General Lew Wallace Study and Museum Receives Grant
The National Endowment for the Humanities awarded $5000 to the museum in the form of a Preservation Assistance Grant under the “We the People” initiative.  The funds will be used towards the purchase of monitoring and cleaning equipment to manage potential environmental threats to their historic buildings and artifacts.

The museum plans to begin installation of the new equipment in the spring of 2008.

Lew Wallace’s fascinating and little-known avocation as inventor, innovator and naturalist will be the focus of this year’s exhibit theme, Lew Wallace–Gentleman Scientist.

“Just like last year’s Wallace Women exhibit, we are designing the Gentleman Scientist exhibit in a way that visitors will be able to relate to Lew Wallace’s lessons of innovation and conservation and apply them to their own experiences,” said Museum Director Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko.  “People will see Wallace’s solutions to some of the problems of his day, and they’ll be encouraged to test out their own.”
 
Some of the interactive elements of this year’s exhibit include a patent drawing station where children can design their own inventions and have them specially “patented” and displayed inside the Carriage House.  “We have a special embosser that we’ll use to certify visitors’ drawings as ‘official’ Museum patents,” said Catlin-Legutko.
 
For even younger visitors, the Gentleman Scientist exhibit will introduce a colorful component.  Using Lego® blocks, children (and their parents!) will be encouraged to copy Wallace’s design of his unique Study building or to create a Study of their own.  “Lew Wallace’s Study reflects a design that is uniquely his, something that fulfilled all of his needs,” said Catlin-Legutko.  “We’re excited to see what visitors can dream up for themselves.”

Accompanying the Gentleman Scientist exhibit will be a full year of educational programming and community events that revolve around the theme.  New this year are an architectural discovery walking tour and “Discovery Saturday,” an assortment of hands-on education stations located throughout the Museum and grounds that illustrate lessons of innovation and the natural world.

The public opening of the exhibit will take place on Sat., March 29, from 10 a.m.-5:00 p.m.  Please join us!

For more information visit www.ben-hur.com.

The exhibit is free to reserve and ship.

For more information and for reservations visit
http://uschsonline-exhibits.uschs.org/freedom/index.htm.

Collections Assistant, Reference Services (Part-Time)
Reporting to the Director, Reference Services, the Collections Assistant, Reference Services has duties in the Reference Department and other departments of Collections as needed.  For the Reference Department, the position coordinates activity at the reading room desk and facilitates the delivery of service to library researchers. In other departments, the position assists with the work of the department, including basic accessioning, processing and cataloging phases of collections acquisition and library management.

Coordinator, Guest Experience Research (Temporary, Full-Time, April 2008-March 2009)
The Coordinator, Guest Experience Research monitors operations and assesses the quality of all facets of the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center (IHC) experience. The primary goal is to provide audience demographics, behavior, experiences and feedback that empower staff members to create and implement quality experience for Indiana Historical Society (IHS) guests at all levels of contact.

The coordinator, working in tandem with senior staff, focuses on three specific areas: 1) through evaluative and summative evaluation, identify key audience needs to aid in experience design; 2) apply a stratified research approach using various social research methods including surveys, interviews and observation in assessing guest experiences, 3) identify and communicate findings to stakeholders which may include frontline staff, department heads, senior directors, management team and board committees.  Complete job description available upon request.

Coordinator, Reservations and Guest Services
The Coordinator, Reservations and Guest Services will handle reservations for many of the Indiana Historical Society’s (IHS) programs and events while providing administrative support to the Vice President, Business and Operations through 2009 at which time this position will report directly to the Manager, Guest Services and fulfill all guest service-related functions.  Position will also supervise daily operations of the welcome center staff that provide general assistance and information to guests and callers.  Complete job description available upon request.

Communications Manager
Reporting to the Vice President, Marketing and Public Relations, the Communications Manager works with the Media Relations Manager and in-house graphic designers to develop and communicate the overall message about the IHS and its many programs and offerings.  The Communications Manager edits and contributes writings to many IHS print materials including the bi-monthly member newsletter, a variety of marketing and educational brochures and other collateral materials.

The Communications Manager is an integral part of the team that establishes the brand identity of IHS, and works closely with staff in the IHS Press and Marketing and Public Relations, vendors, and with a variety of internal clients including Public Programs, Collections, Development, Membership, Special Events and the History Market. Complete job description available upon request.


Collections Tech, Collection Services at the Science Museum of Minnesota
This is a full-time, non-exempt position.

Responsibilities include:

• Work with the Director of Collection Services, curators and collections services team on movement of objects, documentation and research projects. 
• Work with Director of Collection Services and curators on data management, inventory, accessioning, numbering, cataloguing, documenting objects and performing data entry. 

Requirements: 

• BA/BS in Anthropology, Museum Studies, or related field, or equivalent training and experience. 
• Minimum of 6 month experience in museum object handling, collections management or equivalent. 
• Familiarity with proper procedures for handling, transporting and storage of museum collections is required. 
• Good organizational skills and ability to work independently as well as in a team.  Job requires lifting of 20 lbs daily. 

The application deadline is April 9, 2008.

For details on how to apply please visit http://www.smm.org/jobs/.


Summer Internship at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame
The museum is seeking an intern for the Summer of 2008.

The intern will inventory and catalog the collection of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame.  This project will include the photographing of all objects, creating condition reports and establishing a records management system for both physical and digital records.  Conduct research and develop didactic material for current and future exhibits.  Write articles for newsletters and other publications.  Produce key aspects of a self-guided tour pamphlet.  Perform other duties as assigned. The intern will report to and work closely with the executive director.

The intern should have a good knowledge of cataloging practices, familiarity with the proper methods of object handling, experience using primary sources when conducting research, excellent written and verbal communication skills and computer proficiency.  

Preference will be given to students who are currently enrolled in a graduate program in history, material culture, museum studies or a related field.

The intern will receive a $2500 stipend for the 20-hour-per-week, 14-week internship period.

Please send a letter of interest, resume, official transcript and two letters of recommendation no later than Fri., April 18 to:

Christine Paige Diers, Executive Director
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame
999 Main St.
Sturgis, SD  57785
Fax: (605) 720-0632

Questions can be directed to Christine Paige Diers at christine@sturgismuseum.com.


Objects Conservator at the Henry Ford Museum
The Henry Ford (comprising the Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour and other venues) seeks candidates for the position of Objects Conservator for our transportation, mechanical, scientific and timekeeping collections.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with one of the world's premier transportation and industrial collections in an innovative and dynamic work environment and will help to continue The Henry Ford's leadership in the care of transportation and other mechanical collections in unique exhibitions and programs.

The Objects Conservator will be responsible for the execution of conservation activities for exhibitions, loans, condition surveys and the general care of assigned collections including the examination, analysis, research and treatment of artifacts as assigned. The Conservator must be able to work in a manner that adheres to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice and to remain abreast of current conservation and analytical techniques.

Specific responsibilities include all aspects of preservation for the museum's Historic Technological Collections including but not limited to: mechanical, scientific, transportation and timekeeping artifacts requiring expertise in the conservation of metal, glass, wood, painted surfaces, ceramics and modern materials. Individual must be energetic and able to work in a dynamic environment on multiple projects simultaneously.
 
Position Responsibilities:

• Serve as a conservation liaison for assigned projects including condition surveys, storage upgrades, artifact loans, grant projects, exhibitions and contract projects for outside clients.
• Manage the conservation and preservation component of assigned projects including storage upgrades, exhibitions, condition assessments and operational maintenance.
• Document conservation treatments and the condition of artifacts utilizing the Argus collection management system and photography.
• Provide training and supervision of technicians and volunteers as assigned.
• Manage assigned laboratories and work areas.
• Reports to the Chief Conservator.

Minimum Requirements:

• B.A. from four-year College or university with a major in Chemistry, Art, Art History, or a related major course of study.
• M.A. in art conservation from an accredited conservation training program or equivalent training and 2 years supervised conservation treatment experience. 
• Experience working with functional artifacts (automobiles, clocks, scientific instruments, machinery) and practical knowledge of microscopy, material science, elementary analysis, and photography required. 
• General ability to use Windows-based computers; good oral and written communication skills; good hand-eye coordination and the ability to work cooperatively in a team environment required.
• General understanding of climate control; exhibition standards and lighting are desirable.

The compensation is competitive with an excellent benefits package.

Qualified applicants should send resumes, curricula vitae or other relevant credentials to: 

Mary Fahey
Chief Conservator
Conservation Department
The Henry Ford
20900 Oakwood Ave.
Dearborn, MI, 48124
Maryf@thehenryford.org

Spinning Through Clouds: Tales from an Early Hoosier Aviator
By Max E. Knight
 

Aviation pioneers donned leather helmets and fur-lined goggles, climbed into open cockpits, and flew by their feelings rather than by instruments. They looped, spun, hedge hopped, and landed in farm pastures. 

Max Knight began flying in 1936 at the age of ten. In his book, Spinning Through Clouds: Tales from an Early Hoosier Aviator, Knight relates the flying adventures he and others enjoyed in and around his father’s airport near Lynn, Indiana. Suitable for young adult and adult readers, the book also explores stories of early state and national aviation history with characters such as Roscoe Turner and Amelia Earhart.

This book is available at the Basile History Market, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center.  For more information or to order, visit http://shop.indianahistory.org/index.html?lang=en-us&target=d40.html.

Guide to Endangered Civil War Battlefields
This report from the Civil War Preservation Trust identifies threatened sites and suggests remedies.

The report, History Under Seige: A Guide to America’s Most Endangered Civil War Battlefields can be found at http://historycoalition.org/2008/03/18/civil-war-preservation-trust-identifies-most-endangered-battlefields/.


Rate This Museum
This new website will feature museum listings and user ratings.

Museums interested in being listed can register for free on the site and supply a profile for their organization.

For more information visit http://www.ratethismuseum.com/.