expect any actual answers. First, I spoke only to aides (who, granted, are the eyes and ears of the congressmen and women themselves, so I was happy to speak to them). They can’t say what the congressman/woman would choose to do. They couldn’t make any promises. But – they could relay what we thought, share the information packet we provided, and be a cheerleader for us behind the scenes. And they might take us up on our offer to contact us with any additional questions or concerns.
www.speakupformuseums.org is invaluable. Sorry for the shameless plug, but seriously, the site really simplifies the process, provides the reference materials I needed, and helps me reach my federal level representation whenever I want.
It’s not over. Just because I went once doesn’t mean I don’t need to go back next year (or sooner). Just because I spoke with my congressmen and women doesn’t mean I don’t need to speak to my city council members, my county executive, my state senators and my delegates. And just because I spoke to them doesn’t mean I don’t have an obligation to encourage others to speak to them too.

What’s Next from SMA?

We’re going to discuss what you told us at the roundtables during the conference. Not there? Have something more to add? Email us at conference@smallmuseum.org
We’re going to revamp the website (www.smallmuseum.org). We’ll be adding materials about advocacy on the local level and geared towards small museums during the next few months. We’ll also link to resources provided by other organizations’ sites, as there is a lot of good stuff out there now.
We’re going to help raise awareness of the importance of small museums. We’ll keep you updated as we figure out new ways to do so. Have an idea? Share it at conference@smallmuseum.org.

Employment Opportunity with Historic Germantown

2011-03-02T12:06:00.000-08:00

Historic Germantown (HG) located in Northwest Philadelphia, PA

Position Available: Executive Director

For over three decades, Germantown’s historic sites and cultural organizations have worked together to further their collective and individual interests. The group can point to great results of its collective volunteer efforts: unified programming across sites, school programs, public events spanning multiple sites, significant funds raised, an engaged community, joint marketing, professional development, etc. The time has come to take this success to the next level by forming a stronger, unified HG with professional staff to harness collective resources even further. As the “brand manager,” HG’s charge will be to raise Historic Germantown’s profile as a destination and to facilitate the development of ‘product’ in order to attract additional visitors and resources to its 15 member organizations.

The organization’s first Executive Director will have the opportunity to build an organization as a national model. The ideal candidate will implement this vision in ways that include: raising the visibility of Historic Germantown as a regional and national resource; raising funds for marketing and joint programming; advocating for Historic Germantown as a destination; helping members build and market the HG brand (www.freedomsbackyard.com); capitalizing on and exploring economies of scale for combining resources; and working with a new board of directors and hiring permanent and consulting staff toward the goal of creating a compelling and cohesive visitor experience of Historic Germantown member sites.

Skills and experience: The Executive Director will be expected to have successfully managed both programs and staff in the nonprofit arts and culture, education or tourism field; exhibit financial and business acumen; possess strong marketing skills; have demonstrated successful growth of a collaborative or regional organization; and gained a high level of respect earned from a working relationship with key leaders in the cultural and philanthropic community in Philadelphia. An advanced degree is preferred. Salary commensurate with experience.

Interested candidates are asked to submit a letter of interest and resume electronically to search consultant Lee van de Velde at leevandevelde@comcast.net