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*          INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY            *

*              COMMUNIQUE ONLINE                 *

*                  09/14/2007                    *

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Table of Contents:

1. TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND CONFERENCES

    Can You Hear Me Now: Digitizing the Voices of the Past

    BSU Libraries Offer Conference on Communication

    SIA Announces Fall Symposium, Offers Ten Scholarships

2. PROGRAMS

    The Indiana Hospital for the Insane: Varying Perspectives of Moral Treatment Landscape

    The Goshen Road of the Underground Railroad in Indiana

    Fowler Park Pioneer Days

    Benjamin Harrison Home Ignites Fifth Season of the President’s Theatre with Victorian Theatre by Candlelight

with Ghost Tales of the Civil War

    Forty Years of Feasting

    Feast Day Set Aside for Special Needs Students

    Buffalo Tro Scheduled

    Hillforest Harvest Moon Gala

    Ohio Historical Society Offers Rising Sun After Dark Tour, Nightmare on Walnut Street

    Brown County Historic Homestead

    Barbecue and Tour Offered in Goshen

3. HELP

    Maplelawn Farmstead Needs Volunteer Foremen

    Help Save the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery!

4. ORGANIZATIONS IN THE NEWS

    Maplelawn Farmstead Selected as FFA Service Project

    Hancock County Historical Society Receives Grant

    Ohio County Historical Society Wins Award, Receives Grant

5. LENDING RESOURCE CENTER

    Accessible Temporary Events: A Planning Guide

6. JOB OPPORTUNITIES

    History Education Specialist, Indiana Historical Bureau, Indianapolis

    Curator I, Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, Ohio

    Associate Documentary Editor, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, Ill.

    Collections Manager, Chicago Academy of Sciences, Chicago, Ill.

    Assistant Curator, The Senator John Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh, Penn.

    Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Research Center Scholar Program

7. OFF THE PRESS

    Museum History Journal

8. ON THE INTERNET

    Indianapolis’s Historic Places Spotlighted

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1. TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND CONFERENCES

 

Can You Hear Me Now: Digitizing the Voices of the Past

 

Can You Hear Me Now: Digitizing the Voices of the Past, a one-day conference on digitizing oral history, will be

offered Sept. 20, 2007, at the Ball State University Alumni Center from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Speakers will

discuss planning, funding, equipment, transaction, standards and metadata for the digitization of audio oral history

collections.

 

The workshop is sponsored by Ball State University Libraries. For more information or to register, visit

www.bsu.edu/library/conference/oralhistory <http://www.bsu.edu/library/conference/oralhistory>.

_________________________

 

BSU Libraries Offer Conference on Communication

 

Ball State University Libraries will sponsor a one-day conference Sept. 25, 2007, called Design a Blueprint for

Communication Strategies that Work! The conference will take place at the Ball State University Alumni Center

from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The conference will feature instruction on key issues, including:

  • Learn how to crate a strategic communications plan
  • Learn how to understand audience needs through research data; develop successful programming
  • Gain insight on building a brand, creating an identity
  • Get design dos and don’ts from the pros
  • Get ideas to promote a library on a shoestring budget

 

Speakers include Dr. Melvin L. Sharpe, nationally-known public relations expert, Dr. Becky McDonald who

specialized in public relations and building customer relations, and several communications professionals who work

in both public and academic libraries.

 

Cost is $60 per person and includes lunch and parking. For more information or to register, call 765-285-5031 or

visit www.bsu.edu/library/conference/marketing <http://www.bsu.edu/library/conference/marketing>.

_________________________

 

SIA Announces Fall Symposium, Offers Ten Scholarships

 

Many digitization projects begin with a great idea and some grant funding. However, even the most successful

projects have trouble determining how to continue once grant funding ends. In order to sustain these worthy

efforts, project managers need to plan for sustainability at the beginning of projects. Developing a business plan for

sustainability will help “bridge the gap” from noble purpose to business case and help extends the life of the project.

 

 

Workshop participants will leave with an understanding of why business planning is a vital element of overall

project plan development, the key elements to include in a business plan, how to create a business plan appropriate

for their own institution and projects, and ways to identify “institutional champions” who constitute the target

audience for the business plan.

 

The workshop will feature Laurie Gemmill, digital projects specialist of OCLC; and case studies presented by John

Straw, director of archives and special collections at Ball State University ; and Elizabeth Swift, archivist at

Wabash College .

 

SIA’s fall workshop will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (EST) Nov. 16 in Indianapolis at the IUPUI Library’s

Auditorium. Lunch will be on your own.

 

Advance registration (before Oct. 26) for SIA members is $40 and for nonmembers $50. After the deadline,

registration for SIA members is $50 and for nonmembers $60.  For registration forms and further information, visit

the SIA website at www.inarchivists.org/fall2007 <http://www.inarchivists.org/fall2007>.

 

For more information about the Society of Indiana Archivists, visit http://www.inarchivists.org/ <http://www.inarchivists.org/>.

For information on and directions to the IUPUI Library, visit http://www.ulib.iupui.edu/ <http://www.ulib.iupui.edu/>.

 

Contact Alison Stankrauff with questions at astankra@iusb.edu (mailto:astankra@iusb.edu).

 

The SMA Annual Conference Scholarship has been established to offer funding for ten first-time SMA Conference

attendees.  Leslie van der Lee is an important part of the history of the SMA. She was responsible for planning the

SMA Conference during many of its formative years. Van der Lee designed legislation that provided for the

Maryland Historical and Cultural Museum Assistance Program and taught up-and-coming museum professionals as

part of the museum studies program at the George Washington University. The scholarship, named in her honor,

will cover the cost of the conference registration, room, meals and a one-year membership in the SMA.

 

Eligibility: Anyone affiliated with a museum or historical society may apply.  This includes students, interns, full-time

or part-time employees, or volunteers. Scholarship recipients will be asked to assist the conference staff for

four hours during the conference.  Information on specific expectations will be communicated after the selection

process is complete.

 

To receive a copy of the scholarship application by email, please email John Pentangelo at jpentangelo@constellation.org (mailto:jpentangelo@constellation.org).

 

Applications must be postmarked by Dec. 1, 2007.

___________________________________________________________________________

 

2. PROGRAMS

 

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

 

The Indiana Hospital for the Insane: Varying Perspectives of Moral Treatment Landscape

 

Kathryn Wilmot will present The Indiana Hospital for the Insane: Varying Perspectives of Moral Treatment

Landscape at the Indiana Medical History Museum at 4 p.m. Sept. 17, 2007.

 

This paper won the 2007 Medical Humanities Essay Award, a contest  sponsored by the Medical Humanities - Health

Studies Program, the Center for Law and Health and the John Shaw Billings Society. The paper is available to

download from http://medhumanities.iupui.edu/index.html <http://medhumanities.iupui.edu/index.html>.

 

Refreshments will be served at 3:30 p.m. This presentation is free and open to the public.

 

Directions to the Indiana Medical History Museum can be found by visiting http://www.imhm.org/visit/directions.html

<http://www.imhm.org/visit/directions.html>.

 

For further information, contact Nancy Eckerman at 317- 274-7076 or neckerma@iupui.edu (mailto:neckerma@iupui.edu).

_________________________

 

The Goshen Road of the Underground Railroad in Indiana

 

The Goshen Historical Society will open its fall program schedule at 7 p.m. Oct. 4, 2007, in the Schrock

Auditorium of the Goshen Public Library with The Goshen Road of the Underground Railroad in Indiana. Ervin

Beck, well-known Goshen historian, will present an interesting discussion about the people of Goshen, Jefferson

Township and Bristol involved in the underground railroad and the way the route ran between Goshen and Bristol.

_________________________

 

Fowler Park Pioneer Days

 

Vigo County’s Fowler Park Pioneer Days will be held October 6-7, at Fowler Park south of Terre Haute on US 41.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, the park becomes a late-1830s village alive with the life and business of the

nineteenth century: a grist mill operates, horses pull visitors in wagons and a schoolhouse offers “lessons” to

students.

 

Vigo County Historical Society members will staff the Peker Cabin and keep busy cooking, cleaning, doing laundry

and making crafts. Traders Market will be present on the south side of Irishman’s Bridge.

_________________________

 

Benjamin Harrison Home Ignites Fifth Season of the President’s Theatre with Victorian Theatre by Candlelight

with Ghost Tales of the Civil War

 

The President Benjamin Harrison Home lights up its fifth season of The President’s Theatre with Victorian Theatre

by Candlelight: Ghost Tales of the Civil War among the home’s historical artifacts at 1230 N. Delaware St., Oct. 12, 13,

19, and 20 at half-hour intervals from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

 

The theatre season schedule includes progressive presentations, like Victorian Theatre in the fall (Ghost Tales in

2007), and traditional salon-style theatre in the spring Victorian Theatre (Deceived, Doomed and Departed in 2008)

presentations.

 

In addition, the historic home’s cast presents dinner theatre each Feb. 14 with Romance and Remembrance, and

interactive re-enactments five times throughout each year on Presidents Day in February, Primary Day in May,

Independence Day in July, Election Day in November and Family Christmas in December.

 

Ghost Tales will seek to solve why ghosts have converged upon the presidential manor, with the help of a psychic (I.

C. Itall) and the audience. Theatrical patrons will brave the spiritual turmoil and rotate through rooms of the

mansion to experience the presentation.

 

The cast includes James Trofatter, who is the playwright and director for Ghost Tales. Trofatter qualifies as the

Harrison Home’s resident playwright, since he’s written two plays specifically for the museum: a Victorian play

“Mister Edward Voorhees” and a historical docudrama “Cold-Blooded at Cold Spring,” both performed at the

museum in 2006.  He has directed eight plays and performed in 24 in the last four years in Indianapolis.

 

Ghost Tales performances begin every half-hour starting at 5:30 p.m. through 8:30 p.m. Reservations are required and

may be made by calling 317-631-1888.  Tickets are priced at $10 for adults and $6 for students (ages 6 to 17).

 

The theatre program is provided with support from the Arts Council of Indianapolis; The Indiana Arts

Commission, a state agency; and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

 _________________________

 

Forty Years of Feasting

 

Forty years ago a junior history club joined with the Tippecanoe County Historical Association to do a few

demonstrations of pioneer life. They made pokeberry ink and did an Indian dance. Thus began the Feast of the

Hunters’ Moon.

 

On Oct. 13 and 14 more than 5,000 re-enactors will gather at Fort Ouiatenon Historic Park southwest of Lafayette,

Ind. for the 40th Feast of the Hunters Moon. Visitors from across the continent will come to enjoy the sights and

sounds, food and music of an eighteenth century fur trade event.

 

There will be 43 different foods available this year including long-time favorites such as pork chops, buffalo burgers

and frybread, as well as more recent additions such as catfish and venison sausage. Musical groups will range from

Traveler’s Dream and Hogeye Navvy to an appearance by Michael Searching Bear, a Native American flute player.

Weavers and silversmiths will be joined by quill workers and basket makers to offer unique handcrafted goods for

sale. Although more numerous now, such varied sights and sounds have marked the feast from its beginning.

 

During the first decade a flea market was replaced with traditional crafts. A museum display opened in the upstairs

of the blockhouse. Pony rides were replaced with a display of bison in a log corral. Local volunteers formed a fife

and drum corps and a canoe brigade. Sunbonnets were replaced by replica French coifs, and Chiefs Monganza and

Little Elk brought their Native American perspective to the festivities.

 

During the 1980s, the number of foods offered and crafts demonstrated continually expanded. The emphasis was

on improving authenticity. A Woodland Indian camp was established. Members of the Old Guard performed.

Eighteenth-century costuming improved. The number of participants increased to more than 5,000 and attendance

grew to more than 67,000.

 

The 1990s saw an expansion of the grounds to 30 acres. More civilian lifestyles were visible throughout the grounds

including an encampment by the Habitants d'Ouiatenon. A pre-feast school day was developed, giving fourth

graders studying Indiana history the opportunity to experience 18th-century life without the weekend crowds.

 

During its fourth decade the feast continued the emphasis on education by adding a reproduction French traders

cabin in the blockhouse and the Wea Living History Village on the southeast corner of the grounds. Volunteers

expanded their time commitment to offer another pre-feast day, this one for children with special needs.

 

Entering its fifth decade, the Feast is recognized as one of the outstanding historic festivals in the Midwest.

 

Join in the excitement of the Feast of the Hunters Moon at Fort Ouiatenon on Oct. 13-14, 2007. Advance single

day tickets are $25 per family (2 adults and up to 4 children), $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 4-16. Children

under age 4 are free. Retail outlets having tickets include Lafayette area PEFCU, Chase Bank, Lafayette Bank and

Trust, Lafayette Savings Bank, Regions Bank, Marsh Supermarkets, all TCHA locations and on line at

www.tcha.mus.in.us <http://www.tcha.mus.in.us>.

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Feast Day Set Aside for Special Needs Students

 

On Oct. 11, 2007, special needs students in grades six through twelve from Tippecanoe and surrounding counties

will be able to set their own pace while experiencing a mini-Feast of the Hunters’ Moon, compliments of the

Tippecanoe County Historical Association, with help from a grant from the Community Foundation of Greater

Lafayette.

 

From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., more than 100 dedicated re-enactors will made it possible for the students to participate

in a wide range of activities such as beading, woodworking, fur trading and Native American stories and music.

Without the constraints of a strict timetable, the students can devote as much time to each of their favorite activities

as they wish. This is the eighth year that TCHA has offered this special free pre-feast program that presents the

excitement of history in a personal, one-on-one way. More than 250 students are expected to participate.

_________________________

 

Buffalo Tro Scheduled

 

The History Center will host a Buffalo Tro from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 28, 2007, at the Chief Richardville House in Fort

Wayne, Ind. The buffalo steaks will be cooked on white hot coals. Possum Trot Orchestra will provide music, and a

silent auction will add to the festivities. The event is a fundraiser for the center’s Heritage Education Fund, which

pays expenses so children from area schools can visit The History Center and learn about the early days of the area.

 

Attire is casual. Cost is $50 per person. To make reservations, call 260-426-2882.

_________________________

 

Hillforest Harvest Moon Gala

 

Pull out your dancing shoes for the Hillforest Harvest Moon Gala from 7-11 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007. The Marksberry

ten-piece dance band will provide the music, and waltz and swing instruction will be offered at the start of the

evening to get the crown in the dancing mood. Delux hors d’oeuvers, silent auction items and a beautiful view form

the veranda round out the night. Cash bar.

 

Cost to attend this fundraiser that benefits Hillforest is $40 per member or $45 per non-member.

 

For more information or to make a reservation, call 812-926-0087.

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Ohio Historical Society Offers Rising Sun After Dark Tour, Nightmare on Walnut Street

 

The Ohio Historical Society is offering two evening events in October. At 7 p.m. Oct. 19, 2007, the Rising Sun

After Dark Tour will take visitors on a trail filled with bizarre happenings from Rising Sun’s past. Such unsettling

events include a reporter interviewing a goblin or the sea serpent reported to be eight-feet long swimming in the

Ohio River. Wear comfortable shoes for this walking tour. Hot chocolate and treats will be waiting at the end of the

tour to calm nerves and ease fears. Cost is $5 per person ages 13 and older; $2 ages 4-12; free under 4.

 

The Rising Sun Police Department will partner with the historical society again to present Nightmare on Walnut

Street from 5-9 p.m. Oct. 27, 2007. This year magic invades the museum and grounds. Visitors should keep their

eyes open and beware of things that appear to be there, but are not really there at all. The science lab and its cool

experiments are back to keep people wondering, “How does that work?”

 

Visitors should dress as your favorite magician, wizard or whatever to add to the atmosphere of this family-friendly

event. A costume context, face painting, a magician and balloon animal making will be part of the fun. Everyone’s

favorite ghosts and ghouls will be there too!

 

Cost is $1 per person. Some additional costs may apply for food and some activities.

_________________________

 

Brown County Historic Homestead

 

The Brown County Historical Society will present the Historic Homestead tour Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 3-4.

Twelve sites will be included on the tour: Nashville’s Pioneer Village Museum; the ca. 1886 Elias Pittman Farm; the

1891 Daniel Crouch Farm; the 1891 Thomas A. Hendricks Farm and Stone Head, together listed on the National

Register for Historic Places; the late-1860s Joshua and Emma Tipton Farm; the 1926 Josiah and Ester Davidson

Home; the 1896 Queen Anne cottage, the William and Caroline Seitz House; the Charles A. Seitz Farm; the 1891

Pikes Peak Church of Christ; the New Bellsville Cemetery; the 1853 New Bellsville School; and the Crouch Cemetery.

 

The tour will take place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 3 and noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 4. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8

for children less than 12 years old, and will be available at the Pioneer Village Museum each day of the tour.

 

For more information call 812-988-4852 or visit www.browncountyhistory.info <http://www.browncountyhistory.info.

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Barbecue and Tour Offered in Goshen

 

The Goshen Historical Society will host a dinner and tour event at the First United Methodist Church in Goshen at

6 p.m. Nov. 8, 2007. The backyard barbecue will include a catered picnic meal and tour of the historic church.

 

Cost is $11 per person, and checks should be made payable to the Goshen Historical Society. To make a

reservation, send a check to Kay Garber, 17280 CR 40, Goshen, IN 46526.

___________________________________________________________________________

 

3. HELP

 

Maplelawn Farmstead Needs Volunteer Foremen

 

Maplelawn Farmstead needs volunteer foremen to act as supervisors for the small groups of students who will

participate in the day of service during the Future Farmers of America national conference in Indianapolis.

Knowledge of minor construction, painting and general “handy-man” skills are a plus. However, the main

responsibility will be to ensure students’ safety, provide general direction for the work projects and answer

questions.

 

To sign up as a volunteer foreman or for more information, contact Chris Garvey at cgarvey76@aol.com (mailto:cgarvey76@aol.com).

_________________________

 

Help Save the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery!

 

It's hard to believe, but officials at Arlington National Cemetery plan to replace the original Tomb of the Unknown

Soldier with a new replica solely because of repairable cosmetic imperfections. This 1932 monument is nationally

significant and eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

 

The 48-ton marble block has two nonstructural cracks which pose no threat to visitors or the historic structure.

Surprisingly, federal bureaucrats want the replica carved from new stone that experts agree will likely again crack

along its grain just as marble does naturally when exposed to the elements. Repair and proper care of the tomb

(re-grouting the cracks and using only gentle cleaning methods instead of high-pressure power-washing) is possible

and is the preferred method for fixing the existing cracks, as other marble monuments such as the Lincoln

Memorial were repaired.

 

Once the National Trust learned about this ill-considered plan, it raised the alarm with members of Congress and

tried unsuccessfully to consult with those who administer the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.   

 

A decision to determine the fate of the tomb monument is expected by Sept. 30, 2007. People can contact their

senators and ask them and the Senate Committee on Armed Services to explore alternatives to replacing the

memorial; and John Metzler, superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery, and ask him to repair rather than

replace the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

 

More information about the plight to save the tomb, as well as contact information for senators, the senate

committee and Metzler, can be found at http://www.nationaltrust.org/ <http://www.nationaltrust.org/>

___________________________________________________________________________

 

4. ORGANIZATIONS IN THE NEWS

 

Maplelawn Farmstead Selected as FFA Service Project

 

Maplelawn Farmstead in Hamilton County has been selected as one of the service projects of the Future Farmers of

America, when that organization comes to Indianapolis in October for its annual convention. During the

convention, students participate in a National Day of Service. Three service days are planned at Maplelawn:

October 22, 25 and 26. About 84 students each day will work on several projects: interior demolition and cleaning

of the farmhouse, restoration and repair of a fence, interior cleaning and exterior painting of the barns and

outbuilding, and general landscaping.

 

Last year, more than 800 students volunteered their time to the city’s community organizations.

_________________________

 

Hancock County Historical Society Receives Grant

 

The Hancock County Historical Society entertained the Greenfield chapter of Sertoma, a service organization, with

picnic and a tour of the Hancock County Historical Society Museum. After the event, Sertoma offered a $1,000 gift

to the society to help it preserve its museum collection.

_________________________

 

Ohio County Historical Society Wins Award, Receives Grant

 

The Ohio County Historical Society was given the Rosemary Prentice Award for Historic Preservation, given by the

Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. Since acquiring a complex of historic industrial buildings in 1968, the

society staff and volunteers have worked diligently to renovate the space as a museum and community space, and

create a climate-controlled environment.

 

The society also received a grant for $36,395 from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation to begin the first phase of

the renovation of the garage, which will be used to house the Hoosier Girl and Hoosier Boy boats. The renovations

will include a new HVAC unit, window repair, brick replacement and door repair. The space will eventually be used

to house additional exhibits.

___________________________________________________________________________

 

5. LENDING RESOURCE CENTER

 

Accessible Temporary Events: A Planning Guide

 

Planning special events can be a difficult chore. All kinds of details – volunteers, staff, traffic patterns,

displays, vendors, ADA requirements – must be considered to ensure a successful event. That process has been

made much easier by Accessible Temporary Events: A Planning Guide, created by the NC State University College

of Design.

 

The book is written on the premise that sound “universal design” enables anyone to access any event, regardless of

age, status in life or cognitive or physical ability. The points made are as useful for special events as they are for

general museum or exhibit planning.

 

Some of the recommendations are simple and don’t require a lot of planning. For example, making an exhibit

available to people with visual disabilities is as simple as providing duplicate examples they can handle, which will

give them an idea of its size, weight and texture. Chapters on planning everything from signage and print size to

room set up and exhibit display are heavily augmented with diagrams and charts.

 

The Local History Services Lending Resource Center has more than 100 other resources available on the topic of

preservation, including those specific to historic houses.

 

Local History Services maintains in its Lending Resource Center a collection of books, articles, audiotapes, and

videotapes on more than 80 topics of interest to local historical organizations. These resources are available for loan

to individuals and organizations engaged in the collection, research, preservation, or interpretation of Indiana

history. To view an online catalog of Lending Resource Center holdings, go to www.indianahistory.org/LHS <http://www.indianahistory.org/LHS>,

click on Resource Center and then on Search the database. To check out or get more information about a resource,

contact Katherine Dill at 317-233-8913 or kdill@indianahistory.org (mailto:kdill@indianahistory.org).

 ___________________________________________________________________________

 

6. JOB OPPORTUNITIES

 

History Education Specialist, Indiana Historical Bureau, Indianapolis

 

Job Description

Position duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

I.  Participate as a member of the Historical Marker Program team

    A. Working with other members of the marker team prepare application materials for the program taking into

account changes in guidelines established by the Indiana Library and Historical Board, general fund

appropriations from the General Assembly, and any special program emphases.

    B. Carry out processing of applications, working with the director, program coordinator and other history

education specialists (the marker team). This process includes review of submitted materials, historical

research to document the marker application topics-especially using primary source materials, evaluation of

sources and evidence and preparation of accurate written narratives to convey the importance of the topic for

text writing. This work is coordinated by the program coordinator.

    C. Attend weekly meetings of the Marker Team to review the progress of application processing.

    D. As needed, help represent the state at marker dedications (generally weekend days) often giving speeches and

media interviews, issue press releases, maintain historical/archival files, make recommendations for changes in

procedures/policies for the program, update and implement the marketing plan for the program.

    E. As needed, help to implement the marker repair and maintenance program.

    F. As needed, help to implement the Cemetery Heritage Initiative and other special format signs, including

preparation of camera-ready artwork.

 

II.  Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of all Bureau program components.

A.    Maintain, develop, and revise educational materials about Indiana history which fulfill the goals of the bureau;

B.     Oversee and carry out production and printing or web publication of those materials.

C.     Participate in the evaluation of materials, resources, and programs of the bureau; and make recommendations 

to the director.

    D. Be aware of current bureau projects and contribute to their success as needed.

 

III.  Participate in the development, research, writing, and  production of educational and other publications as assigned.

    A. Develop educational and instructional curriculum materials, which encourage the study of Indiana history and culture.

    B. Carry out research and copy preparation according to agency standards, including the maintenance of a

database of resources and  references for each project and computer files of prepared copy.

    C. Develop and produce other bureau materials for print and web publication.

 

IV.  Participate in long and short term planning for the agency.

    A.  Demonstrate an understanding of the goals of the agency and understand how the programs, publications and

activities fit into the larger context.

    B. Take an active role in agency planning sessions and help to develop program goals, objectives and individual

work plans that fit within the larger context.

    C. Help to implement and monitor achievement of adopted short and long term goals for agency programs, publications and other services.

    D. Participate in the evaluation of materials, resources and programs of the bureau; and make recommendations to the director

    E. Take part in the continuing evaluation, updating, and improvement of established guidelines and procedures

for events and activities in order to increase the effectiveness of limited resources.

    F. Be aware of current bureau projects and contribute to their success as needed.

 

V. Interact with various constituents of bureau programs, publications, and activities.

    A. Plan, design and/or construct displays and exhibits that convey to audiences what programs, publications and

activities the bureau has available for the public. Make these exhibits available in the state complex, at

meetings and events, at workshops, and on the Web site to reach a variety of audiences.

    B. Plan and present programs and related workshops, seminars, exhibits and tours-which are frequently

collaborations with other agencies and organizations-for students, teachers, and the general public about

 history education and the programs and publications of the bureau. Provide Web extensions for these activities.

    C. Serve on or monitor advisory committees, commissions, etc. related to collaborative programs supported by

the Bureau as part of its mission, such as, the Women's History Trail Project, smartDESKTOP, American

Indian Initiative, Underground Railroad Initiative, Indiana Council for History Education, Commemorations, etc.

 

VI. Market products for sale by the bureau and create higher visibility for the agency.

    A. Create or support educational displays of sale materials in the bureau book shop and State Library Building

cases to attract people to the bureau book shop, to purchase materials and to become aware of

bureau programs and publications.

    B. Prepare press releases about bureau programs, publications and activities and distribute them to news media.

    C. Seek out and supply information in other venues that can promote bureau products and the mission of the bureau.

 

VII.  Carry out required administrative needs.

    A. Complete reports for meetings of the Indiana Library and Historical Board.

    B. Complete required staff activity forms.

    C. Back up for order fulfillment when necessary.

    D. Back up customer service needs for book shop and answer agency's main phone line.

    E.  Help with stocking of publications and inventory  movement as necessary.

 

Responsibilities

The History Education Specialist 4s and the Program Coordinator 4 form the Programs and Publications Division.

Bureau programs and publications are achieved through a team approach, which encompasses all agency staff. Each

History education specialist may take the lead for various functions in the job description. History education

specialist 4s, along with other employees, play an active part in the planning, implementation and evaluation of

bureau programs, publications, activities and projects, and advising the director on various topics. Because of the

small number of employees in the bureau, the history education specialists and other employees are called upon to

carry out various administrative duties necessary to the operation of the agency.

 

Qualifications

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities include knowledge of and ability to carry out historical research in primary

sources; to evaluate sources and evidence; to prepare accurate, clear, and concise narratives; public programming

and educational programming experience; knowledge of Indiana and U.S. history.

 

Four (4) years full-time professional experience in the development or coordination of an historical or cultural

program. Substitutions: Accredited college training in any of the following areas may substitute for the required

experience with a maximum substitution of four years. (Fifteen semester hours in anthropology; archaeology;

education; history; or in a related area.)

 

Benefits

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package, which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance,

retirement plans and accrued leave.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

This job opportunity will soon be posted in the State of Indiana Job Bank for approximately two weeks. It will have

the Posting Title of  Historical Education Specialist 4. Please check the Historical Bureau website http://www.in.gov/history

<http://www.in.gov/history> for the posting reference number, category and closing date; those items will be

added to the website as soon as they are available.

 

Everyone must apply online through the job bank. Visit http://www.in.gov/jobs/stateemployment/fe/apply.html

<http://www.in.gov/jobs/stateemployment/fe/apply.html>to begin the process. Include a copy of your

resume in your online profile.

 

Applicants also should send a resume and a cover letter to pbennett@history.in.gov (mailto:pbennett@history.in.gov)

in addition to entering materials in the job bank.

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Curator I, Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, Ohio

 

Summary:

The Ohio Historical Society (OHS) seeks a dynamic and creative individual to serve as a project curator in the

outreach projects department. The project curator will be based at the Ohio Historical Society and be under the

direct supervision of the outreach projects manager. This position works directly with K-16 faculty in western Ohio

and will be responsible for implementing OHS responsibilities in a number of collaborative professional

development programs.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This position will organize workshops and seminars on various topics in local, state and national history; work

directly with partners (i.e. university faculty, teachers, school administrators, local history organizations and their

staff, evaluators); conduct research in the OHS archival and object collections to identify materials that related to

the project themes and the Ohio Social Studies Academic Content Standards for; and develop creative activities and

resources (e.g. CD-ROMS, podcasts, etc.) that engage faculty with collections materials.

 

The ideal candidate is a self-starter, creative yet practical, flexible, able to work well within a fast-paced team-

oriented environment and must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. Successful candidates

must also be able to establish creative partnerships and a strong presence in the Ohio communities they serve.

 

Candidates must have a passion for state and local history, a compelling vision for creating engaging and

informative experiences, and a thorough understanding of methods for developing exceptional history resources

and programs for a variety of audiences.

 

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The

requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable

accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Education and/or Experience:

Applicants should possess a graduate degree in history/museum studies/humanities; a strong working knowledge of

history research methods; an appreciation for local history; excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong

organization skills; experience managing budgets; the ability to juggle multiple small projects at one time; the ability

to work with partner institutions and individuals; experience with education standards (pedagogy, state academic

standards, etc.); comfort speaking in front of and directing groups of 20-50 people; a willingness to travel within the

state. Position compensation starts at $28,000 and will be commensurate with education and experience. Serious

consideration will only be given to those applicants who submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirements and three professional references to:

 

The Ohio Historical Society

Human Resources Department

1982 Velma Avenue

Columbus , OH 43211-2497

Fax: 614/297-2293

E-mail: applicant@ohiohistory.org

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Associate Documentary Editor, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, Ill.

 

Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Library Affairs. This is a one-year term administrative/professional

position in the Ulysses S. Grant Association (appointment is renewable) to begin immediately. Under the direction

of John Y. Simon, director of the Ulysses S. Grant Association, the associate documentary editor participates in the

preparation of an edition of The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant. Specific duties include specialized research in

manuscript materials, textual analysis and preparation of editorial apparatus. In addition, the associate documentary

editor assists with project management and participates as assigned in other Grant Association projects.

 

Required Qualifications:

Advanced degree in history; 3 – 5 years experience in historical research; experience with computers, especially word processing capabilities; ability to work well under pressure and to prioritize assignments; excellent oral and written communication skills; excellent interpersonal skills.

 

Preferred qualification:

Ph.D. in history with experience in historical editing. Salary is competitive ($31,404 minimum). Applications desired by Sept. 14, 2007, but will be accepted until position is filled. Send a letter of application stating qualifications and background for this position, a résumé, and the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses (if available) of three professional references. References may be contacted by Morris Library and asked to comment on your experience and qualifications for this position. All materials should be addressed to: Sherry Elders, Personnel Coordinator, Library Affairs, Mail Code 6632, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 605 Agriculture Drive, Carbondale, IL 62901. Telephone: 618-453-1458; e-mail: apply@lib.siu.edu

 

SIUC is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer that strives to enhance its ability to develop a diverse faculty and staff and to increase its potential to serve a diverse student population. All applications are welcomed and encouraged and will receive consideration.

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Collections Manager, Chicago Academy of Sciences, Chicago, Ill.

 

Organization Description:

The Chicago Academy of Sciences was founded in 1857 as Chicago's first science museum. In 1999, the Academy

opened the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park.  It has welcomed more than 1,000,000 visitors and is a unique venue for the public, especially urban dwellers, to find new ways to reconnect with the natural world. The

museum provides award-winning exhibits and programs to 65,000 students annually and trains and provides

resources for more than 2,000 Chicago teachers. The museum is one of the city's best examples of eco-friendly

building technology, including a green roof, solar panels, natural light sources and native landscaping. The academy

and its museum are engaged in important conservation and research work, such as its Butterfly Restoration Project.

 

Summary of Position:

The Chicago Academy of Sciences, Notebaert Nature Museum seeks an independently motivated person to work

full-time to document, curate, re-house and pursue funding for  the institution’s historically important collections of

natural history specimens and related ephemera. The collections manager oversees all aspects of collections care and

use, with assistance from staff specialists and a corps of volunteers and interns.

 

The academy's collections include herpetology, ornithology, oology, botany, mammalogy, malacology, entomology, paleontology, mineralogy, anthropology, archives, photographs, library, historic scientific instruments and animal

mounts.  The collections include specimens collected as early as 1857 but are composed primarily of specimens collected from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s by scientists including Robert Kennicott, Frank C. Baker and

Howard Gloyd.  The archives and library cover a similar period and include many significant documents.  The majority of work takes place at two off-site collections storage facilities where the collections are stored.

 

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with staff scientists and manage volunteers and interns to carry out curatorial work in the collections.
  • Update and implement collections management policies.
  • Implement the goals described in the Collections Management Assessment and Emergency Management Assessment.
  • Inventory and electronically catalog all holdings and make the catalog available on the World Wide Web.
  • Play a major role in the planning and execution of a major re-housing effort that will include both new cabinetry and a new storage facility.
  • Participate in the search for upgraded storage facilities.
  • Promote the collections to the public and the institution through tours, media interviews and temporary exhibits.
  • Collaborate with the Development Department to prepare grant applications for support of collections projects.
  • Coordinate with the Facilities Department to ensure adherence to IPM standards.
  • Make the archival collections available for use by researchers.

 

Qualifications:

  • Five years experience in the museum sciences.
  • Demonstrated skill in registration techniques including record digitization and databasing software.
  • Strong understanding and experience in collections housing and care requirements.
  • Experience in re-housing and relocating collections.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate with a wide range of audiences through both oral and written communications.
  • Ability to manage volunteers, interns, and staff.
  • Ability to work independently in an offsite location
  • Ability to work within 32-inch aisles and lift 50 pounds.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Preference will be given to individuals with experience in collections relocation, registration, archival research and natural history.

 

Salary Range:  Competitive based on experience and qualifications.

 

Please forward resume, cover letter and three letters of recommendation to:

Steve Sullivan, Collections Manager

Chicago Academy of Sciences, Notebaert Nature Museum

2430 North Cannon Drive

Chicago, IL 60614

Email:  ssullivan@naturemuseum.org

 

No phone calls, please.

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Assistant Curator, The Senator John Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh, Penn.

 

REQUIREMENTS:

Master’s degree in history, museum studies, American studies or similar related field. Two years museum experience

or proven internships.  Current valid PA Driver’s license; successful Act 34 clearance (criminal record check),

knowledge of material culture, visitor studies (demographics and interests of museum visitors), and museum

learning (the nature of learning in the museum setting) desired.  Expertise or interest in a specific field related to the

concerns of HC is also important. Position requires word processing and collections data base skills.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:           

The two major functions are related to collections and exhibits. In regard to collections, the assistant curator

investigates collection leads, pursues research on potential donations and makes recommendations to the collection

leads committee.  Catalogs incoming collections for which he/she has expertise and adds information to object and

collection files.  The assistant curator must learn the collection.  This position takes significant responsibility for

pro-active collecting to augment existing collections and for reviewing collections and making recommendations for

de-accessioning.

 

In regard to exhibits, the assistant curator uses his/her knowledge of the region’s history and the history center’s collections, background and training in history and experience with exhibits to aid in their development. On every project (unless far outside his/her expertise), the assistant curator should advise on research directions and sources.  This position may fill many different functions in exhibit work, including directing the project, setting

the conceptual course, pursuing research, collecting and interpreting objects, and guiding the research and work of other staff members.

 

Submit resume and letter of interest to:

Director of Human Resources

The Senator John Heinz History Center

1212 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA   15222

Phone:  (412) 454-6410 -- Fax:   (412) 454-6030

E-Mail:   amgrzybek@hswp.org

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Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Research Center Scholar Program

 

The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Research Center Scholar Program, a component of the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum,

Santa Fe, N.M., sponsors research in American Modernism (1890–present) by awarding scholarships to historians in

the fields of art, architecture and design, literature, music and photography, and to museum professionals who wish

to organize an exhibition at the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. Scholarships are available for periods of three-to-twelve

months. Recipients are expected to be in residence during the scholarship period and to take part in the life of the research center.

 

Applications must be submitted in English and postmarked no later than the Monday following Thanksgiving. For

application materials, procedures and further information regarding the Research Center or its scholar program,

visit http://www.okeeffemuseum.org/center/scholarships.html <http://www.okeeffemuseum.org/center/scholarships.html>

or contact

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum Research Center

217 Johnson Street

Santa Fe, NM 87501

505.946.1002 

Fax 505.946.1093

center@okeeffemuseum.org

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7. OFF THE PRESS

 

Museum History Journal

 

The Museum History Journal is a new publication of evaluative histories relating to museums and will be published

semi-annually beginning in 2008. Future issues will include cultural and social histories evaluating the impact of

museums and/or related institutions in the context of a particular time period; intellectual histories that emphasize

museum philosophy; history of museum-related professions; histories of museum exhibits and education programs;

histories of development, management and use of collections; architectural histories; abbreviated biographies of

significant museum figures with emphasis on contributions made to respective institutions; professionalization of

the field; comparative history of two or more museums or related cultural institutions critical institutional histories;

and more.

 

Editors welcome the submission of papers to be considered for publication in the journal. Manuscript preparation

guidelines will be available on the Left Coast Press, Inc., website at www.lcoastpress.com <http://www.lcoastpress.com>.

The journal also welcomes suggestions for thematic issues and for reviews of books, website and exhibits relevant to the mandate of the journal.

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8. ON THE INTERNET

 

Indianapolis’s Historic Places Spotlighted

 

Indianapolis’s 59 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places come together on a new website to offer

heritage seekers an in-depth look at some of the Hoosier capital’s most significant historic sites. The Discover Our

Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary includes descriptions of each of the sites, maps and essays about themes significant

in the city’s development that help put the sites in historical context.

 

The Indianapolis travel itinerary can be viewed at http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/indianapolis/index.htm

<http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/indianapolis/index.htm>. It was produced by the National Park Service's

Heritage Education Services and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources' Division of Historic Preservation

and Archaeology in partnership with the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Of