Emergency Flood Assistance Available for Indiana's Cultural Institutions
The Indiana Humanities Council announced today that it is offering $30,000 to assist in disaster recovery efforts of Indiana cultural institutions and organizations affected by last month's record breaking floods.

Libraries, museums, colleges, universities and other cultural and historical institutions in Indiana counties that have received designation as federal disaster areas are eligible to receive grants intended to ensure the survival of significant collections of our cultural heritage threatened by the floods. Funding was made available from the National Endowment for the Humanities, a federal agency.

Affected institutions may apply immediately for emergency grants of up to $3,000 to salvage, protect and treat historical collections damaged by the flooding. Such collections may include manuscripts, historical records, art and artifacts, recorded sound, film and videotape, rare books, photographs and other materials of cultural or historical significance.

Emergency grants may cover expenses for hiring preservation professionals to assess damage to collections and advise on treatment; removal of collections to climate-controlled storage; freeze-drying of wet, paper-based materials; purchase of fans, dehumidifiers, and salvage supplies; conservation treatment of collection materials; and similar preservation efforts.

Applicants may go to the Indiana Humanities Council’s Web site at http://www.indianahumanities.org/ for application information. 

Applicants may also contact Jim Pavlik, Communications Manager, at jpavlik@indianahumanities.org or Nancy Conner, Director of Grants, at nconner@indianahumanities.org or call the Humanities Council office at (317) 638-1500.

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Midwestern Roots 2008: Family History and Genealogy Conference
This conference is sponsored by the Indiana Historical Society and will take place on Aug. 15 and 16 at the Indianapolis Marriott East, located at 7202 E. 21st St. in Indianapolis.

Early registration before July 25.

The early registration cost for the basic two-day workshop (including lunches) is $150 ($125 for IHS members, $75 for students), and single-day registration (including lunch) is $90 ($75 for IHS members, $45 for students). Additional pre-conference activities and workshops are available for a fee, and the Indiana Historical Society will offer three scholarships for graduate students to attend the conference.

Many pre-conference activities will take place at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.

Learn more about genealogy from some of the nation's leading experts and get the tools to implement that knowledge. Midwestern Roots will feature more than 30 presentations, covering topics ranging from DNA and genealogy to technology and methodology. The opening session of the conference will be led by James Madison, the Thomas and Kathryn Miller Professor of History at Indiana University (Bloomington), who will illuminate the importance and use of wartime letters for family history by relating stories from his new book Slinging Doughnuts for the Boys: An American Woman in World War II.

Another featured presenter will be Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak, Chief Family Historian and North American spokesperson for Ancestry.com. Other notable national speakers appearing at Midwestern Roots include Dick Eastman, Roberta Estes, Charles F. Kerchner, David Lifferth, Stephen Morse, Christine Rose, Beau Sharbough and Curt Witcher.

In addition to the sessions, an exhibit hall will showcase vendors selling the latest products and tools for genealogists. The exhibit hall is free and open to the public on Friday and Saturday.

A pre-conference highlight on Thursday, Aug. 14, will be a panel discussion with some of the pioneers in genetic genealogy on its evolution, potential and present-day uses-panelists include Smolenyak, Estes and Kerchner. Other pre-conference activities include: tours of the William Henry Smith Memorial Library (History Center), the Indiana State Library and the Indiana State Archives; writing workshops on preparing family histories for publication; computer labs; and a workshop designed for library staff and volunteers who answer questions posed by genealogy patrons.The Genealogy Division of the Indiana State Library, the State Archives and the William Henry Smith Memorial Library also will be open late for research.

For conference information, registration forms, exhibitor information, specific pricing or a scholarship application, call (800) 447-1830 or visit www.indianahistory.org/midwesternroots.

Hotel reservations may be made at the Indianapolis Marriott East or La Quinta Inn. Room reservations must be made by July 21, 2008. For the Indianapolis Marriott East, 7202 E. 21st St., call (317) 352-1231 or (800) 228-9290 to receive the special $99 room rate. For the La Quinta Inn, 7304 E. 21st St., call (317) 359-1021 to receive the special $72 room rate. Please indicate association with Midwestern Roots 2008.

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Please confim events specifics with sponsoring organization, especially if traveling any distance.

Kiddies’ Day at the Marshall County Historical Museum
This event will be held during Plymouth Sidewalk Days and will take place on July 19 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Marshall County Historical Museum in Plymouth.

At 11 a.m., children under 12 may enter a costume contest, competing for prizes. Kids may also decorate and enter a favorite wagon, bicycle or tricycle. The local celebrity judging panel will be Kathy Bottorff, WTCA AM1050; Linda Hindman, Plymouth Public Library; George Schricker, Musician and Author; Ren VanGilder, VanGilder Funeral Home.

Costume prize categories will be:

• Best Animal Costume
• Most Patriotic
• Best Duo or Group
• Best TV or Movie Character
• Best Use of Imagination
• Funniest
• Best Historical Costume
• Most Creative Use of Materials
• Most Unusual

Vehicle Prize Categories will be:

• Most Patriotic
• Best Vehicle/Costume Combination
• Most Creative Use of Materials
• Most Unusual

Following the contest, there will be a short parade beginning at the Museum and circling around the two blocks bordered by Michigan, Washington, Center and LaPorte Streets.

The museum, located in the heart of downtown Plymouth on the southwest corner of Michigan and Garro Streets, will be right next to the Rotary Pancake tent on Garro Street.

From 12:30 until 2 p.m., the Museum will host games and refreshments. Each child under 12 will receive 5 free game tickets upon arrival. Subsequent tickets are sold at 5 for a quarter. The event has several generous sponsors including the LifePlex and Plymouth Public Library who are providing prizes for the games and costume contest.  St. Michael’s Angels will be providing face-painting, and the Public Library will also be serving their delicious popcorn. McDonald’s, Opie’s Deli and Martin’s Supermarkets are serving additional refreshments.

For more information on the Kiddies’ Day event contact the Museum by phone at (574) 936-2306 or visit http://www.mchistoricalsociety.org/.

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Guidelines Announced for Bank of America/IMLS American Heritage Preservation Program
The Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Bank of America Charitable Foundation are pleased to announce the 2009 guidelines for the American Heritage Preservation Program. This new public-private partnership will fund the preservation of endangered and fragile art works, rare books, scientific specimens and historical documents (photographs, maps, deeds, etc.) held in small and medium-sized museums, archives and libraries.

The grants of up to $3,000 are aimed at completing stand-alone conservation projects that convey the essential character and experience of the United States. Examples of fundable projects are provided in the grant guidelines.

The deadline for application is Sept. 15, 2008. IMLS and Bank of America will notify applicants of final decisions in January 2009, with projects to begin no earlier than Feb. 1, 2009.

For questions about museum projects, please contact Christine Henry, Senior Program Officer, at (202) 653-4674 to discuss your questions. For questions about library or archival projects, please contact Susan Malbin, Senior Program Officer, at (202) 653-4768.

To access application guidelines instructions, please visit www.imls.gov/collections/grants/boa.htm.

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Lunchtime Concerts on the Canal: Blueprintmusic
This event will be held on Wednesday, July 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Canal Plaza at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center.

The event is free to the public and is presented by Clarian Health and co-presented by Indy Parks and Recreation.

The featured performer for this concert is Blueprintmusic, playing a progressive bluegrass and folk blend.

Attendees may bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages to the concert. Attendees may NOT bring alcoholic beverages onto the premises.

No pets and no smoking allowed on the Plaza.

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Howard Steamboat Museum Receives $500,000 Challenge Grant
Faced with the challenge of funding badly needed renovations and improvements to the Howard Steamboat Museum, the museum’s board of directors sought help. The board was recently notified that it has received an “All or Nothing” Challenge Grant from The Paul Ogle Foundation in the amount of $500,000.

“The Foundation is interested in supporting the historic mission of the Howard Steamboat Museum,” said Kent Lanum, Executive Director of The Paul Ogle Foundation. “But we are also interested in building community involvement. This will be a great way for the community to step up and show their support.”

The grant is in the form of a ‘challenge’. “That means if we raise $500,000 they will match it,” said David Reinhardt, President of the Board of Directors of the Museum.  “If we raise less than that, we get nothing.”

Built in 1894 in the Romanesque Revival style, the Howard mansion is famous not only for the beauty of its ornate woodwork and remaining original furnishings; but is also the largest repository for riverboat memorabilia in the United States and draws a large number of tourists to the area.

Funds received through this grant will be used to complete three vital projects. Firstly, the Museum needs updated fire detection systems and a fire suppression system. A devastating fire in the museum in 1971 nearly destroyed the historic structure. Another urgent project is the installation of a climate control system. “Not only will our guests be more comfortable, but it will be much easier on the items in our collection,” said museum administrator Yvonne Knight. “The extremes in temperature can cause damage to these irreplaceable pieces.” Lastly, the museum plans to acquire a facility for artifact storage to allow rotating exhibits. “It would also serve as a space for curatorial activities,” said Knight.

“We are really excited about this campaign,” said Reinhardt.  “This will allow the museum to welcome visitors for at least another 50 years.”

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Who’s Who in Education at the Greentown Historical Society
This new exhibit will be on display July 19 through mid November, and will gather information and honor teachers and administrators of Eastern Howard County both past and present.

Several items have been loaned for this exhibit. It is not too late for anyone to submit their biographies or loan an item for the exhibit by contacting Lisa Stout at (765) 610-8461.

Admission is free.

The Greentown Historical Society is located at 103 E. Main St. in Greentown, and is open Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment.

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New Westfield Washington Historical Museum Open with Extended Hours
The recently opened new historical museum will extend its hours during the coming summer weeks. The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, and will continue to be open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. These special opening hours are possible due to a special initiative with the Hamilton County Convention and Visitors Bureau and will run from Thursday, July 24, to Friday, Sept. 5.

Admission is free but donations are always welcome.

Westfield and Washington Township, located in western Hamilton County, has a rich history with varying topics from the founding by Quakers in 1834, the Underground Railroad support provided by many of the Westfield and Washington Townships residents, home to the oldest continuously operating High School in the state of Indiana in the same building, the crossing of the Monon and Midland Railroads, temperance movement, Orphan Train and many more.

The museum is located in the 1920s fire station building at 145 S. Union St. in Westfield.

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Education Researcher at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, Ill.
The Adler Planetarium is seeking a temporary Education Researcher to plan and carry out audience assessments, evaluations and other studies related to exhibit and program development. This position reports to the Director of Education with significant oversight by the Vice President for Research.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Research, plan, develop, implement, collect data and analyze evaluations for exhibit development and exhibit-related programming.
• Compile evaluation and assessment reports and other narratives including literature searches for institutional reports and grant applications.

Education and Experience:

• A Master's Degree is required; an advanced degree in Education, Astronomy or the History of Astronomy is preferred.
• Three to five years of experience with design, implementation and evaluation of science projects and/or research in multiple learning environments.
• Experience in grant writing, including a proven record of successful grants awarded from Federal agencies such as NSF, NASA, Department of Education and/or NEH.
• Experience in effectively carrying out the managerial responsibilities in grant stewardship.
• Excellent writing and analytical skills, the ability to manage multiple projects, good presentation and team building skills and creativity.

Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

To apply for this position, e-mail a cover letter, resume and salary history to:
Marguerite E. Dawson
Director of Human Resources
hr-educresearch@adlerplanetarium.org
Phone: (312) 322-0591

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Do you know someone who might want to receive Communique Online? Anyone may join the mailing list by e-mailing col@indianahistory.org.

If your historical organizations, genealogical society or museum has changed its address or phone number in the past six months, please send the updated information to Coordinator, Local History Services, at the above e-mail, or Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis, IN 46202.