AASLH

Join an archaeologist, architect, historian, and planner as they identify ways to harness existing programs and develop new methods for preserving spaces significant to our shared heritage. Every attendee should walk away knowing positive actions they can take in their community, along with a sound introduction to historic preservation. Chair: John Smoley, Ph.D., City Planner, City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN; Sarah Beimers, Manager of Government Programs and Compliance, Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office, St. Paul, MN; Angela Wolf Scott, Historic Preservation Architect, Minneapolis, MN; Michelle M. Terrell, Principal Archaeologist and Historian, Two Pines Resource Group, Shafer, MN. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/bring-historic-preservation-to-your-community/

The digital revolution is allowing local and state historical organizations to place more primary sources online. But digitization is labor-intensive. Learn more about the successes and failures of four unique projects that are using crowdsourcing to mitigate the labor demands of digitization while providing educational opportunities for their constituents. Chair: David McKenzie, Digital Projects Manager, Ford’s Theatre Society, Washington, DC; Jason Crabill, Manager, Curatorial Services, Ohio History Connection, Columbus, OH; Catherine Keene Fields, Executive Director, Litchfield Historical Society, Litchfield, CT; Lorraine McConaghy, Ph.D., Museum of History and Industry, Seattle, WA. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/building-digital-archives-lessons-learned-from-four-crowdsourced-online-projects/

Learn how sites have fostered sustained institutional commitment and developed community partnerships to support the interpretation of slavery and other nontraditional stories. Contributors to a new book on interpreting slavery offer practical advice from Monticello, Gunston Hall, and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, among other sites, both from the North and South. Chair: James DeWolf Perry, Executive Director, Tracing Center on Histories and Legacies of Slavery, Watertown, MA; Dina Bailey, Director, Interpretation Curator, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Atlanta, GA; Linnea Grim, Hunter J. Smith Director of Education and Visitor Programs, Monticello, Charlottesville, VA; Scott M. Stroh, III, Executive Director, George Mason’s Gunston Hall, Mason Neck, VA. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/institutional-investment-and-community-involvement-in-the-interpretation-of-slavery/

The National Trust recently completed a two-year process of revising its collections management policy to create parity between historic buildings, landscapes, and objects that it stewards for the benefit of the public and to use disposition proceeds to provide direct care across all aspects of this collection. This session will explore the process of developing and vetting these changes, along with the implication of these changes from the perspectives of the National Trust’s Legal Division and Technical Services, as well as a Site Director. Chair: Katherine Malone-France, Director of Outreach, Education, and Support, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Washington, DC; Tom Mayes, Deputy General Counsel, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Washington, DC; David Young, Executive Director, Cliveden, Philadelphia, PA. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/radical-common-sense-revising-the-collections-management-policy-of-the-national-trust/

The artifact(s) most likely to make you grab your head in your hands is… that group of scrapbooks! But what if you could go back to your institution with resources and strategies to preserve and/or digitize these materials successfully—regardless of institutional size? Join us and you will! Chair: Alix Bentrud, Preservation Services, LYLYRASIS, Atlanta, GA; Leigh A. Grinstead, Digital Services Consultant, LYLYRASIS, Denver, CO; Katie Mullen, Endowed Preservation Coordinator, Library-Archives, Wisconsin State Historical Society, Madison, WI. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/scrapbooks-personal-and-community-history-in-the-digital-age/

Publishing state and local history, in either a print or electronic format, can be quite a daunting challenge. Issues from editing to printing and marketing can sometimes feel overwhelming. This roundtable will provide suggestions and answer your questions about starting and completing a publishing project. Chair: Elizabeth Brand Monroe, Associate Professor of History, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN; J. Kent Calder, Acquisitions Editor, University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, OK; Thomas A. Mason, Adjunct Lecturer, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN; Pamela J. McClanahan, Director, Minnesota Historical Society Press/Borealis Books, St. Paul, MN. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/so-you-want-to-publish-a-history-book/

As emergency planning systems have grown more sophisticated, museums and historic sites are challenged to develop effective responses to large disasters. This session will discuss the importance of forming networks for response and training, provide tips for starting new networks, and offer suggestions for fostering relationships with emergency management personnel. Chair: Dyani Feige, Preservation Specialist, Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts, Philadelphia, PA; Kathy Craughwell-Varda, Director, Conservation ConneCTion, Connecticut State Library, Hartford, CT; LeRae Umfleet, Supervisor, Education and Outreach Branch, Office of Archives and History, North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, Raleigh, NC; Pat Young, Resource Collection Coordinator, Disaster Research Center, Newark, DE. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/working-together-for-better-preparedness-developing-cooperative-disaster-networks/

Understanding the history of your community directs new programming. A small partnership has led to a progressive series of community collaborations. This process has dramatically increased our audience, connected us with our community in new ways, created opportunities to generate revenue, and enhanced staff capacity. Chair: Mollie Spillman, Curator/Archivist, Ramsey County Historical Society, St. Paul, MN; Melinda Ludwiczak, MELSA Program Manager, St. Paul, MN; Frank White, Independent Researcher/Curator, Woodbury, MA. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/take-me-out-to-the-ballpark-building-community-engagement-and-partnerships-through-exhibit-planning-and-development/

This interactive panel for historic houses and historic sites offers attendees the opportunity to learn how to create a truly inclusive environment for all visitors, including those with a range of disabilities. The panel is made up of four museum professionals who are actively promoting accessibility at historic sites and structures through programs, exhibits, and their communities. This highly engaging panel will end with a directed Q&A to ensure that your ideas and questions are heard. Chair: Katie Stringer, Ph.D., Executive Director, Blount Mansion, Knoxville, TN; Callie Hawkins, Associate Director for Programs, President Lincoln’s Cottage, Washington, DC; Mattie Ettenheim, Program Manager, Lower East Side Tenement Museum, New York, NY; Karen Graham Wade, Director, Homestead Museum, City of Industry, CA. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/welcoming-all-visitors-accessible-programs-at-history-museums-and-sites/

It is a place of historic importance in your community, yet another museum does not fit the bill. What are your options? Learn alternatives through the rehabilitation and reuse of two historic properties—a railroad depot adapted to current market trends and two adjacent residences that provide multi-functional space for meetings, events, and lodging. Chair: Mary Warner, Museum Manager, Morrison County Historical Society, Little Falls, MN; Joanne Kellner, Former Board Member, Baudette Depot Preservation Alliance, Inc., Baudette, MN; Patricia Sharon, President, Board of Directors, Friends of Linden Hill, Little Falls, MN. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/they-cant-all-be-museums/