On July 26, 1990, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act, the disability community’s civil rights act. Today, museums are only beginning to realize the implications of creating environments that connect to people with disabilities. Panelists discuss their museum’s efforts to commit to full accessibility and challenge other museums to do the same. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/growing-awareness-and-creating-change-museums-and-the-disability-community/

Have you ever considered attending or sending a staff member to attend Developing History Leaders @SHA? This session provides an opportunity to have your questions answered, how to complete a successful application, how to survive away from the office or without a staff member for three weeks (its easier than you think), and how the program develops history leaders. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/making-room-for-sha/

Public-private partnerships are often cited as the solution to current institutional and financial constraints and the reduction of government support for history. Leaders of public and private history organizations discuss old and new models and the opportunities and challenges they present for the future. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/new-crossroads-for-the-intersection-of-public-and-private/

From facility use policies that cover ghost hunters to the discussion of who owns the findings, dealing with press, and marketing about possible haunting or not, this session is an opportunity to actually discuss how museum staff deal (or not) with paranormal researchers. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/paranormal-policies/

As museums turn to technology to share their collections, cataloging standards are more important than ever. Learn how the recently published Nomenclature 3.0 for Museum Cataloging is meeting this need. Panelists discuss Nomenclature’s new structure, format, conventions, and general use. Learn how the accompanying website and other supplementary materials can help museums adopt Nomenclature 3.0. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/lyres-and-tires-and-barnes-oh-my-nomenclature-3-0-for-museum-cataloging/

Running a small museum is like trying to juggle a dozen balls and when you’re a new or terribly over-worked leader, how do you know what you are responsible for or where to start? Three contributors to the newly released Small Museum Toolkit share some of their insights into mission-based planning and implementation for small museums, as well as offer practical strategies for success in collections care basics, advocacy, and visitor studies. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/the-toolkit-talks-collections-care-basics-advocacy-and-visitor-studies/

Ulrich recounts her early years in the history field and the decision that brought her to become a historian of early America and the history of women. She discusses individual women in the pioneer days of America that through their courageous actions, helped shape our nation. Though these types of women often go unrecognized, Ulrich uses them as an example of the need for change in the way we study and interpret history. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/laurel-thatcher-ulrich-plenary-speaker-2012-aaslh-annual-meeting/

Most history institutions do not follow a technology strategy and as a result they flounder in the constantly changing technology landscape. All institutions, whatever size or budget, need to think strategically about technology. in-depth conversation with two leaders in the field will help you craft a digital strategy you can maintain and will help identify potential funding sources. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/the-importance-of-a-digital-strategy/

History and family history, or genealogy, go hand-in-hand, supporting and enriching each other. This panel discusses their experiences using family history in historical research and writing in order to more fully understand the subject. Speakers suggest ways to incorporate genealogical sources in historical research. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/putting-meat-on-the-bones-using-geneaology-to-personalize-history/

In the program If This House Could Talk, residents post handmade signs in their yards and the neighborhood itself becomes an exhibit. In associated Pop-Up Performances, actors present stories where they happened. ITHCY organizers from Cambridge, MA, and Sacramento, CA, share these novel approaches to connecting people to place. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/taking-history-to-the-streets/