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COMMUNIQUE ONLINE
7 December 2007
 
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Table of Contents:

Funding Opportunities

IMLS Calls for 2008 National Leadership Grant Applications

IHS News

IHS Kicks Off $23.8 Million Campaign for "The Indiana Experience"

Help

The Lincoln Museum Offers Docent Training EXPRESS Course

Awards

AASLH Alderson Internship Grant

Organizations in the News

Wabash & Erie Canal Inc. Receives Donations of Land, Funds
General Lew Wallace Study and Museum Receives Grant to Preserve Study Building
Swiss Heritage Society Given Grant for Records Storage

News for Historical Organizations

Historical Organizations Get Free Publicity on Web

Job Opportunities

Manager, Corporate and Grant Funding, Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis
Development Assistant, Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis

Funding Opportunities


IMLS Calls for 2008 National Leadership Grant Applications

 

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is accepting grant applications for the agency's 2008 National Leadership Grant (NLG) program. Now in their 10th year, National Leadership Grants have supported the innovative thinking necessary to help libraries and museums meet the changing needs of the American public. This year's guidelines encourage projects that create partnerships between libraries and museums, integrate new technologies and highlight the agency's focus on conservation and preservation.

 

The five funding categories include Advancing Digital Resources, Library and Museum Collaboration, Collaboration Planning Grants, Research Projects and Demonstration Projects. Requests may range between $50,000 and $1,000,000. In addition, collaborative planning grants of $40,000 are available for projects involving more than one institution. The deadline for submitting applications is Feb. 1, 2008.


IMLS offers applicants an online tutorial at www.imls.gov/project_planning for developing a project plan for a NLG application. IMLS has also scheduled two audio-conference calls to give prospective applicants an opportunity to ask the IMLS staff questions pertaining to National Leadership Grants.

 

Date: Wednesday, December 12
Time: 4:00 PM EST
Participant Dial-In Number: 800-603-9527 Conference ID: 25777385

 

Date: Thursday, January 10
Time: 2:00 PM EST
Participant Dial-In Number: 800-603-9527 Conference ID: 25778593

 

Applications, guidelines and examples of successful proposals can be found on the agency's Web site. All applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Instructions for completing and submitting applications through Grants.gov are in the guidelines and on the IMLS Web site.

 

Awards will be announced in September 2008.

 

Applicants are encouraged to contact the program officers listed below with their questions.

 

Program Contacts for Libraries:

Rachel Frick, Senior Program Officer
(Advancing Digital Resources, Research, Demonstration, Collaborative Planning Grants)
Phone: (202) 653-4667
E-mail:
rfrick@imls.gov

 

Susan Malbin, Senior Program Officer
(Library and Museum Collaboration Grants, Research, Demonstration, Collaborative Planning Grants)
Phone: (202) 653-4768
E-mail:
smalbin@imls.gov

 

Mary Allen, Program Specialist
(Advancing Digital Resources, Research, Demonstration, Collaborative Planning Grants)
Phone: (202) 653-4687
E-mail:
mallen@imls.gov

 

Janet M. Ciciarelli, Program Specialist
(Library and Museum Collaboration Grants, Research, Demonstration, Collaborative Planning Grants)
Phone: (202) 653-4798
E-mail:
jciciarelli@imls.gov

 

Program Contacts for Museums:
Dan Lukash, Senior Program Officer
Phone: (202) 653-4644
E-mail:
dlukash@imls.gov

 

Jennifer Headley, Program Specialist
Phone: (202) 653-4702
E-mail:
jheadley@imls.gov


About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit
www.imls.gov. 
   

IHS News


IHS Kicks Off $23.8 Million Campaign for "The Indiana Experience"
$8M Gift from Eugene and Marilyn Glick Jumpstarts Efforts to Deliver New Destination Experience

 

Indianapolis' The Indiana Historical Society has announced a public campaign to raise $23.8 million to create and deliver "The Indiana Experience" to Hoosiers as well as visitors from across the nation. The announcement was made this evening at the IHS annual Founders Day Dinner at the Indiana History Center. To date, $14 million has been raised from individuals and foundations, including $8 million from Eugene and Marilyn Glick. Other financial gifts are expected to follow.

 

An extensive project planning process, which began shortly after the arrival of IHS President and CEO John Herbst in September 2006, will make the Indiana History Center even more of a destination by bringing the people of the state a uniquely Indiana experience – one that connects them with their rich Hoosier heritage in new and exciting ways.

 

Plans include implementation of new technology and programs that will appeal to visitors and extend the length of their visit, additional staffing to facilitate the new experience and physical modifications to the building to improve visitor circulation. The fuel for these new experiences will come from the use of material in the extensive visual collections housed in the IHS library, including 1.6 million historical photographs as well as maps, periodicals and personal papers.

 

Among the new experiences the IHS will offer are:

  • Destination Indiana – a time travel program in which each visitor will navigate back and forth through the past based on his/her own topical interests. 
  • You Are There – an area where visitors can literally step into historical photographs which have been recreated three-dimensionally. Entering the environment depicted in the photograph will spark interaction with costumed interpreters and engage guests in hands-on activities.  
  • Anything Goes – the environment of a 1940s nightclub in which participants can dance and enjoy the music of Cole Porter.
  • History Lab/Investigation Stations – History Lab provides opportunities for visitors to consider and experience the preservation of history through both a resource center and hands-on demonstration classroom. Facilitated Investigation Stations invite guests to dissect historical photographs for clues, use vital records to uncover family history details, analyze documents and record their observations.
  • Indiana Town Hall Series – investigates why issues such as race relations, jobs, health care, government leadership, family and religion have continued to be on the forefront over time, allowing face-to-face interaction and discussion about important state and community issues.

 

The lead gift for this campaign comes in the form of an $8 million gift from Eugene and Marilyn Glick. In recognition of this transformative gift, the Indiana History Center, the Indiana Historical Society's headquarters building, will be renamed the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center.  This is the largest single cash gift in the Indiana Historical Society's 177-year history.

 

The IHS headquarters building attracts several thousand researchers who utilize its research collections and 150,000 guests who attend lectures and programs about Indiana history and performances by more than a dozen organizations such as the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis and Storytelling Arts of Indiana. Herbst indicated this magnificent facility can do even more.

 

Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana’s Storyteller™, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving, interpreting, and disseminating the state's history. A nonprofit membership organization, the IHS also publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; provides youth, adult, and family programming including Indiana’s participation in the National History Day Competition series; provides support and technical assistance to local museums and historical groups; appoints and trains 92 county historians; and maintains the nation's premier research library and archives on the history of Indiana and the Old Northwest. The Society is located in the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.

 

Help

 

The Lincoln Museum Offers Docent Training EXPRESS Course

 

Learn to teach the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and share your journey with others. The Docent Training EXPRESS Course will meet at The Lincoln Museum two days only - Jan. 22 and 23, 2008 - from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The course prepares participants to lead museum tours of the award-winning permanent exhibit, Abraham Lincoln and the American Experiment. The cost is $35 for materials and lunch both days.

 

When you choose to be an active docent, you have the opportunity to be a vital part of the educational mission of the museum, make new acquaintances with people who have common interests and bring the legacy of our nation's greatest president to life. Upon completing docent training, graduates will be asked to volunteer a minimum of 20 hours per year and will receive a complimentary family membership to The Lincoln Museum.

 

Learn to teach Abraham Lincoln's legacy during The Docent Training Course at The Lincoln Museum. For additional application information, please call Lisa Howe, Educational Program Assistant, at 260-455-4517, or email Lincoln.Museum@TheLincolnMuseum.org. The application deadline is Jan. 18, 2008.

 

The Lincoln Museum is located at the corner of Clinton and Berry streets in downtown Fort Wayne. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 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.

 

  Awards

 

AASLH Alderson Internship Grant

 

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
.   

   

Organizations in the News

 

Wabash & Erie Canal Inc. Receives Donations of Land, Funds

 

The Wabash & Erie Canal Association has been the recipient of land and financial donations that will increase its ability to interpret canal history and catalog archival material. The gift of land, made by Dick and Polly Grantham and family, contains two parcels of land adjoining the Carrollton Bridge, four miles north of Delphi. This was the only spot in the canal's 468 miles where the main canal line crossed the Wabash River.

 

Interpretive signage will be places there to explain how boats crossed the river to rejoin the canal path. Other signage will contain information about Mentzer Tavern, a popular stop for canal workers that once stood on the Grantham's land, and at canal Lock #32. All the interpretive signs will be linked on a trail loop, with picnic areas and parking available for the public. A $3,250 grant from the Canal Society of Indiana will help pay for the signage.

 

A $550,392 grant from the Department of Transportation will help fund the creation of a canal boat experience for the public. The association will use the money to build a replica canal boat in which visitors can enjoy narrated canal trips, a dock and a period warehouse building that will shelter the boat when not in use. The association must raise a 20 percent match of those funds in order to receive the grant.

 

A $1,500 grant, made by Carroll County's REMC's Operation Round-up Grant program, will allow the association to purchase two new computers for the archives room. They will be used to catalog the association's archival material.

 


General Lew Wallace Study and Museum Receives Grant to Preserve Study Building

 

Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana has awarded a $2,500 grant to the General Lew Wallace Study and Museum to help fund the development of restoration project plans and specifications in order to preserve the study's domed copper roof, skylight and foundation stucco.

 

Over the last several years, the study has suffered the effects of seasonal freezing and thawing and natural aging. Significant leaks in the roof have formed, causing damage to the interior plaster in the main room of the study and increasing the chances for water damage to the artifacts housed inside. The cement stucco coating which overlay segments of the brick foundation has also seen damage; large segments of stucco have sloughed off the original brick substrate.

 

Proposed repairs to the study building have been developed to be in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The study, designed by Wallace, was built in 1895 and became a National Historic Landmark in 1977.

 

 

Swiss Heritage Society Given Grant for Records Storage

 

The Swiss Heritage Society received a grant from the Adams County Community Foundation to purchase a four-drawer, fire-proof file cabinet to hold records relating to the Swiss Heritage Village's artifacts.

 

 

Howard Steamboat Museum Receives Grant


The Howard Steamboat Museum Received a $2,500 grant from the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana. The grant will be used to support arts and activities for youth. The activities are part of the year-long activities celebrating the museum's 50th anniversary.

 

County Historians Corner

 

Historical Organizations Get Free Publicity on Web

 

OnThisVerySpot.com is a new and exciting way historical organizations can secure free advertising on the Web. The site is the world's first comprehensive travel guide to historical places throughout America and the world.

 

OnThisVerySpot.com invites historical organizations to add to this important database and promote their organizations at the same time.

 

OnThisVerySpot.com is the first travel site to allow people to cross-search their travel destination with their personal interests. For example, people can type in a city or state and a topic such as the Civil War, rock music, Native American history or literature. Or they can type in the name of a famous person or event. Users will get a list of spots related to their interests, complete with maps, travel tips and more.

 

See how it works by visiting www.OnThisVerySpot.com. Historical organizations can add information about their destinations at no charge and put a link to their official Websites on every page added. Simply click the "Add Content" tab at the top of the page and follow the instructions.

 

OnThisVerySpot.com is free to users, and a portion of the marketing proceeds will fund educational travel for underprivileged youth.


Don't let tourists come to your community without finding your organization listed in the OnThisVerySpot.com travel guide. Post your content today!!

 

NOTE: OnThisVerySpot is not currently posting annual events. If you have any questions, e-mail Dale Berryhill at dale@onthisveryspot.com or call (901) 762-8015.

 

   

Job Opportunities

 

Development Assistant, Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis

 

The Indiana Historical Society seeks candidates for the temporary (January 2008 through December 2010), full-time position of Development Assistant, Campaign for "The Indiana Experience." The Campaign for "The Indiana Experience" is a public campaign to raise $23.8 million to implement new technology and programs, hire additional staff, and make physical modifications to the Indiana History Center. The end result will bring Hoosiers a uniquely Indiana experience that connects them with their rich heritage in new and exciting ways.

 

Reporting to the Vice President, Development and Membership, the Development Assistant, Campaign for "The Indiana Experience," is responsible for maintaining all campaign financial and donor records as well as processing gifts and providing clerical support to the campaign. A complete job description is available upon request.

 

Position requires excellent general office skills, including the ability to draft correspondence and reports as well as the ability to work and communicate well with diverse groups of people. Discretion and a sense of responsibility are musts as are professional appearance and manners. The wide range of responsibilities requires good organizational skills, flexibility, and an ability to order tasks and follow through without close supervision. Candidates should also have an understanding of standard business procedures and proficiency using Microsoft Word applications, especially Word and Excel, and desktop publishing programs, plus a working knowledge of fund raising software, especially Raiser's Edge.

 

Qualifications

Required
1. High school diploma or GED.
2. At least one year of administrative assistant experience in development or related field.
3. Working knowledge of Word, Excel, and Access.

 

Preferred:
1. Bachelor's degree.
2. Working knowledge of Raiser's edge fund-raising software.


Salary offered will be commensurate with experience and skills. IHS offers an excellent benefits package, including health, dental, life and long-term disability coverage; pension plan, tax-deferred annuities, employee assistance program (EAP), flexible benefits, and generous paid time off.  Free parking provided nearby. Substantial discounts for purchases at the IHS store, the History Market, and at the IHS cafe.

 

Please send a cover letter, resume, and the names, current addresses and telephone numbers of three professional references to: Susan P. Brown, Vice President, Human Resources, Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-3299. Fax: (317) 234-0076. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The Indiana Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer.

 

 

Manager, Corporate and Grant Funding, Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis

 

The Indiana Historical Society seeks candidates for the temporary (January 2008 through December 2010), full-time position of Manager, Corporate and Grant Funding, Campaign for "The Indiana Experience." The Campaign for "The Indiana Experience" is a public campaign to raise $23.8 million to implement new technology and programs, hire additional staff, and make physical modifications to the Indiana History Center. The end result will bring Hoosiers a uniquely Indiana experience that connects them with their rich heritage in new and exciting ways.

 

The Manager, Corporate and Grant Funding, Campaign for the Indiana Experience, works  with the Director, Corporate Relations and Director, Grants to secure statewide sponsorship and philanthropic gifts to the Campaign for the Indiana Experience from corporations and granting agencies.  This position will represent the IHS in the corporate and foundation community on behalf of the campaign.

 

Responsibilities include: 

  • identifying sources of corporate, foundation and government support for IHS projects and programs;
  • preparing all sponsorship and grant proposals and reports in accordance with grantor requirements and standard, and track all proposals in Raiser's Edge;
  • monitoring compliance with sponsor and grant agreements, guidelines, and benefits;
  • networking with grantors; and preparing grant and sponsor proposals and reports. A complete job description is available on request.

 

Position requires excellent writing and editing skills, including the ability to write clearly and succinctly under time pressure. Candidates must have strong analytic skills and a good understanding of nonprofit operations, as well as being highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage several projects simultaneously. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are a must as the position requires a team player who contributes to a positive working environment. Flexibility is another must along with a willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends.  Candidates should have working knowledge of word\ processing and spreadsheet software, especially Word and Excel. Working knowledge of database management, especially Access, a plus, as is a working knowledge of Raiser's Edge fund-raising software. Preferred candidates will have a familiarity with or interest in learning more about Indiana history.

 

Qualifications

Required:
1. At least two years of demonstrated success in corporate/foundation giving.
2. Bachelor's degree.
3. Working knowledge of word processing (Word) and spreadsheet (Excel) software.

 

Preferred:
1. Working knowledge of Raiser's Edge fund-raising software.
2. Familiarity with corporate and foundation support in the state of Indiana and Indianapolis.

 

Salary offered will be commensurate with experience and skills. IHS offers an excellent benefits package, including health, dental, life and long-term disability coverage; pension plan, tax-deferred annuities, employee assistance program (EAP), flexible benefits, and generous paid time off.  Free parking provided nearby. Substantial discounts for purchases at the IHS store, the History Market, and at the IHS cafe.

 

Please send a cover letter, resume, and the names, current addresses and telephone numbers of three professional references to: Susan P. Brown, Vice President, Human Resources, Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-3299. Fax: (317) 234-0076. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The Indiana Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer.
   

 

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 col@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 col@indianahistory.org or call toll free (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 St., Indianapolis, IN 46202.
 
Please visit the IHS Local History Services Web site at www.indianahistory.org/LHS.