Blog and Newsletter

Maine Archives and Museums publishes an online quarterly newsletter that is sent out to members in February, May, August, and November. In the remaining eight months, we send out a digest email that includes updates from the field, event announcements, advocacy alerts, funding opportunities, and more. We also maintain the blog on this page for members to share their announcements more immediately.

Quarterly Newsletter

Submissions: If you are a member interested in submitting articles, dispatches, opportunities, and/or photos to the newsletter, please review these guideline and deadlines.

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Read now: Click here to view the current and past issues of the newsletter (members-only; log in first).

News Blog

Members and non-members of MAM may post news of interest to the field using the blog below. To post an event, see the event listings. To post a job or internship opportunity, see the job/internship board. MAM reserves the right to edit or reject postings as it deems appropriate. This service is free to members; non-members are charged $20.

Posts to this news blog are automatically shared to the MAM Facebook page to get even more exposure!

MEMBERS: Log in, then click "Add Post." If you have trouble logging in, email info@mainemuseums.org.

NON-MEMBERS: To submit your bulletin board post, please email info@mainemuseums.org.

  • 13 Nov 2015 1:49 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Posting: Contract Director for the association Maine Archives and Museums (MAM)

    Position filled on a contract basis, renewed annually

     

    MAM fosters a network of citizens and institutions in Maine who identify, collect, interpret, and/or provide access to materials relating to history, living collections, and culture. The MAM Director assists in these activities by managing the organization’s membership program, communications, and finances, and by assisting Board and Committee Members with programs and initiatives such as the annual conference, workshop series, and advocacy.

     

    The Director operates as a contractor, setting their own schedule and providing their own work space and equipment.

    Services to be provided:

    ·         Website updates and social media support (Twitter, Facebook)

    ·         Supporting member recruitment and retention, managing the membership database (Wild Apricot)

    ·         Financial management, including bookkeeping, accounts receivable/payable, and making deposits

    ·         Assisting the treasurer and finance committee with budgets and financial reports

    ·         Management of Board and committee meetings, including agenda distribution and taking of meeting minutes

    ·         Desktop publishing, writing and editing services (eg. board handbook, conference program, postcard mailers, fliers)

    ·         Answering and forwarding telephone, electronic and written requests for information about and services provided by MAM as appropriate

    ·         Work with the Advocacy Committee to advocate for issues of concern at the state level

    ·         Represent MAM in the National Association of State Museum Associations

    ·         Event/meeting planning, including hotel and conference room and catering reservations as needed, in cooperation with the Programs Committee

    ·         Conducting research and preparing statistical reports (e.g., conference feedback surveys, surveying the membership)

    ·         Filing appropriate organizational reports with state and federal agencies (eg. Annual Report/ IRS 990)

    ·         Maintaining MAM’s files and archives, including maintaining adequate back-ups of MAM related digital files in the Director’s care

    ·         Writing grants in conjunction with board committees and administering awards

    ·         In conjunction with the Board, identifying, cultivating and maintaining ties to community groups, associations, state agencies and other institutions to promote MAM’s programs, growth and members and/or secure cooperation, funding or assistance in programming.

    ·         Promoting MAM and establishing effective public relations through the preparation and presentation of public programs and workshops, working with the communications committee in drafting press releases, and representing MAM when speaking with media outlets

    ·         Administer the Maine Cultural Listserv (MCULTR)

     

    Qualifications:

    - Proven excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

    - Demonstrated successful experience with word processing, database, and spreadsheet software, as well as social media platforms. Desktop publishing skills strongly preferred.

    -Strong time-management skills.

    -Experience in the museum, library, or archives field.

    -MAM does not have a bricks-and mortar office, so the successful applicant must be able to provide his or her own office set up.

     

    Compensation:

    This is an annual contract position that pays $800 month (based on an average of 40 hours a month at $20/hour).

     

    How to Apply:

    E-mail applications only, please. Please save all documents as pdfs and send a letter of interest, c.v., contact information for three references to Raney Bench, MAM Board President, at director@sealcoveautomuseum.org no later than November 30, 2015.


  • 28 Oct 2015 11:34 AM | Anonymous member

    The Cultural Emergency Resource Coalition <http://cercmaine.org/> (CERC:Maine) is reaching out to cultural institutions that would like to get help creating a disaster plan because we will be able to facilitate plans at 4-6 more cultural institutions!

    As you may be aware, CERC conducted a facilitated planning project <http://cercmaine.org/fema-corps-facilitated-disaster-planning-project/utilizing FEMA Corps teams in the fall of 2014 and spring of 2015, through a grant awarded to the Maine State Museum from Jane's Trust. Well, at the end of the project we found ourselves with a small balance of grant funds remaining, which will be used to hire contract facilitators to conduct 4-6 more facilitated disaster plans between now and March 31, 2016.

    Do you want in? Have you intended to get a disaster plan together, but just felt like you lacked enough information or resources? Then apply online <http://cercmaine.org/cerc-online-application/> now for this final round of facilitated disaster planning and get the help you need creating a plan tailored to your organization's resources. The process will be exactly the same as before, except that we will be using contract facilitators instead of a FEMA Corps team.

    Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until we have reached capacity. For more information about this project see the CERC web site <http://cercmaine.org/fema-corps-facilitated-disaster-planning-project/> or contact the CERC office at  CERC.Maine@gmail.com or (207) 287-6696.

  • 27 Oct 2015 2:00 PM | Anonymous member

    The Council of State Archivists (CoSA) is pleased to announce the launch of the CoSA-Preservica Practical Digital Preservation Training Program with the first of many 1-hour webinars:

    Achieving ISO Standards for your Digital Archive
    Tuesday, October 27, 2015; 2-3pm Eastern

    This webinar will explore the standards associated with digital preservation and building a trusted digital repository – with a focus on using tools and templates to audit your digital preservation capability (policy, governance and systems) today – and highlighting the steps to full ISO certification.

    To make your $25 non-member payment and to register for the "Achieving ISO Standards for your Digital Archives" webinar, visit our website:

    http://rc.statearchivists.org/Content/Electronic-Records/Education-Training/CoSA-Preservica-Practical-Digital-Preservation.aspx


  • 10 Sep 2015 9:44 AM | Anonymous member

    The Maine State Museum has two 20-hour a week Museum Technician I positions in the Education Division.  The Maine State Museum is open five days a week (Tue-Sat).  These positions would be required to work some Saturdays. The Museum Technician I position primarily provides visitor services at the Museum Admission Desk, as well as within the exhibit galleries, by providing basic information about the exhibits on display, assisting with exhibit and visitor safety, and helping with exhibit maintenance.

    This position also helps maintain visitation data and should be well-versed, and at ease with current computer applications.  The ideal candidate will have the ability to work as part of a team, adapt to changing situations, and work well under pressure. Work is performed under general supervision.

    Two (2) years education and/or experience in appropriate museum specialty. Preference will be given to applicants with experience in visitor services within a cultural, library, or community center organization. Related work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

    Please submit a cover letter, resume’ and Direct Hire Application. This job posting and a Direct Hire application can be found on our website: http://www.maine.gov/fps/opportunities/   click the direct hire link. Applications must be received or postmarked by:  Friday, September 25, 2015.


  • 02 Sep 2015 9:17 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Position:   Education Program Coordinator - Maine

    Classification:Regular/Part Time (22 hrs/week)

    Location: South Berwick, ME

    Description:

    This position promotes, schedules, coordinates, and evaluates all school and youth programs at the Sarah Orne Jewett House and Hamilton House in South Berwick and Castle Tucker and Nickels-Sortwell House in Wiscasset, as well as off-site programming at schools and youth organizations throughout Maine, in order to reach annual attendance, revenue, and strategic goals. In conjunction with institutional planning, works with local teachers and other education program coordinators to develop innovative school program curricula, and creates educational materials, including seasonal teacher-training materials, curriculum binders, and pre and post-visit activities and lessons. This position also assists the Education Program Manager to develop and manage the school program budget for the Maine sites.


    Qualifications:

    A minimum of a B.A. in American history, education, museum studies or relevant field.  MA preferred. A minimum of 4 years of job-related experience, including classroom or museum teaching experience, and the ability to work independently.  Problem solving ability and familiarity with team approach and multi-tasking. Strong communication skills. Experience managing a small budget.  Ability to drive and a valid driver’s license is required.

    Date Available:September 15

    Applications: 

    Please send resume and cover letter to jobs@HistoricNewEngland.org or mail to Historic New England, 141 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114, Attn: Human Resources.

    EOE

     

    Historic New England is a museum of cultural history that preserves and presents building, landscapes and objects reflecting New England life from the 17th century to the present. Historic New England is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to attract and support a diverse staff.

    www.HistoricNewEngland.org


  • 25 Aug 2015 9:28 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The Assistant to the Director for the Arctic Museum/Arctic Studies at Bowdoin College will provide budgetary and administrative support to the Director and other Arctic Museum/Arctic Studies staff, including assisting in the day-to-day operations of the Museum and Arctic programs, and supporting the Director’s academic duties.

    Responsibilities include:

    • Manages the Arctic Museum’s operating account and other special Arctic Museum/Arctic Studies accounts; approves routine budget expenditures; analyzes and generates reports regarding the Arctic program’s financial accounts.
    • In consultation with the Director, manages the Museum’s administrative programs, including maintaining the Director’s calendar and the Museum’s communal calendar and web site, maintaining the Museum’s mailing list, and handling confidential correspondence.
    • Arranges travel accommodations and housing for Museum staff and guest lecturers
    • Arranges and helps coordinate Arctic Museum events, including dinners, receptions, lectures and symposia; reserves campus spaces for events; alerts Food Services of catering needs.
    • In consultation with the Director, facilitates public relations initiatives including coordinating placement of exhibition and event announcements in print and on-line publications and sites, developing designs of invitations/posters/ads or arranging for their design by outside vendors, coordinating with the Mailroom and Development regarding mailings, and working with Communications and organizations outside the College.
    • Assists in the development and preparation of Museum brochures, catalogues, and other publications.

    Education/Skills:

    Required: High school diploma or GED; Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.

    Also required: strong analytical and writing skills, basic accounting skills and ability to prepare financial analyses, strong computer skills (MS Word and Excel required; Photoshop, Publisher, and In-Design strongly preferred), excellent organizational skills and excellent customer service skills. 

    Experience Requirements/Equivalents:

    A minimum of 2 years of administrative experience in a busy office environment is required. Experience working in an academic setting preferred.

    Applications:

    Further details and instructions to apply can be found on our online application: 

    http://careers.bowdoin.edu/postings/2477                                                            

    For questions, please contact careers@bowdoin.edu.

    Bowdoin College is committed to equality and is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will enrich and contribute to the cultural and ethnic diversity of our College. Bowdoin College does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, or disability status in employment, or in our education programs. 


  • 19 Aug 2015 2:37 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    What it is: An informative and fun day, with a variety of workshops and attendee-driven conversations, covering all aspects of Teaching with Primary Sources. Join your colleagues and like-minded professionals from the Society of American Archivists (SAA), the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section of ACRL, and archivists across the profession. Hosted by the wonderful folks at Cleveland Public Library and organized by the SAA’s Reference, Access and Outreach Section’s Committee on Teaching with Primary Sources.


    Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2015

    Time: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

    Location: Cleveland Public Library (Main Library, 325 Superior Ave., N.E.), a 5-minute walk from the Cleveland Convention Center (home of the SAA 2015 Conference) – MAP

    To register, visit: bitly.com/SAA15TPS

    Open to individuals from all institutions and with all levels of experience who use primary source material for instruction/classroom setting. Registration will be a separate process from the Society of American Archivists 2015 Conference registration — you can attend this event without attending the conference.  Want to lend your expertise to a session? Just let us know in your registration! 


  • 19 Aug 2015 11:40 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
    The Maine State Museum in Augusta, Maine is advertising to fill a part-time (job-share) Museum Specialist I position in the museum's conservation lab.  The position provides collections care, maintenance, and conservation treatment through examination, restoration, and preservation of artifacts.  Work is performed in accordance with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice as promulgated by the American Institute of Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works. Work is performed under limited supervision in the Museum, State House, Blaine House, and two collections  care facilities.
    A well-qualified candidate has knowledge of artifact handling and familiarity with conservation practices relating to paintings, paper, archaeological collections (terrestrial and marine), natural science collections, and decorative arts and historical pieces (wood products, textiles, metals, and ceramics).

     For information about the position, as well as additional representative tasks, knowledge, and skills required, visit the General Government Service Center website at http://www.maine.gov/fps/opportunities/<http://www.maine.gov/fps/opportunities/%20> and click on the position "Museum Specialist I- 20 hour job share."  Qualified candidates should send a resume, direct hire application, and letter of interest to Tammy Sturtevant, HR Generalist, General Gov. Service Center, 74 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0074, (207) 624-7415<tel:%28207%29%20624-7415> or email applications to dafsdirecthire@maine.gov<mailto:dafsdirecthire@maine.gov> by August 28, 2015. Direct Hire applications are available at the General Government Service Center in Augusta, all Maine Career Center Offices, and on the General Government Service Center website.


  • 18 Aug 2015 1:22 PM | Anonymous member

    The Maine State Museum in Augusta, Maine is advertising to fill a part-time (job-share) Museum Specialist I position in the museum's conservation lab.  The position provides collections care, maintenance, and conservation treatment through examination, restoration, and preservation of artifacts.  Work is performed in accordance with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice as promulgated by the American Institute of Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works. Work is performed under limited supervision in the Museum, State House, Blaine House, and two collections  care facilities.
    A well-qualified candidate has knowledge of artifact handling and familiarity with conservation practices relating to paintings, paper, archaeological collections (terrestrial and marine), natural science collections, and decorative arts and historical pieces (wood products, textiles, metals, and ceramics).

     For information about the position, as well as additional representative tasks, knowledge, and skills required, visit the General Government Service Center website at http://www.maine.gov/fps/opportunities/<http://www.maine.gov/fps/opportunities/%20> and click on the position "Museum Specialist I- 20 hour job share."  Qualified candidates should send a resume, direct hire application, and letter of interest to Tammy Sturtevant, HR Generalist, General Gov. Service Center, 74 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0074, (207) 624-7415<tel:%28207%29%20624-7415> or email applications to dafsdirecthire@maine.gov<mailto:dafsdirecthire@maine.gov> by August 28, 2015. Direct Hire applications are available at the General Government Service Center in Augusta, all Maine Career Center Offices, and on the General Government Service Center website.

  • 07 Aug 2015 10:27 AM | Anonymous member

    The Maine State Museum, working with the Maine Emergency Management Agency has secured another year of funding for the Cultural Emergency Resource Coalition: Maine (CERC: Maine) through a Homeland Security grant. A collaboration of several state and private cultural agencies, including Maine Archives and Museums, CERC: Maine has just completed a project using FEMA Corps teams to facilitate the creation of disaster plans at 26 museums, libraries and historical societies around the state. In the coming year CERC: Maine will promote the creation of communication networks to help get appropriate volunteer aid, information and other resources to cultural institutions experiencing a disaster. FMI: cercmaine.org.

    Picture:  McArthur Public Library and their FEMA Corps team show off their completed disaster plan.

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Maine Archives and Museums

P.O. Box 95, Portland, Maine 04112

info@mainemuseums.org 


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