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COMMUNIQUE ONLINE

12 October 2007

Table of Contents:

Training Opportunities and Conferences
Basic Accountability for Small Nonprofits
Becoming a 501(c)3: Pros and Cons of New Nonprofits
Financials for the Non-Accountant
Developing Annual Sustainability
Major Gifts: Finding the Perfect Donors
The Board’s Role in Fundraising
Engaging Your Board in Creating Sustainable Funding
2007 Center for French Colonial Studies Conference
Midwest Open Air Museums 2007 Fall Conference

Proposals for 2008 AASLH Annual Meeting Due November 16
Call for Papers:"Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis: Two Visions of America"

Programs
Harrison Home’s Victorian Theatre by Candlelight: “Ghost Tales of the Civil War”
Sexton’s Tales: Reliving History at Kokomo’s Crown Point Cemetery
Carmel Clay Historical Society Meeting
Wells County Historical Society Events
Carmel Clay Historical Society Holiday Bazaar
“A Community of Churches” lecture by Rev. Bill Mathys
Author Chuck Wills Presenting Lincoln: The Presidential Archives

Indiana Jewish Historical Society 2007 Annual Meeting and Brunch
INDOT Archaeologist Curtis Tomak to Speak on Daviess County
Trip to the Air Force Museum at Dayton, OH
Hoosiers in Hollywood author David Smith to speak at Franklin Township Historical Society Annual Dinner

Funding Opportunities
2008 Conservation Assessment Program
Museums for America Grant
AASLH Seeks Institutional Applicants for 2008 Alderson Internship Grant Program

IHS News
Printing Partners Hoosier Storytelling Festival
Indiana History Train: Valparaiso

Awards
AASLH 2008 Leadership in History Awards Nominations Sought

Traveling Exhibits
Botanic Garden of Smith College Travel Exhibits Available

Organizations in the News
Grissom Air Museum Receives Grant

Job Opportunities
Manager of Development and Public Relations for Historic New Harmony, IN
Assistant Coordinator, National History Day in Indiana, Indiana Historical Society
Assistant Coordinator, Public Programs and National History Day in Indiana, Indiana Historical Society
Development Director, Musical Instrument Museum, Tempe, AZ
Registrar, Musical Instrument Museum, Tempe, AZ
Registrar, Wolfsonian-FIU Museum, Miami Beach, FL

Off the Press
Oresties History: Encyclopedia of Monroe Township and North Madison County

On the Internet
AAM's new advocacy website,www.speakupformuseums.org

Training Opportunities and Conferences

Basic Accountability for Small Nonprofits
October 22 11am-2pm
Topic(s) Covered: Accountability
Sponsored by: Putnam County Community Foundation
Contact: Jillian Miller (765)742-8241
Location: Walden Inn & Conference Center, 2 West Seminary, Greencastle, IN
Fee: $10
For more information: http://www.inrn.org/calendar/calendardetail.aspx?qryIDNum=-1923808979

Becoming a 501(c)3: Pros and Cons of New Nonprofits
October 23 9am-11:30am
Topic(s) Covered: Organizational Structure
Sponsored by: Tippecanoe Arts Federation
Contact: Jillian Miller (765)742-8241
Location: Wells Building, 638 North St. Lafayette, IN
Fee: $25
For more information: http://www.inrn.org/calendar/calendardetail.aspx?qryIDNum=406555394

Financials for the Non-Accountant
October 23 1pm-4pm
Topic(s) Covered: Finances
Sponsored by: Freedom Academy
Contact: Freedom Academy ( info@freedomacademy.net or 800-200-6499)
Location: Kendallville Public Library, 221 S. Park Ave. Kendallville, IN
Fee: Unknown
For more information: http://www.freedomacademy.net/freedom/FAClass.aspx?Number=1013

Developing Annual Sustainability
October 23-24 8:30am-5pm
Topic(s) Covered: Sustainability
Sponsored by: Indiana University Center on Philanthropy
Contact: IU Center on Philanthropy (317)278-8917
Location: University Place Hotel & Conference Center, 850 W. Michigan St. Indianapolis, IN
Fee: $760, $722
For more information: http://www.philanthropy.iupui.edu/TheFundRaisingSchool/CourseRegistration/course_schedule.aspx

Major Gifts: Finding the Perfect Donors
October 24 10am-12pm
Topic(s) Covered: Fundraising
Sponsored by: Benevon
Contact: Alaina Szlachta (206)428-2158 or alaina.szlachta@benevon.com
Location: Kosciusko County Community Foundation, 102 E. Market St. Warsaw, IN
Fee: None
For more information: http://gems.benevon.com/benevonWebsite/Invite102407WarsawFtWayneTZ.pdf

The Board’s Role in Fundraising
October 24 12pm-1pm
Topic(s) Covered: Fundraising, Special Events, Planned Giving
Sponsored by: Indiana Nonprofit Resource Network
Contact: Jillian Miller (765)742-8241
Location: Washington Co. Community Foundation, 1707 North Shelby St. Ste. 100 Salem, IN
Fee: None
For more information: http://www.inrn.org/calendar/calendardetail.aspx?qryIDNum=2075232252

Engaging Your Board in Creating Sustainable Funding
October 24 2:30pm-4:30pm
Topic(s) Covered: Fundraising, Sustainability
Sponsored by: Benevon
Contact: Alaina Szlachta (206)428-2158 or alaina.szlachta@benevon.com
Location: Allen Co. Public Library, 800 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, IN
Fee: None
For more information: http://gems.benevon.com/benevonWebsite/Invite102407WarsawFtWayneTZ.pdf

2007 Center for French Colonial Studies Conference
Nov. 2-3 at Historical Merou Grotto in West Lafayette, IN
Visit http://depts.noctrl.edu/cfcs/cfcsannualmeeting.html for program information. Advance registration is $100 and due by Oct. 29. Contact 630-717-1822 or bplebeau@noctrl.edu for more information.

Midwest Open Air Museums 2007 Fall Conference
Nov. 8, 9 and 10 at Augsburg Collect in Minneapolis, MN
For more information, visit http://www.momcc.org/Conferences.htm or e-mail momcc@momcc.org.

Proposals for 2008 AASLH Annual Meeting Due November 16
Theme: Discovering the Power of Transformation
Date: September 9-12, 2008
Location: Rochester, NY

The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) will present its 2008 annual meeting in Rochester, New York, from September 9 – 12, 2008. The theme chosen for the 2008 meeting is Discovering the Power of Transformation. The theme of transformation is intentionally broad and applies to our profession at multiple levels. Our host city, Rochester, provides at least three wonderful examples of the power of transformation. Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, both from Rochester, remind us of the power of ideas, places, and people, and their ability to transform the world in which they live. The Strong National Museum of Play, also in Rochester, serves as a remarkable example of organizational transformation within our field.

In the spirit of this theme, the program committee is especially seeking proposals that: 1) look at how we present and interpret transformative stories in state and local history in order to both inform and inspire the public we serve; 2) highlight projects that transformed an organization and its ability to fulfill its mission; 3) address relevance and sustainability; 4) examine fresh techniques and tools to make collections and content more accessible; and 5) identify key elements of innovative programs, exhibitions, publications, and other educational services.

Proposals must be submitted on a Call for Proposals form. You may submit the form via email, fax, or mail. To obtain a copy in Microsoft Word to complete and submit via email, send a message to membership@aaslh.org. For more information, visit AASLH website, www.aaslh.org, or contact Bethany Hawkins at hawkins@aaslh.org or by phone at 615-320-3203.

Call for Papers:"Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis: Two Visions of America"
October 24-25, 2008, in Louisville, Kentucky

Conference Conveners: Stanley Harrold (Professor of History, South Carolina State University) and Paul Finkelman (President William McKinley Distinguished Professor of Law and Public Policy, Albany Law School)

The Filson Institute for the Advanced Study of the Ohio Valley and the Upper South proposes a two-day academic conference examining the competing visions of the United States that developed in the antebellum era, symbolized in the lives and values of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, both of whom were born and spent their early years in Kentucky. The conference will be in Louisville, Kentucky, at The Filson Historical Society.

The approaching bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth and the sesquicentennial of the Civil War have sparked an outpouring of scholarly and popular attention to the coming of the Civil War and Lincoln’s role in articulating a northern vision of American freedom and democracy. Just eight months prior to Lincoln's birth in February 1809-and just miles away-the future president of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis, a man who would articulate a very different vision of American society and culture, was born. Both men came from similar backgrounds, the sons of well-traveled, hardscrabble farmers who for a time settled in Kentucky, seeing a place of opportunity on the northern borders of the slave South. Soon, the lives of both men would diverge sharply, with the Lincolns heading north into a land of free labor, and the Davis family heading south to plantation Mississippi. But that the border state of Kentucky could give rise to such differing lives and visions of America points to the significance of the middle ground-the region lying on the border between slavery and freedom-in the growing sectional divide of the antebellum era.

This conference, then, will explore the nature of these different visions of America, and the role of what nineteenth-century Americans called the "middle states"-from the Chesapeake in the east, through the Ohio Valley, and to Missouri in the west-in forging distinct and divergent sectional identities in the fifty years before the Civil War.

The program committee welcomes proposals from graduate students, junior, and senior scholars examining the conference theme of the Border States and the growth of sectionalism, including, but not limited to the following:
*       Interpretations of the Constitution
*       The meaning of nationalism
*       Race and the status of African Americans
*       Political life and ideas
*       Gender roles and paternalism
*       The nature of agricultural production
*       Urban development
*       Manufacturing
*       Honor and the use of violence
*       Western expansion
*       Regional identity formation
*       Religious Life
*       Public memory and historical commemoration

Publication of a selection of revised essays from the conference is anticipated. Please send three copies of a proposal of no more than two pages clearly outlining subject, arguments, and relevance to the conference topic, and a vita of no more than two pages, to The Filson Institute Conference, The Filson Historical Society, 1310 S. Third St., Louisville, Kentucky 40208.

Proposals are due on January 14, 2008. Single papers or conference panels are welcomed. The conference will meet in consecutive single sessions, with three sessions each day. Papers will be placed online on the Filson Historical Society's website prior to the conference. Funds will be available to help defray some travel costs for presenters. For questions concerning the conference, please contact Dr. A. Glenn Crothers at the address above or e-mail at crothers@filsonhistorical.org, or consult the Filson website at http://www.filsonhistorical.org/institute.html.

Programs

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

Harrison Home’s Victorian Theatre by Candlelight: “Ghost Tales of the Civil War”
The President Benjamin Harrison Home’s Victorian Theatre by Candlelight: “Ghost Tales of the Civil War” opens Friday, October 12 and plays through October 13, 19, and 20 at half-hour intervals from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at 1230 North Delaware Street.

A progressive presentation for which the audience rotates through the mansion, “Ghost Tales” will seek to solve why ghosts have converged upon the Presidential manor, with the help of a psychic (I. C. Itall). The audience will brave the spiritual turmoil and help to solve the mystery.

James Trofatter is the playwright and director for “Ghost Tales.” He qualifies as the Harrison Home’s resident playwright, since he has 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.

Cast members include: Sue Beecher, Angi Bailey, Trisch Every, James Hayes, Judy Kirkham, Glenna Lee, Terry Minkey, Jill Murrell, Erika Organ, Leon Organ, David Pleiss, Nick Porter, Sharon Porter, Dave Surina, Susie Townsend, James Trofatter, Blair, Steve, and Bryce Viehweg, and Donna Wing. The cast is large due to the number of characters in the play and the rotating nature of the performance schedule, 50-minute presentations offered every 30 minutes.

“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.
The President Benjamin Harrison Foundation, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization, which sees its mission to be increasing public understanding of, appreciation for, and participation in the American system of self-government through the life stories of an American President.

The Foundation preserves and maintains the historic 1875 Italianate Victorian home of the 23rd President as a museum and memorial, accredited by the American Association of Museums. The three-level landmark home contains many of Harrison’s paintings, furniture, and decorative arts including unique political memorabilia. More information is available on the home’s web site: www.pbhh.org.

Sexton’s Tales: Reliving History at Kokomo’s Crown Point Cemetery
Oct. 13 and 14 at 2 p.m. at the Crown Point Cemetery
Re-enactors will tell the stories of 10 people who are buried at Crown Point Historic Cemetery. The event’s title refers to long-time Crown Point sexton, Mark McTigue. An Irishman who came to Kokomo in 1861, he was one of the cemetery’s founding fathers and is said to have know the name of every occupant. Admission is $7 per person. Contact 765-452-4314 for more information.

Carmel Clay Historical Society Meeting
Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. at the Monon Center at Central Park
Meet new members, purchase Home Tour tickets (Nov. 30 and Dec. 1), and learn about upcoming activities. Contact the CCHS at 317-846-7117 for more information.

Wells County Historical Society Events
All events take place at 420 West Market Street, Bluffton, IN.

Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. Tea at the Museum, $8, call Nancy Wagener (260-273-1223) or Becky Behning (260-638-4861) for reservations.
Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. Fall Meeting with Margaret Ringenberger, Avaiation Pionner, speaking on World War II experience as a WASP pilot.
Oct. 31 at 5 – 7 p.m. Trick or Treat at the Historical Museum

Carmel Clay Historical Society Holiday Bazaar
Oct. 20 at the Carmel High School Freshman Center
Find the most unique, handmade holiday gift items and support the CCHS.

“A Community of Churches” lecture by Rev. Bill Mathys
Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Madison County Historical Society. Call 765-683-0052 for more information.

Author Chuck Wills Presenting Lincoln: The Presidential Archives
Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. at Lincoln Museum in downtown Fort Wayne

As one of the country’s most controversial, revered, and influential presidents, Abraham Lincoln has been the subject of thousands of books. In Lincoln: The Presidential Archives, author Chuck Wills offers readers something new: an original, meticulously researched biography alongside removable reproductions of Lincoln’s personal and political letters, notes, and mementos. This engaging and readable “museum in a book” pulls these rare materials out of the archive and places them into the hands of the general reader.

Fully illustrated with over 120 black-and-white and color images, Lincoln: The Presidential Archives celebrates Lincoln in his roles as President, husband, father and leader. From his log-cabin childhood to his infamous assassination, Wills separates the man from the myth, and leaves readers with a dynamic understanding of nineteenth-century America.

Reproduced documents include:
• A page from Lincoln’s boyhood school book
• Abraham and Mary Todd’s marriage license
• The first letter carried by the Pony Express
• Lincoln’s original Emancipation Proclamation
• Civil War telegrams
• A letter from Mary Todd Lincoln to her husband
• An 1860 campaign banner

Lincoln: The Presidential Archives is a family-friendly, welcoming resource for anyone interested in Lincoln and his world. Special enough for gift-giving, it’s a wonderful book for everyone interested in one of the most rich and complex moments in American history.

The Lincoln Museum is located at the corner of Clinton and Berry Streets in downtown Fort Wayne. A book signing will follow his presentation. The book is available in the museum store. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. General admission is $4.99, seniors and children (5 - 12 years old), $3.99. The Lincoln Museum also features one of the largest museum stores in northeastern Indiana. Shop on-line at www.TheLincolnMuseum.org Call 260-455-3864 for additional information.

Indiana Jewish Historical Society 2007 Annual Meeting and Brunch
Oct. 28 at noon at Broadmoor Country Club, 6701 Hoover Road, Indianapolis

The program “Reinventing Jewish Worship Music: Summer Camp to Synagogue” will be presented by Professor Judah M. Cohen of Indiana University, with closing remarks by Cantor Janice Roger of the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation. To make reservations, send a check for $20 per person and a list of those attending to IJHS, 6527 Constitution Dr., Fort Wayne, IN 46804.

INDOT Archaeologist Curtis Tomak to Speak on Daviess County
Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. at the Berea Mennonite Church in Cannelburg, IN.
Cost for catered dinner and presentation is $12 per person and reservations should be made by Oct. 26. Call the Daviess County Historical Society at 812-257-0301 for more information.

Trip to the Air Force Museum at Dayton, OH
On Nov. 3 the Grissom Air Museum will take interested people on a bus trip to the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, OH. The cost is $48 for the public and $38 for members. The bus leaves from the Grissom Air Museum parking lot at 7 a.m. and will return around 10 p.m. Tickets to the museum are free, and lunch and dinner stops will be made. The National Museum is one of the world’s best aviation museums, with over 400 aircraft from the early days of aviation to the current day. Call the Grissom Air Museum at 765-689-8011 to check on availability.

Hoosiers in Hollywood author David Smith to speak at Franklin Township Historical Society Annual Dinner
Nov. 3 at 1 p.m. at the Goodrich Sisters Banquet Hall, Fairland
Reservations are required for this family-style chicken dinner and program. Cost is $15 per person and reservations can be made by calling Sue Skelton at 317-784-3167. Speaker David L. Smith is the author of “Hoosiers in Hollywood,” published by the Indiana Historical Society Press in April 2006. It is a history of the contributions Hoosiers have made to the art of motion pictures from the beginning of film to the present. Visit http://www.whenmoviesweremovies.com/ for more details.

Funding Opportunities

2008 Conservation Assessment Program Applications Are Now Available!
The FY2008 CAP applications are now available! To receive an application, call the CAP staff at 202-233-0800 or download it from Heritage Preservation's Web site, www.heritagepreservation.org. The postmark deadline for applications is December 1, 2007. Heritage Preservation's CAP is supported through a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

CAP helps small to mid-sized museums of all types, from art museums to zoos, obtain a general assessment of the condition of their collections, environment, and historic buildings. Following an on-site assessment by a conservation professional, the museum receives a written report recommending priorities to improve collections care.

This report assists museums in educating staff and board members on conservation practices, creating long-range and emergency plans, and raising funds to improve the care of their collections. For museums with buildings more than 50 years old, CAP also supports an assessment by a historic building assessor. A second assessment (re-CAP) is available to organizations who participated in CAP prior to 2001.

For more information, contact CAP staff at 202-233-0800 or cap@heritagepreservation.org.

Museums for America Grant Applicants
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced today that the Museums for America grant application will post a suite of required application documents on the IMLS website in Microsoft Word. This will allow applicants the opportunity to save their documents. If you are experiencing problems you may convert these word documents to PDF and attach them to your Grants.gov application. Please review the attached link to learn how to convert your documents to PDF files - http://www.imls.gov/pdf/PDFConversion.pdf. All applicants are required to apply through Grants.gov.

IMLS has now added a third audio conference which will be held from 3:00 to 4:00 Eastern Time on October 17, 2007. These audio conferences are designed to give prospective applicants an opportunity to ask the IMLS staff questions pertaining to the MFA grant program. There are many changes in the FY 2008 MFA guidelines so we welcome the opportunity to discuss these changes with both prospective applicants and former grant recipients.

Participants will need the conference number and title below to participate.

Title: National MFA Audio Conference #3
Date: Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Start Time: 3:00 pm ET
Conference telephone number: (877) 852-6583 (toll free) Confirmation Code: 4603890
Title: Museums for America

Participants should call five to ten minutes before the conference begins. Click here for more information on the Museums for America program. The application deadline is November 1, 2007. You can download the MFA guidelines at: http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/pdf/MFA_2008.pdf. Those needing assistance should contact Steven Shwartzman at 202-653-4641 or sshwartzman@imls.gov, Robert Trio at 202-653-4689 or rtrio@imls.gov or Reagan Furrow at 202-653-4637 or rfurrow@imls.gov.

AASLH Seeks Institutional Applicants for 2008 Alderson Internship Grant Program

The Alderson Internship Grant is awarded each year to an institutional member of AASLH to bring a graduate-student intern to their facility. Those institutions applying for the internship are required to submit a proposal giving background information about the historical organization, intended scope of work for the intern including timeline, and expected final product. The intern work should take place between May and September of 2008. A match of funds on a 1:3 basis is required.

Requirements

Eligibility is based on the institution being a member of AASLH with an annual operating budget of less than $500,000. To ensure proper supervision of the intern, it is required that the institution has at least one full-time staff member to oversee the project. Institutions should show where they intend to find graduate students (area colleges/universities). The intern and host staff are required to write a final report on their project (no more than 400 words with image) including a final budget. The narrative will be edited for an article published in Dispatch.

Award/Finances

AASLH will award up to $3,000 based on a 1:3 match by the host institution to cover the intern's salary.

Submitting An Application

Applications are due in the AASLH office by 5:00 p.m., Dec. 15, 2007. Applications should be mailed to Alderson Internship, AASLH, 1717 Church St., Nashville, TN 37203.

Judging

An independent committee will judge all applications and make a decision. All decisions are final. Judging criteria is based on completeness of form, thoroughness of project and description (which project looks like it will give the best experience), and what impact an internship would have for the institution. The winner will be announced in early February. The funds will be released to the successful applicant after July 1, 2008.

IHS News

Printing Partners Hoosier Storytelling Festival
Oct. 10 to Oct. 14
At Military Park and Indiana History Center

Join nationally acclaimed and award-winning storytellers Bill Harley, Carmen Agra Deedy, Baba Jamal Koram, Carol Birch and Donald Davis for five days of storytelling arts and activities as the Hoosier Storytelling Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary. Signed performances for the deaf and hard of hearing available at the Main Stage and Children’s Stage.

Tickets at the gate: $12 per session for adults and $6 per session for children. For more information, visit www.storytellingarts.org.

Indiana History Train: Valparaiso
Lot adjacent to The Franklin House (58 Campbell St.), Valparaiso
Oct. 11-13, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

History will hit the rails once again this fall when the Indiana Historical Society, in a unique collaboration with The Indiana Rail Road Company, launches a northern run of the Indiana History Train and its Faces of the Civil War exhibition. The History Train makes five stops in the northern half of the state in 2007—Indianapolis (Sept. 27-29), Wabash (Oct. 4-6), Valparaiso (Oct. 11-13), Fort Wayne (Oct. 18-20) and Kokomo (Oct. 25-27).

In the past three years, the History Train has welcomed more than 30,000 visitors with 15 stops in communities across the State of Indiana. The train itself consists of three 65-foot renovated Amtrak freight cars and features a free traveling exhibition, Faces of the Civil War (designed by the Indiana Historical Society’s exhibitions staff). In addition to the exhibition, temporary “depots” are set up at each venue. Visitors can view a documentary about the effect of the Civil War on Indiana and its citizens, participate in hands-on activities, see performances by interpreters/re-enactors, purchase Civil War-related items and simply enjoy a unique experience.

The Indiana History Train is made possible in part by a gift from the Lilly Endowment Inc. and a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: great ideas brought to life. The History Train is a partnership between the Indiana Historical Society and The Indiana Rail Road Company and is sponsored by the Charley Creek Foundation: fostering the arts and preserving history in Wabash, IN.

The train is free and open to the public, operating 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day. Group reservations are available by calling (317) 232-1882 or (800) 447-1830 (space is limited). For more information on the Indiana History Train and other Indiana Historical Society programs, visit www.indianahistory.org.

Awards

AASLH 2008 Leadership in History Awards Nominations Sought

AASLH invites submissions to the 2008 Leadership in History Awards. Now in its 63rd year, the Leadership in History Awards is the most prestigious national recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of local, state, and regional history. The Awards Program was initiated 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. Nominees need not be members of AASLH to qualify.

Nomination forms may be obtained by visiting the AASLH website, www.aaslh.org, or by contacting the AASLH office by phone, 615-320-3203, or email hawkins@aaslh.org. Nominations are due to state award representatives by March 1, 2008. Indiana’s representative is Trina Nelson Thomas, Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, tel: 317-233-8914, e-mail: tnelsonthomas@indianahistory.org. Nominations are then reviewed by a national committee in the summer of 2008 with formal presentation of the awards made during the AASLH annual meeting, September 9-12, 2008, in Rochester, New York.

Traveling Exhibits

Botanic Garden of Smith College Travel Exhibits Available

The Botanic Garden of Smith College has produced some interesting traveling exhibitions that are available for rent. Exhibits are priced to be affordable for other small institutions. Two exhibitions are currently available for rent: Plant Adaptation Up Close: A Biological and Artistic Interpretation and Asian Gardens of the 1920s: The Travels of Elizabeth K. Roys. Learn more about these exhibitions at http://www.smith.edu/garden/exhibits/traveling-exhibitions.html. There are pdf documents with the full specifications on the exhibits and terms of rental, as well as reproductions of the panels and photos of the exhibitions on display.

Currently showing in the gallery is The World in a Garden. It will soon be available for rental as well. View the exhibit at: http://www.smith.edu/garden/exhibits/exhibitions.html. Additionally, the exhibition, Plant Spirals: Beauty You Can Count On is available in digital form to be refabricated to fit another site. It has been shown in Genoa, Italy and next year will open in Geneva, Switzerland. See the exhibit online at http://maven.smith.edu/~phyllo/EXPO/ExpoIntro.html

For more information, please contact Madelaine Zadik, Manager of Education and Outreach at The Botanic Garden of Smith College, Lyman Plant House, 15 College Lane, Northampton, MA 01063. Phone: 413-585-2743, Fax: 413-585-2744. E-mail: mzadik@email.smith.edu.

Organizations in the News

Grissom Air Museum Receives Grant
The Grissom Air Museum Education Committee led by Frank Faulkner recently received a grant from the Howard County Community Foundation. The $3,500 grant will be used to develop a traveling kiosk of children’s aviation art that will visit Howard county schools and businesses. The display provides a venue for young artists in Howard County to be recognized fro their talent. The museum hopes to expand the project in coming years to include a much broader region.

Job Opportunities

Manager of Development and Public Relations for Historic New Harmony - A07043A1
Full-time administrative position in Historic New Harmony, a National Historic Landmark District and the site of two early utopian communities, seeking a creative, gregarious individual to coordinate promotional and fundraising efforts. Because Historic New Harmony is a department of the University of Southern Indiana, the manager of dev/pr will work with the university’s advancement staff to raise the profile of and attract donors to Historic New Harmony. Candidate must have bachelor’s degree with three years experience in marketing, pr, and/or fundraising; cultural not-for-profit experience strongly preferred. Full-time position; excellent state university benefits. Send resume and letter of application to: Connie Weinzapfel, Director, Historic New Harmony, P.O.Box 579, New Harmony, IN 47631. For further information see www.newharmony.org. No phone solicitations, please.

Assistant Coordinator, National History Day in Indiana, Indiana Historical Society

The Indiana Historical Society seeks candidates for the temporary, part-time position of Assistant Coordinator, National History Day in Indiana and Public Programs.

Working with the Director, Education, the Assistant Coordinator, NHDI and Public Programs assists with the research, development, implementation, and evaluation of history-based educational programming for National History Day in Indiana students, teachers and parents at the Indiana Historical Society. In addition, the Assistant Coordinator works with the Coordinator, Public Programs to provide research, development, implementation and evaluation of history-based educational programming for adult and family audiences at IHS and other venues around the state. For NHDI, responsibilities include: assisting with the facilitation of NHDI school group visits to the IHS library; assist with planning, research, delivery and evaluation of NHDI student educational programs that take place at offsite locations across Indiana and at IHS; soliciting schools for participation in NHDI contests and programs, soliciting potential volunteers/judges for participation in NHDI contests, assist IHS staff and local hosts with planning, implementation, and evaluation of two assigned NHDI district contests, participate as IHS staff support at the NHDI state contest in May 2008. Working with the Coordinator, Public Programs, provide research and design input on prototypes for the IHS History Lab and INvestigation projects; plan implement and evaluate Reading Life and IHS Speaker's Series public programs.; contracts, following-up on program logistical/speaker needs (AV, etc.) and hosting selected programs; assist with identification of program resources, including printed materials and potential speakers for immigration programs; provide assistance with programs as requested. A complete job description is available upon request.

Prospective applicants should have enthusiasm and ability to inspire youth through history-related programs; knowledge of IHS and NHDI a plus. Candidates must have an interest in history education and history-related careers, including museum studies, including an understanding of generally accepted museum education concepts, strategies, ethics, and standards. Experience with public or school programming in a nonprofit setting a plus. Also required: high level of creativity and energy, ability to carry out routine and detailed work in a timely manner as well as flexibility and ability to juggle multiple tasks. Experience with project management is a plus. Must be able to learn quickly and work without close supervision. Candidates should possess an outgoing personality plus good communication skills, with a professional, cordial attitude and presence, and a commitment and sensitivity to working with diverse audiences. A good sense of humor is also a must.

Required Qualifications

1. Minimum of BA/BS in education, museum studies with education emphasis, public history or related field.
2. Experience and knowledge of research techniques.
3. Experience in developing public presentations and using AV equipment.
4. Valid driver's license, reliable automobile, and a willingness to travel, including some overnight trips and weekends.
5. Character and reputation which are consistent with the job requirements, including genuine interest in youth and concern for their welfare.
6. Working knowledge of word processing and database management software.

Preferred Qualifications

1. At least one year of experience teaching in the classroom setting with an emphasis on teaching history/social studies at the middle or high school level.
2. MA/MS in education, museum studies with education emphasis, public history or related field.
3. Experience developing educational programs from inception to completion, including evaluation.
4. Experience working with variety of people in informal public education 5. Experience teaching in a classroom setting with an emphasis on history/social studies at the middle or high school level.

The position is budgeted for up to 30 hours/week for the period of October 2007 through July 2008. Schedule is flexible within the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with additional evening and weekend hours as required by the needs of the educational programs. The hourly rate for this position is $18.00/hour plus mileage reimbursement of $.485 per mile for pre-approved trips to offsite locations within Indiana and reimbursement of hotel room expenses for pre-approved overnight trips made on behalf of NHDI and, when applicable, per diem for meals ($7.66/meal; max. of $23/day) for pre-approved trips. No group health or dental benefits are provided for this position. Other benefits include free parking, staff discount at History Market and café, reciprocal benefits at other cultural institutions in Indianapolis.

Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Please send a letter of application, resume, and the names, current addresses and telephone numbers of three references to: Susan P. Brown, Vice President, Human Resources, Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-3269. Fax:(317) 234-0076. The Indiana Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer.

Assistant Coordinator, Public Programs and National History Day in Indiana, Indiana Historical Society

The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) seeks candidates for the temporary, part-time position of Assistant Coordinator, NHDI and Public Programs.

Since 1830, IHS—an independent, nonprofit membership organization located in Indianapolis—has worked to collect, preserve, interpret and share information about Indiana history through its collections, publications, and programs. For more information about IHS, please visit our Web site at www.indianahistory.org.

Working with the Director, Education, the Assistant Coordinator, NHDI and Public Programs assists with the research, development, implementation, and evaluation of history-based educational programming for National History Day in Indiana (NHDI) students, teachers and parents at the Indiana Historical Society (IHS). In addition, the Assistant Coordinator works with the Coordinator, Public Programs to provide research, development, implementation and evaluation of history-based educational programming for adult and family audiences at IHS and other venues around the state. For NHDI, responsibilities include: assisting with the facilitation of NHDI school group visits to the IHS library; assist with planning, research, delivery and evaluation of NHDI student educational programs that take place at offsite locations across Indiana and at IHS; soliciting schools for participation in NHDI contests and programs, soliciting potential volunteers/judges for participation in NHDI contests, assist IHS staff and local hosts with planning, implementation, and evaluation of two assigned NHDI district contests, participate as IHS staff support at the NHDI state contest in May 2008. Working with the Coordinator, Public Programs, provide research and design input on prototypes for the IHS History Lab and INvestigation projects; plan implement and evaluate Reading Life and IHS Speaker’s Series public programs.; contracts, following-up on program logistical/speaker needs (AV, etc.) and hosting selected programs; assist with identification of program resources, including printed materials and potential speakers for immigration programs; provide assistance with programs as requested. Complete job description available upon request.

Required Qualifications
1. Minimum of BA/BS in education, museum studies with education emphasis, public history or related field.
2. Experience and knowledge of research techniques.
3. Experience in developing public presentations and using AV equipment.
4. Valid driver’s license, reliable automobile, and a willingness to travel, including some overnight trips and weekends.
5. Character and reputation which are consistent with the job requirements, including genuine interest in youth and concern for their welfare.
6. Working knowledge of word processing and database management software.

Preferred Qualifications
1. At least one year of experience teaching in the classroom setting with an emphasis on teaching history/social studies at the middle or high school level.
2. MA/MS in education, museum studies with education emphasis, public history or related field.
3. Experience developing educational programs from inception to completion, including evaluation.
4. Experience working with variety of people in informal public education
5. Experience teaching in a classroom setting with an emphasis on history/social studies at the middle or high school level.

Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Please send a letter of application, resume, and the names, current addresses and telephone numbers of three references to: Susan P. Brown, Vice President, Human Resources, Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202. Fax: (317) 234-0076. The Indiana Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer.

Paid Internship, Wyoming State Museum

The Wyoming State Museum is seeking a six-month intern to work with collections staff from January through July, 2008. The intern will work on various collections management projects including: cataloging artifacts using PastPerfect, taking digital photographs, upgrading artifact storage, etc. We are seeking a candidate who is interested in a museum career. Preference will be given to students currently enrolled in a graduate level museum studies or public history program, but recent graduates in those or related fields are also encouraged to apply. Start and end dates are negotiable. The intern will be paid $11.00 per hour, with no benefits. Send letter of interest and resume by October 26, 2007, to: Jennifer Alexander, Supervisor of Collections, Wyoming State Museum, 2301 Central Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82002. The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Musical Instrument Museum Positions
The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) will be the world’s first global instrument museum, celebrating the history and diversity of musical instruments from every country of the world. MIM is scheduled to open in Phoenix, AZ in the fall of 2009 in an 180,000 square foot facility. While visiting the 70,000 square feet of world-class exhibits, guests will gain an appreciation for the unique similarities and differences of instruments and music across all cultures and geo-political boundaries. For more information about MIM, visit our website at www.themim.org. MIM is currently adding to our team with these exciting opportunities. These positions are located in Tempe, AZ during the planning and construction phase, and will be in Phoenix when the museum opens. A love for world music and musical instruments is a plus for both of these positions!

Development Director
MIM seeks a dynamic Development Director to establish, direct, implement, and track a comprehensive program of fundraising during its exciting inaugural years that will include a capital campaign, annual giving campaign, planned giving, membership, and grant applications. The individual will be an integral part of the MIM senior management team, and will solicit and secure gifts in partnership with the Board of Directors and the President. Other duties include directing prospect research, contribution acknowledgements, recognition events, stewardship, and cultivation activities. The Director will select, train, and manage development team members and volunteers.

Undergraduate degree required; Master’s preferred. Minimum of 10 years of experience meeting fundraising or sales goals in a development or high level sales role. Demonstrated record of leadership and management in at least one capital campaign, including direct experience in obtaining outright gifts of $1 million or more. Ability to problem solve, work independently and excel in a high performance culture. Evening and weekend work and travel as necessary.

Submit a cover letter, resume and names of three professional references to Development Search, Musical Instrument Museum, 8550 S. Priest Dr., Tempe, AZ 85284 or via e-mail to april.salomon@themim.org.

Registrar
MIM is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to fill the position of Registrar. The Registrar will be responsible for directing and implementing all registration activities for MIM as it builds an outstanding, global collection of musical instruments. This position will report to the Director, and will coordinate with other MIM departments, including Conservation, Curatorial, Exhibits, Education, Operations, and Security.

Manage the museum’s Re:discovery collection database. Provide accurate and consistent cataloging and data entry for the permanent collection of musical instruments as well as associated objects, archival material including audiovisual media. Develop and maintain electronic and paper records of acquisition, accession, provenance, condition, location, and de-accession. Use the program to manage incoming and outgoing loans and internal exhibitions. In coordination with other MIM staff, oversee development of requests for instrument loans from other institutions and review requests for loans to other institutions. Negotiate loan contracts as needed. Make arrangements for packing and crating, domestic and international shipping and receiving, customs clearance, and courier travel. Oversee unpacking and storage of incoming and out-going loans. In coordination with Conservation and Exhibits, oversee installation and de-installation of exhibitions. In coordination with the Conservator, provide condition reports and digital images for new acquisitions and outgoing loans. Contribute to the production and update of collection-related planning and management documents. Oversee the storage of the permanent collection and the purchase of appropriate storage furniture and supplies. Manage the work of registration team members, volunteers and student assistants as needed.

Minimum of a B.A. in Anthropology, Museum Studies, or related field. Minimum of five years of experience in museum registration. In-depth knowledge of accepted museum registration and collection management practices and procedures, museum ethics, artifact-related U.S. customs issues, cultural import/export restrictions, and insurance. Experience with collection management databases and production of metadata. Familiarity with Re:discovery software is preferred, but not required. Experience with digital photography, and the processing and management of digital images. Familiarity with western and non-western musical instruments is preferred, but not required. Ability to problem solve, work independently and excel in a high performance, team-oriented culture. Strong writing and collaborative interpersonal skills. Ability to lift 50 pounds and climb a step ladder. Valid driver’s license required.

Submit a cover letter, resume and names of three professional references to Registrar Search, Musical Instrument Museum, 8550 S. Priest Dr., Tempe, AZ 85284 or via e-mail to april.salomon@themim.org.

Registrar, Wolfsonian-FIU Museum, Miami Beach, FL
The Wolfsonian-FIU is a museum located in the heart of historic Miami Beach, within easy walking distance of the world-famous Art Deco hotels. Its fascinating collection of objects from the modern era (1885-1945) focuses on how art and design shape and reflect the human experience. The museum further engages the visitor by complementing its collection with thought-provoking discussions of the context and connection among its objects. We encourage visitors to explore the material culture of the past to better understand its relevance to the present.

Job Duties
The Registrar assists in the day-to-day operation and management of the permanent collection and related registration and exhibition activities including:

Aides in creation and maintenance of all object collection records (manual and electronic).
Works with the Senior Registrar to manage all logistics and paperwork for incoming/outgoing loans and traveling exhibitions (generates incoming / outgoing loan agreements; receipts; insurance; object checklists; object condition reports; crate and packing lists; packing, crating and transportation logistics; and courier documents); acts as courier to borrowing institutions, as assigned.
Supervise handling, packing, and inspection of all objects entering or leaving the museum; conducts inspects condition of museum objects; and participates in the object rolling inventory; initiates and generates relevant documentation.
Participates in exhibition installation and de-installation preparation and staging for permanent and temporary exhibitions, as instructed.
Monitors departmental budget; assists with preparation of budget documents, generates purchase orders, updates and maintains billings and expenses for collection supplies and materials.
Inputs and updates collection data into Re-Discovery collection database, as needed; procures and generates collection object reports, letters, and correspondence.
Develops and implements professional registration guidelines, procedures, and protocol; train personnel in proper art handling techniques.
Assists in the management of galleries and object storage areas; works with other departments to ensure security of collections; monitors and records environmental condition in permanent storage and galleries; oversees pest management program; coordination and supervision of individual and group access to object collection and object records by WFIU Fellows, staff, and others.
Assists in departmental planning / development of an accessible online database; provide access to object images and updates image database records accordingly.
Supervises assistant registrar, interns, and volunteers.
Oversees selected special projects and performs other related duties, as assigned.

Education and Experience
The desired candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in Art, Art History or in a field related to the collection; completion of a graduate program in Museum Studies preferred with a minimum of four years of professional museum registration experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

The candidate should have a proficiency in and demonstrated knowledge of professional museum policies and procedures, and current registration practices and principles, including: management of collection documentation records (manual and electronic); digital collection standards; preservation standards; art handling techniques; and packing, crating, and shipping standards and procedures for works of art.

Must be extremely accurate, resourceful, detail oriented, self-motivated, and flexible in multi-tasking with ability to analyze and solve problems. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills are critical. The candidate must be computer literate. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team with accuracy and minimal guidance. Patience, persistence, and ability to work with others in good humor are desirable.

Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with qualifications. Reports to: Senior Registrar. Position #: 42040. To apply, visit online: http:// fiujobs.org or for more information contact: Kimberly Bergen, Senior Registrar at kim@thewolf.fiu.edu. FIU is an EE / EO / EA Employer & Institution. Museum website: www.wolfsonian.org.

Off the Press

Oresties History: Encyclopedia of Monroe Township and North Madison County
Dave Dwiggins, an Orestes historian now living in the Philippines, will visit the Alexandra-Monroe Township Historical Society on Thursday, Oct. 18 at 3 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. He will discuss Oresties History: Encyclopedia of Monroe Township and North Madison County. For additional information, visit http://zenas4.tripod.com/orestesindianahistory/.

On the Internet

AAM's new advocacy website, www.speakupformuseums.org, is now live!
This is a one-stop resource for information about key legislative issues affecting museums, AAM legislative updates and alerts, resources for advocacy, and contact information for your members of Congress.

Here are the Top 5 Things You Should Know About AAM's New Advocacy Website:

Speak Up is a public site – no AAM membership, Museum Advocacy Team membership or registration is required to access the site, which has archived alerts and issue briefs, advocacy "how-to's" and facts and figures about museums.
We encourage you to share the URL freely among your members and colleagues – the more advocates we can engage in support of museums the bigger the difference we can make!
Through the "Contact Congress" page of the website visitors to the site can enter their zip code and get congressional contact information for their legislators. Soon we will be populating the "Contact Congress" section with issue information and letters that you and your members can send directly to their own members of Congress.
The Speak Up site is the place you can turn for updated bill and regulatory information and resources for advocacy. We will continue to maintain background content on AAM's overall government relations program in the "Advocate Section of the AAM website.
We are very interested in comments and suggestions that you have regarding the new site. Please share or forward any ideas, suggestions or questions you have about the new website to me via phone or e-mail (202-218-7703 or efarber@aam-us.org).

This is the first time this wealth of advocacy resources coupled with the ability to find congressional contact information (and communicate with legislators) has been made available to the museum community and the public through AAM.

We thank you for your continued support of advocacy for museums and continue to look for creative and useful tools to help support the field.

Note from the Editor

If your historical organization, genealogical society or museum has changed its address or phone number in the past six months, please send the updated information to Katherine Dill, Coordinator, Local History Services, at kdill@indianahistory.org or 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis, IN 46202.

COMMUNIQUE ONLINE is provided for the benefit of local historical societies and museums throughout Indiana. It is e-mailed to a subscriber list maintained by Katherine Dill, Coordinator, Local History Services Office, Indiana Historical Society. Anyone may subscribe. This is a free publication. To be added or removed from the mailing list, simply e-mail kdill@indianahistory.org or call toll free 1-800-IHS-1830.

News releases from local societies are welcomed and may be faxed to 317-234-0427, e-mailed to the above address, or s-mailed to Local History Services, Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202.

Please visit the IHS Local History Services web site at www.indianahistory.org/lhs.