Blog and Newsletter

The Association of Maine Archives and Museums publishes quarterly print newsletter that is sent out to members in February, May, August, and November. We also maintain the blog on this page for members to share their announcements more immediately.

Quarterly Print Newsletter

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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.

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  • 09 Apr 2015 4:30 PM | Anonymous member
    Thursday, April 9, 2015
    4:30 p.m.
    Kresge Auditorium
    Visual Arts Center [just north of the Bowdoin Museum of Art]

    Please join us for a lecture by Ford W. Bell President of the American Alliance of Museums Ford Bell will discuss the state and role of museums in contemporary American society. He will also reflect upon his experiences and observations as the leader of AAM.

    The American Alliance of Museums has been bringing museums together since 1906, helping to develop standards and best practices, gathering and sharing knowledge, and providing advocacy on issues of concern to the entire museum community.

    Free and open to the public. RSVPs are requested but not required.  To RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-twenty-first-century-museum-challenges-and-opportunities-tickets-14886250175

    This talk will also be streamed on Bowdoin's Live Webcasts:  http://www.bowdoin.edu/live/

    For questions, please e-mail<mailto:artmuseumevents@bowdoin.edu> or call 207-725-3276.


  • 02 Apr 2015 9:10 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    University of British Columbia (UBC) Centre for Cultural Planning and Development, I am pleased to tell you about a new online professional development workshop we are offering this Spring: Digital Culture and Museums, starting April 2. This workshop can be taken individually, or applied to the UBC Certificate in Cultural Planning – an international professional learning program delivered 100% online. 

    Online Workshop: Digital Culture and Museums

    Three scheduled online sessions. Thu Apr 2, 9 & 16 from 11am-1pm PDT

    Instructor: Anra Kennedy, Content and Partnerships Director, Culture24.

    This online workshop examines ways in which museums are responding to some key digital trends and challenges, including: How can museums make their digital collections fit for purpose? How do museums respond to user expectations around content sharing, re-use and re-purposing? How do we know what’s working? What can we learn from institutions that are ahead of the curve? We look at a range of projects that have found success through tactics such as targeted use of social media, in-gallery digital enhancing the visitor experience, striking a crowd-sourcing cord, beautiful design and thoughtful use of high quality content.

    Instructor: Anra Kennedy is responsible for the development and delivery of Culture24’s partnerships, content strategy and portfolio of websites. She is currently leading Connecting Collections, an Arts Council England-funded national partnership aimed at making digital collections useful and discoverable for children.

      

    For more information about the program and other online professional development opportunities offered, please visit https://cstudies.ubc.ca/study-topic/cultural-planning-development and join our subscription list for program updates. Other online courses and workshops on offer this spring include: Online Workshop: Intangible Cultural Heritage (Jun 10-24, 100% Online) Cultural Entrepreneurship (Jun 16-30, 100% Online); and, Cultural Planning – An International Perspective (Jun 4-18, 100% Online).


  • 31 Mar 2015 7:00 PM | Anonymous member

    "Photography and Reality"
    The 2015 Photo Fund Lecture
    The speaker for the PMA’s annual Photography Fund Lecture is Duane Michals, one of the great photographic innovators of the last century. Michals is widely known for his work with series, multiple exposures, and text. Over the past five decades, Michal’s work has exhibited in the United States and abroad, most recently with his first retrospective, Storyteller: The Photographs of Duane Michals, at the Carnegie Museum of Art. All proceeds from this lecture benefit the PMA’s Photography Fund, which is the museum’s fund for acquisition and conservation of the photography collection and related programming. Tickets are $20 general public, $10 PMA members, and $5 for students with I.D. To register, click here


  • 27 Mar 2015 5:05 PM | Anonymous member

    *CALL FOR VENDORS: **HISTORIC CRAFTERS & EXHIBITORS FAIR*


    *5th Rally for Norlands: Civil War Reenactment Weekend*


    *June 13-14, 2015*


    The Washburn-Norlands Living History Center in Livermore, Maine, is hosting its 5th Rally for Norlands: Civil War Reenactment Weekend on June 13 and 14, 2015. A significant portion of the event is a *Historic Crafters and Exhibitors Fair*, modeled after the "Sanitary Commission" fairs which emerged in the Civil War era as fundraising bazaars. Sanitary Commissions were organized to bring health supplies and aid to Civil War soldiers.

    This is an opportunity to let the public know about your organization's or crafts' connection with America's 19th-century history at one of Maine's largest Civil War Reenactments.

    The Rally's Historic Crafters and Exhibitors Fair is open to artisans, re-enactors, and scholars wishing to demonstrate and/or sell a traditional craft using 19th-century materials or methods such as pottery, woodworking or fiber arts. Civil War Sutlers who sell period wares and authors of relevant books are also welcome.

    *Individuals, organizations, historical societies and museums* are also welcome to exhibit and/or demonstrate antiques, collections, or educational materials to our visitors, if the collection is relevant to the experiences of people who lived in the 1800s.

    *Applications will be accepted through April 24, 2015.*  A prepaid vendor fee of $35 is required if selling items; otherwise it is free.  All applications are subject to approval.  If your application is not approved, the fee will be returned.

    Visit *www.norlands.org* <http://www.norlands.org/> */rally-for-norlands.html* to download the application form and guidelines.  Or*, call 207-897-4366 or email **norlands@norlands.org <norlands@norlands.org>** for more information. *


  • 25 Mar 2015 9:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH
    The Board of Directors of the Boothbay Railway Village (BRV) announces an extraordinary opportunity
    for a talented and resourceful leader who can share our passion for Maine history and our Boothbay,
    Maine setting. The new Executive Director will lead a devoted staff and volunteer team as we work
    together to build upon a 50 year history of acquisition and development, further our educational
    mission, and secure BRV’s long-term sustainability.

    Background

    Opened to the public in 1965, the then Boothbay Railway Museum was the first public railroad museum
    in Maine. Since then, the BRV has filled its 30 acre setting with more than two dozen buildings, many of
    which contain displays of artifacts related to Maine’s railroading history, the advent of the automobile,
    and everyday life of Mainers from the mid-19th through the mid-20th centuries.
    The recently updated mission of the Boothbay Railway Village is “to conserve, display and interpret
    artifacts, authentic period structures and technologies utilized in Maine during the historical period of
    the Mid-19th through the Mid-20th Centuries.”

    BRV has a fleet of three Henschel steam locomotives, along with vintage and replicas of Maine narrowgauge rolling stock, operating on over three-quarters of a mile of track. The Museum’s Antique Automobile Exhibit has more than 60 vehicles on display, dating from 1902-1962, and our outstanding model railroad exhibit is still under construction, allowing visitors to see it grow and change with each visit.

    For more information about the organization, visit BRV’s website: www.railwayvillage.org.

    Overview

    As the Boothbay Railway Village prepares for its 50th season of operation, the organization faces the
    challenge of replacing its Executive Director of 31 years, who retired in February. Capable leadership, a
    dedicated and talented team of staff and volunteers, and the ongoing support of BRV’s founder provide
    a sturdy foundation upon which to launch the next phase in the organization’s evolution.


    To set the stage for the next Executive Director, the Board and staff are in the midst of a strategic
    planning process that describes a new and vibrant vision for the museum. The plan defines public
    education as the museum’s principle deliverable and envisions a living village museum that engages
    visitors in a story that has multiple threads and elements about how life evolved in Maine. Central to
    the plan is the recognition that the museum must provide a living, engaging, changing, interactive
    educational experience that encourages involvement and repeat visitation.


    The BRV has current year operating budget of $790,000 and a staff of 6 FTE’s, supported by volunteers and seasonal employees. In 2014 there were 190 dues-paying members, an annual fund of $51,780, and a charitable giving total of $242,605. The Village receives approximately 15-17,000 visitors annually.
    Leadership priorities


    As the BRV Board of Directors conducts its search for a new Executive Director, we are prioritizing the need to hire a leader who can work with the Board and staff to develop and implement strategies to achieve long-term financial sustainability and our vision for an active and vibrant educational enterprise.


    More specifically, the BRV Board has identified the following priorities for the next Executive Director:

     Implement a business plan—linked to the strategic plan—built upon more diverse revenue streams, increased membership and visitation, and enhanced fundraising efforts.

     Broaden the base of philanthropic support to attract new donors, dramatically increase the annual fund, and begin building a meaningful endowment.

     Continue to build the capacity of our staff and volunteer team through visionary leadership, proven management strategies, and successful communication.

     Support the development of marketing and communication strategies that successfully convey BRV’s story and unique assets.


     Deepen and build relationships within the region, within the museum community, and with potential educational, community, and corporate partners.

     Bring focus to the museum’s educational mission and programs and support the development of a collection policy and the establishment of standard museum protocol and procedures.

    Requirements

    Essential

     Proven fundraising ability and success in building donor relationships
     Business, financial and budgeting acumen
     Experience in leading and successfully managing a staff team
     5 or more years of relevant operational and management experience
     Ability to communicate a passion for our work, our mission, and Maine history
     Highest level of recommendations from references and peers
     Proven public speaking ability and strong writing skills
     A readiness to roll-up your sleeves and pitch-in wherever it is needed

    Desirable

     Experience in an educational or museum setting
     BA or BS degree
     Knowledge of Maine, our funders, and our donors
     Previous nonprofit and board governance experience

    Compensation
    Comprehensive benefits package and competitive salary commensurate with experience

    To apply

    Interested candidates should send a cover letter, résumé, and the names of 3 references (indicating relation to the candidate, phone number, and e-mail address) to Starboard Leadership Consulting at the following address: search1@starboardleadership.com.

    Paper copies may be sent to Mary Pettegrow, Starboard Leadership Consulting, 84 Harlow St., Bangor, ME 04401, but electronic submissions of material are preferred. No phone inquiries, please. Review of applications will begin on April 13, 2015.


  • 21 Mar 2015 9:01 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Portland Observatory Assistant Site Manager

    Greater Portland Landmarks

    TITLE: Portland Observatory Assistant Site Manager (2 positions available)

    Part time, seasonal, 24 hours per week (every other week on Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

    Memorial Day Weekend – Columbus Day, pre-season training and orientation in April and May.

    REPORTS TO:  Manager of Education Programs

    PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

    The Portland Observatory Assistant Site Manager will work closely with the Observatory Site Manager, overseeing the daily operation of the Portland Observatory Museum when on site and leading public tours.

    Responsibilities:

    • Open and close the Observatory for tours during its scheduled hours of operation.
    • Make bank deposits and ensure that there is adequate change for cash sales.
    • Supervise the volunteer docents on-site.
    • Present tours to the public, when necessary. 
    • Greet visitors
    • Sell tour tickets and retail merchandise,
    • Create a positive and professional atmosphere for both docents and visitors
    • Be available to work alternating weekends with another Assistant Site Manager

    Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to;

    1. Awareness and responsibility for visitor safety
    2. Ask docents to sign in their hours in the “docent sign-in” log
    3. Keep gift shop shelves stocked
    4. Communicate status of Gift Shop stock, docent scheduling changes and all other issues/items with the Education Programs Assistant/Observatory Site Manager
    5. Close the cash register and credit card purchases daily
    6. Provide assistance on Flag Day and other scheduled special events.
    7. Make docent scheduling adjustments, as needed, including immediate or emergency needs due to  unforeseen situations.

    KEY COMPETENCIES:

    -          must be able to walk up and down 100 stairs

    -          must have basic computer skills

    -          excellent human relations skills

    -          demonstrated customer service skills

    -          strong oral and written communication skills

    -          enthusiasm for working with a variety of ages

    -          ability to manage, and organize activities and people

    -          enthusiasm for sharing knowledge

    -          available to work on the weekends and/or evenings

    A background in history or historic preservation is preferred but not required – we will provide training. 

    Additional Job Information

    Please submit cover letter, resume and three references to education@portlandlandmarks.org. Resumes will be accepted until position is filled.
    4/15/2015
    Teacher, Volunteer Management
    May 25, 2015
    Portland Area
    Portland Observatory, 138 Congress St., Portland


  • 19 Mar 2015 10:07 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    ROOSEVELT CAMPOBELLO INTERNATIONAL PARK

    EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

    CURATOR/MANAGER OF INTERPRETATION, PROGRAMMING AND EXHIBITS.

    Unique international park seeks dynamic individual to manage the collection and lead a dedicated interpretive staff telling the story of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt’s summers on Campobello Island.   The incumbent directs the day to day museum management functions, trains and supervises staff and develops interpretive programming and exhibits.

    The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree with a strong emphasis on curatorial science and museum management.  Prior experience in a museum setting is preferred.  Solid writing and interpersonal skills are required. 

    If you are interested in applying for this position, or for more information, please email a letter of interest and resume to beckwith@fdr.net or post to:

    In the United States:            

                                        Ron Beckwith – Superintendent

                                        The Roosevelt Campobello International Park

                                        P.O. Box 129, Lubec, Maine  04652

    In Canada:     

                                        Ron Beckwith – Superintendent

                                        The Roosevelt Campobello International Park

                                        459 Route 774, Welshpool, NB  E5E 1A4

    You may also contact the Park office at 506-752-2922

    APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY CLOSE OF BUSINESS APRIL 17, 2015

    U.S. and CANADIAN CITIZENS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

    For information on the Roosevelt Campobello International Park, please visit WWW.FDR.NET


  • 13 Mar 2015 9:02 AM | Anonymous member

    On Memorial weekend 2015 Readfield Historical Society will make available a 20 month calendar commemorating Readfield's Farm Heritage, in honor of the 225th year of Readfield's incorporation. Evelyn Potter and Dale Potter-Clark are spearheading the project. Some of the farms featured or included will be: Kennemac, Fogg, Gorden, Elvin, Kennecook, McDougald, Wills, Russell, Kents Hill farm, Nason, Coffin, Butman, Trefethen, Lane, Brown, Packard, Smith, Luce, Hawes and more. Along with a brief history of the farms there will be many pictures, recipes, and historical trivia.
    The calendars will be available for $10.00 + S&H via
    http://readfieldmaine.blogspot.com/ and at various locations in Readfield. FMI email crossings4u@gmail.com

     

     

  • 10 Mar 2015 2:50 PM | Anonymous member

    Position description

    The successful Development & Communications Associate will have a genuinely outgoing personality and a sense of humor.  S/he should promote the mission and programs of the Museum and be a good team player.  S/he will be computer savvy, highly organized, able to multi-task and meet deadlines, and able to create and maintain exemplary filing systems and records.  As the first face and/or voice most visitors and donors will encounter with the Museum, the Associate is expected to be community-oriented with an eye toward the development of the membership, visitation, and financial aspects of the Museum.

    This position is a part-time (24 hours per week) position with starting hourly wage of $14.25 per hour. The Development & Communications Associate may work additional hours during weekends and weeknights, depending on the Museum’s event staffing needs. This position is a term appointment for one-year, with the possibility of renewal after that term.

    The position has several components:

    DEVELOPMENT
    Responsible for maintaining and initiating all development records including those pertaining to Membership, Annual fund and Capital Campaign drives. The position is critical to the success of all fundraising endeavors. This requires a willingness to acquire proficiency with PastPerfect, the current development software program in use by the Brick Store Museum.

    ·         Enter all new memberships and renewal information. Generate membership cards and thank you letters.  

    ·         Enter all donations as they are received and generate thank you letters appropriate for the level of giving and personalized to the specific donor. 

    ·         Record gifts of cash and checks for the bookkeeper. Make deposits as necessary—usually weekly.

    ·         Generate reports and current data to use as tools in all membership drives and fundraising efforts.

    ·         Assist in creating and implementing fundraising and capital campaign events throughout the year.

    ·         Be an active participant in the Museum’s grant-writing and grant opportunity identification.

    PUBLIC RELATIONS

    Assist the Director with news releases, publicity materials and correspondence to the membership and the media; including all printed material, social media and current event listings in area newspapers.  Develop and maintain lists of media resources, contact people, and deadlines for e-mail and direct mail communications.

    PUBLIC PROGRAMS

    Assist the Director and staff in planning and implementing public programs, group tours and special events.   This includes being available for occasional after-hours programs. 

    OFFICE SUPPORT

    General office support includes greeting visitors, answering phones, and maintenance of office supplies as needed.

    Qualifications:

    Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, business, finance, or related field; or related work experience. Excellent organizational and communication skills; knowledge of computer databases, and scanning. Experience in nonprofit development and knowledge of PastPerfect preferred.

    Work Environment:

    Work is performed under typical office conditions in the museum.  The Development & Communications Associate must be familiar with the operation of typical office computer systems and devices, telephones, standard office equipment, and copier/scanners. The work may involve exposure to dust and the ability to lift boxes up to 40 pounds. Noise level is quiet, except for routine interactions during the work day.

     To apply: Please send your cover letter and resume to Cynthia Walker, Executive Director, at edirector@brickstoremuseum.org. (or via mail to 117 Main Street, Kennebunk, ME 04043)

  • 26 Feb 2015 9:47 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Due to employee resignation, the University of Southern Maine (USM) is seeking applicants for the position of Coordinator of Franco-American Collection.  The gift-funded Coordinator is responsible for the general oversight and management of the Franco-American Collection and all books, archival material, artifacts and other resources which make up the Collection.

    This is a part-time (80%) position at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn campus.  This position has a nine-month (February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December) work schedule.

    Qualifications:

    Required:

    • Bachelor’s degree.
    • 3-5 years of experience with library or archival procedures, or related.
    • Familiarity with Franco-American culture and history.

    License/Certifications:

    • Valid motor vehicle driver’s license.

    Preferred:

    • Degree in liberal arts or library science preferred.
    • Ability to read, write, and speak French strongly preferred.
    Apply online at: https://usm.hiretouch.com/view-all-jobs. You will need to create an applicant profile, complete an application (which includes contact information for three professional references), and upload a cover letter and a resume/curriculum vitae which fully describes your qualifications and experiences with specific reference to the required and preferred qualifications. You will also need to complete the affirmative action survey, the self-identification of disability form, and the self-identification of veteran status form. Review of applications will begin March 18, 2015. Materials received on or after that date will be considered at the discretion of the university. We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support. USM is an EEO/AA employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.



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