Reprising 2007’s popular point/counterpoint session on conservation issues, this year’s session goes one step further by including an exhibitor’s voice into the mix. Three seasoned professionals, each with their own areas of expertise and unique perspective, will debate key issues regarding curation, conservation, and display of artifacts. Chair: Scott Carrlee, Curator of Museum Services, Alaska State Museums Presenters: Brian Nagel, Director of Interpretation, Genesee Country Village and Museum Patricia Tice, Curator, Genessee Country Village and Museum. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/mutual-goals-between-curators-conservators-and-exhibitors/

In light of a major leadership shift in the next 5 to 15 years as current museum leaders retire from the field, what are institutions doing, if anything, to address the pending leadership transition? This session will review the significance of succession planning as it relates to strengthening healthy institutions and it will highlight the benefits of succession planning with specific examples of how it can be implemented in museum environments. Chair: Anne Ackerson, Director, Museum Association of New York Presenters: Joan H. Baldwin, Succession Planning Project Coordinator, Museum Association of New York Barry Dressel, Director, Indiana State Museum.

Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/whos-next-succession-planning-and-institutional-health/

In a country experiencing dramatic demographic shifts, how do museums change to meet the needs of new types of consumers? This session will provide an overview of the changing American demographic landscape in the new 21st century and offer examples of what or how museums are embracing the challenge of challenging audiences. Chair: Gretchen Sorin, Distinguished Professor and Director, Cooperstown Graduate Program Presenters: Anne Ackerson, Director, Museum Association of New York Kyle McKoy, Education Director, Arizona Historical Society Liza Reich Rawson, Senior Exhibition Developer/Project Manager. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/the-times-they-are-changing-new-demographic-realities-and-what-they-mean-for-museums/

Lynn Sherr’s 2008 Annual Meeting Plenary Address. She speaks on the topic of the importance of preserving history and the value it has for future generations. A journalist and author of a biography on Susan B. Anthony, Sherr uses her discoveries and fascination with Anthony as an example of the significance of obtaining and keeping pieces of history for the impacts they will have on others in the future. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/lynn-sherr-plenary-speaker-2008-aaslh-annual-meeting/

2008 Meeting of the Membership report at the Annual Meeting in Rochester.

In her keynote address at the 2007 AASLH Annual Meeting, Cokie Roberts delivers remarks about history through the use of personal relationships, both benevolent and conflicting. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/cokie-roberts-keynote-address-2007-aaslh-annual-meeting/

David Blight’s Plenary Address at the 2007 AASLH Annual Meeting in Atlanta discussing the important of historic sites for locating and memorializing history. Download at: http://resource.aaslh.org/view/david-blight-plenary-address-2007-aaslh-annual-meeting/