Dorothy Cotton delivers the plenary address at the 2011 AASLH Annual meeting. She discusses her experience as education director for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference as well as serving on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s executive staff. During her occupation in these positions she helped inspire community leaders to become strong and confident in their rights as citizens and empowered them to make positive changes to their own neighborhoods. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/dorothy-cotton-plenary-speaker-2011-aaslh-annual-meeting/

In his Awards Banquet address at the 2011 Annual Meeting, Ed Ayers discusses the subject of memory by recounting his experience with the sesquicentennial anniversary of the Civil War. He speaks of the hurtful emotions that can be conjured up by these types of anniversaries that are charged with our country’s painful past, and challenges the audience to think of America on the eve of the Civil War and the change that occurred the day after. He also emphasizes that it is also the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, and to remember the Civil War as a catalyst to this important event. - Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/edward-ayers-awards-banquet-speaker-2011-aaslh-annual-meeting/

Taking on the responsibility of utilizing volunteer services can place stress on staff members. This session intends identifies those stressors and shares ways to break down barriers and misconceptions paid museum staff may have in using volunteers. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/why-not-volunteers-developing-staff-and-volunteer-partnerships/

As historic sites face increasing pressure to attract audiences, affirm their relevancy, and develop sustainable operations, many are re-thinking the role of the collection in the visitors’ experience. Is greater visitor access to our historic resources an engaging way to interpret or is it a threat to our preservation missions? Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/debating-the-rembrandt-rule-what-is-appropriate-use-of-collections-at-historic-sites/

Participants explore the sometimes competing institutional goals of staying true to mission and earning revenue. Speakers from different types of organizations will explore how they find the balance. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/mutual-goals-mission-vs-money/

21st-Century Skills, a concept embraced by the national education and business communities, is the latest trend effecting K-16 and lifelong learning; yet historical organizations have been slow to embrace this concept. This session will introduce participants to 21st-Century Skills, demonstrate examples of how it is beginning to be conceptualized and used, and report on resources available through IMLS to support such endeavors. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/addressing-21st-century-skills-in-historical-organization/

AASLH is a leading advocate for increased federal funding for history organizations. At the heart of this effort is a coalition of over sixty organizations dedicated to ensuring funds reach America’s museums. Now more than ever, it is important that you do your part to help. Attend this session to learn about our successes, and find out ways we can work together to increase funding, strengthen existing national programs, and advance professionalism in the field. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/advocacy-for-history-organizations/

Help determine what great family programs look like! Hear from three institutions who have found success with family programming. Participate in a discussion of characteristics of successful family programs and come away with a working theoretical framework. Gain fresh approaches to expanding intergenerational audiences and improving the bottom line. - Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/engaging-all-ages-a-discussion-of-successful-family-programming/

This session presents two institutions’ strategies for evaluating school programs and specific ways in which each uses or will use the evaluation findings. Programming is often used to connect with and educate specific audiences; thus, it is important to ensure that these programs are as effective as possible. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/determining-the-effectiveness-of-school-programs/

This session discusses how museums can successfully collaborate with community and school organizations to create dynamic projects that reflect the collections and missions of all involved. Using examples of such projects both current and past the session highlights the elements needed to make these projects come alive. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/building-community-connections-collaborations-for-the-21st-century/