As part of their Connecting to Collections Statewide Planning Grants, many states developed needs assessment surveys, often modeled on the Heritage Health Index. Session participants review the lessons they learned in creating these surveys and discuss ongoing data collection needs. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/connecting-to-information-how-does-your-institution-measure-up/

As we look for creative new ways to engage audiences with history, what does “being creative” actually look like? Can history professionals learn to find their creative spirit? The panelists share their experiences as part of an experiment in creative practice: what they learned, what they did (projects ranging from a musical finding aid to beer with Benjamin Franklin), and why the process included a conversation about “indicators of successful failure.” Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/no-idea-is-too-ridiculous/

People commonly gather at places of memory looking for insight on how to move forward. This session examines how places of memory can better be utilized to move our visitors from memory to action, and inspire them to work to address issues of contemporary importance in their communities. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/activating-places-of-memory/

Engaging students in commemorations provides an opportunity to dive deep into a specific moment in time. Whether your focus is the War of 1812 or the events of 9/11, this session will offer unique programming ideas that allow students and teachers to discover moments in history that changed the way people think about the world. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/programming-for-pivotal-moments-in-history/

Opinion surveys show a pressing need for productive dialogue on the difficult questions immigration and migration raise. What might be achieved by placing these dialogues in the context of immigration and civil rights history, as interpreted by local history museums? Explore how historic sites can build understanding, rather than reinforce divides. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/immigration-civil-rights-and-public-memory/

No trustee joins a board to fail, yet many fall short of what is needed. Using a “Board Fundamentals Checklist,” attendees discuss strategies to maximize board effectiveness, covering structures, processes, and attitudes. Presenters include directors using the checklist to strengthen their boards. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/achieving-board-excellence/

This session discusses new forms of fundraising, why they’re effective, and what advantages they have over the old models. Get real-world examples, and learn how to get started, how to pick the right project, launch it, and make it successful. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/microphilanthropy-microgiving-crowdfunding-and-new-models-of-fundraising/

Ever wondered why museums strive to serve visitors with different learning styles, yet conference sessions are full of chairs and word-filled PowerPoints filling the screen? Wish you had the nerve to submit something different for next year’s conferences? Come join us as we explore session techniques ranging from pecha kucha to hands-on interactives reflecting learning theories at use in museums today. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/the-end-of-powerpoint/

Craving that creative discourse or considering attending the SHA leadership program and want to learn more? Potential attendees and alumni join graduates as they share situations from their work and how the SHA experience prepared them, as leaders, to handle them. Learn first-hand why SHA is an excellent way to train leaders in the history field. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/developing-leaders-sha-how-you-can-prepare/

Adam Goodheart’s keynote address at the 2011 AASLH Meeting. Goodheart identifies Fort Sumter and Fort Monroe as significant places of memory for the American people. He first equates the attack on Fort Sumner in 1861 to the present day September 11th attacks as an event that struck Americans across the nation. He then discusses Fort Monroe and the role it played in slavery. He says that while it was the beginning of slavery in America, it was also the place of its end; which certainly makes it a significant place of remembering. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/adam-goodheart-keynote-speaker-2011-aaslh-annual-meeting/