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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  • 16 Sep 2013 12:03 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Professor Jeffrey Schnapp (Harvard University) to bring his talk FROM ARCHIVE TO ARCH[L]IVE to the NEA 2013 Fall Symposium.

    Professor Schnapp's talk will be broadly concerned with the past, present and future of archives, centering on the challenges of designing new kinds of user-centered archival repositories. He will focus in particular on some experiments underway at metaLAB in the area of crisis archiving (the Digital Archive of Japan 2011 Disasters), working with object-based collections (Teaching with Things), and participatory curation and processing (Curarium.com).   http://jeffreyschnapp.com


    Five Pioneer Valley institutions have agreed to open their doors or give tours to symposium attendees on the morning of October 26th (9-11).  Institutions include:

    • Mount Holyoke College Archives and Special Collections
    • Smith College Special Collections
    • UMass Amherst, Special Collections and University Archives
    • Wistariahurst Museum
    • Five College Library Depository ("The Bunker")

    For further information on these open houses and tours, visit: https://www.newenglandarchivists.org/meetings/repository_tours.html

    Please come early on October 26th to visit these institutions!

    Registration for the NEA 2013 Fall Symposium to begin next Monday, September 16th.  Space is limited!

  • 16 Sep 2013 12:00 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
    The New England Archivists Education Committee seeks an experienced instructor that is interested in teaching a full day workshop on Basic Records Management to an audience that could comprise municipal clerks and librarians and archivists from historical societies, public libraries. The workshop will take place in Dartmouth, NH in conjunction with NEA's 3 day meeting on March 20 from 9-5pm

    If you are interested and for more information, please contact James DaMico, Chair, at james.damico@gmail.com by Sept. 27.
  • 11 Sep 2013 3:17 PM | Anonymous member

    *Request for Proposals – Due October 7, 2013*

    The Maine Library Association is seeking an individual or firm to act as

    part time business manager for the organization.  The MLA Business Manager

    will provide assistance to the Executive Board of the organization and to

    its Sections and Committees. The Business Manager works with the President

    and Executive Board of the Maine Library Association for coordination of

    the operations of the Association.

    The Business manager is required to have intimate knowledge of library

    operations and accounting/office management practices.  He/she will

    evaluate and make recommendations for improving MLA operations, clerical

    functions and communication. He/she is responsible for establishing a

    virtual office and for maintaining a physical office for compiling and

    storage of active files. All information collected is the property of MLA.

    *MLA Mission*

    The mission of the Maine Library Association is to promote and enhance the

    value of Maine libraries and librarianship, to foster cooperation among

    those who work in and for Maine libraries, and to provide leadership in

    ensuring information is accessible to all citizens of Maine.

    *MLA Purpose*

    The objectives of the Association shall be to initiate, plan and support

    library activities, to encourage the exchange of ideas, and to cooperate

    with regional and national organizations having related interests.

    *MLA Governance and Structure*

    The officers shall be a president, a vice president /president elect, a

    secretary, a treasurer, the immediate past president and two

    Members-at-Large.

    Current membership is approximately 325 active members

    *Meeting Schedule*

    An annual meeting of MLA must be held once a year at a time and place

    designated by the Council. Special meetings may be held as such times and

    places the Council designates or upon written request be ten members of the

    association. The full Executive Board meets every other month in locations

    selected for the convenience of the Board members. Regularly scheduled

    meetings throughout the year are held via GoTo Meeting or in Augusta. The

    Business Manager is required to attend these meetings.

    Sections and Committees hold individual meetings as needed.

    Website    http://mainelibraries.org/

    *Job Description of the MLA Business Manager*

    The Business Manager provides support for the work of the Maine Library

    Association (MLA) by performing many administrative tasks needed to keep

    MLA functioning in an organized and efficient manner.

    General:

    ●  Attends Executive Council Meetings

    ●  Works under the direction of the President and the Executive Council

    ●  Carries out policies and procedures of the Executive Council.

    Membership Services

    1.     Maintain database of membership, past and present, and prepare

    reports and mailing lists as required.

    2.     Record payments appropriately, including those through Paypal.

    3.     Work closely with the President or designee on mailings, invitations

    to join, renewal reminders and communications encouraging membership in the

    organization.

    4.     Provide communication via email, social media and press releases as

    directed by the executive council.

    5.     Provide membership support services in order to assist MLA in

    maintaining and promoting membership

    Administrative Operations

    1.     Provide computer software as needed, using Microsoft or compatible

    programs including Word, Excel, and Access and additional financial

    management software

    2.     Administer the Wild Apricot web-based association management system

    including the MLA database with members and non-member contacts.

    3.     Maintain MLA office supplies as necessary and provide stationary and

    other supplies to the Executive Board members as required

    4.     Explore cost cutting methods and procedures as they relate to

    printing, mailing, supplies and other expenses and make recommendations to

    the Executive Board

    5.     Maintain calendar of MLA meetings and programs as reported by MLA

    officers, update on a regular basis and distribute as required.

    6.     Provide updated calendars through the Maine State Library website

    calendar of events.

    7.     Maintain a file of Executive Council reports, minutes, and financial

    documents.

    8.     Provide general administrative support for the MLA President and

    various interest groups if needed.

    9.     Maintain a management manual for the organization.

    10.   Work with MLA archivist to preserve relevant documents and move them

    into permanent archives as needed.

    Communication

    1.     Keep officers informed of pertinent business developments as they

    relate to the association.

    2.     Forward incoming mail and association information to the appropriate

    officers or committee/section members as it is received at association

    headquarters.

    3.     Handle incoming phone and inquiries as appropriate and forward them

    to officers or section/committee members as needed.

    4.     Provides communication including use email, social media and press

    releases as directed by the executive council.

    5.     Prepare written report prior to Executive Board meetings.

    Finance and Accounting

    1.     Accept payments, records, deposits and reports as required to the

    Executive Board and Finance Committee.

    2.     Prepare monthly and annual financial reports.

    3.     Work with Treasurer and Finance Committee to prepare the annual

    budget (calendar year)

    4.     At first Executive Board meeting in new fiscal year provide detailed

    financial report of MLA assets, revenue and expenses as part of the budget

    approval process.

    5.     Prepare checks for bill payment twice per month from payment request

    forms and forward to President and Treasurer for approval and signatures

    6.     Assist the auditor/tax preparer in the preparation of the

    Association's tax returns and assist with audits as required.

    7.     Maintain a list of, advises on, and ensures the association

    maintains appropriate insurance.

    8.     Maintain the legal corporation papers( 501c6) and insurance records.

    *Salary and Agreements*

    The annual contractual terms for the Association Business Manager will be

    negotiated between the MLA Executive Council and the Independent

    Contractor. The contract is reviewed annually, and a new RFP is done every

    three years, after having been ratified by the MLA Executive Board. NOTE:

    This current contract will be for 3.5 years, as MLA gets onto a new

    three-year rotation schedule. It will expire June 30, 2017.

    *Submission Guidelines*

    Interested firms/people should submit the following, no later than October

    7th, to Bryce Cundick, MLA Vice-President.   If there are questions, email

    bryce.cundick@maine.edu or call (207) 778-7224.  Answers to all questions

    will be emailed to all parties having expressed written interest by October

    7th.

    1. A proposal describing your qualifications or the qualifications of the

    firm and how the tasks described above would be carried out. Copies of

    corporate ID numbers will be required upon award of contract.

    2. A firm estimate of fees to be charged

    3. Resumes of all consultants who would be involved in the project

    4. Three professional references, or if applicable, names, phone numbers

    and contact people at three nonprofit organizations who have been your

    clients during the last 18 months, whom we can call on as references.

    5. Interviews with finalists will be held starting the third week of

    October.

  • 10 Sep 2013 2:39 PM | Anonymous member

    Penobscot Marine Museum (PMM) is seeking a Finance Director, responsible for the fiscal management of the organization including budgeting, forecasting, monitoring and reporting as well as administrative and financial functions critical to the daily operations of the organization. S/he will work with work the Executive Director to provide information and support to the Board of Trustees and act as staff liaison to relevant board committees. In addition, s/he will assume responsibility for human resource functions as well as oversight of administration and business planning areas. The Director of Finance will also work with development and program staff on grant applications and reporting. PMM is looking for a candidate with progressively responsible work experience in financial administration, including experience with fund accounting and audit preparation, and proficiency with computerized account software. A Bachelor’s Degree (MBA desirable) or equivalent years of directly related experience resulting in a comprehensive knowledge of the field is required. Experience working in a not-for-profit organization is preferred. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential. This is a 40 hr/wk position. To apply, please email letter of interest, resume, list of three references to llodge@pmm-maine.org  September 30th. For more information please see. http://www.penobscotmarinemuseum.org

  • 03 Sep 2013 11:30 AM | Anonymous member
    We seek a self-starter who possesses excellent writing, teaching, computer, and public speaking skills, plus works well as part of a team. The Program and Education Manager leads the organization’s efforts in offering dynamic programming that engages, excites and involves people of all ages. S/he develops, plans, and directs on-site programming in addition to outreach programs at satellite locations like nursing homes and schools. The Program and Education Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of programs as well as the recruitment, training and coordination of volunteers, visitor services, and marketing the museum and library's events. S/he has a bachelor’s degree in art/education, museum studies, or another related field with a minimum of two years’ experience planning and coordinating programs or projects in art/cultural institutions and/or teaching. 20 hours per week with a flexible schedule, evenings and weekends as required. Please email cover letter and resume to Tara Raiselis at traiselis@sacomuseum.org .
  • 03 Sep 2013 10:29 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
    Job Posting: Director of Finance, Maine Historical Society

    The Director of Finance, a member of the senior management team, is
    responsible for providing broad vision and leadership in all aspects of
    financial planning, forecasting, and management. This includes budget
    preparation, monitoring, and reporting; audit support; preparation of income
    statements, balance sheets, cash-flow statements, and financial forecasts;
    and management of investment advisors and managers.

    The Director of Finance will be a strategic thought-partner, and report to
    the Executive Director (ED). The successful candidate will be an active
    manager and develop and lead an internal team to support the following
    areas: finance, business planning and budgeting, human resources,
    administration, and IT.

    The Director of Finance will play a critical role in strategic decision
    making and operations as Maine Historical Society continues to build
    capacity and enhance its quality programming. This is a tremendous
    opportunity for a finance leader to contribute to the continued growth and
    development of a well-respected, progressive, forward-looking organization.

    Responsibilities

    Financial Management

    * Analyze and present financial reports in an accurate and timely
    manner; clearly communicate monthly and annual financial statements; collate
    financial reporting materials for all donor segments, and oversee all
    financial, project/program and grants accounting.
    * Coordinate and lead the annual audit process, liaise with external
    auditors and the Finance and Investment committee of the board of trustees;
    assess any changes necessary.
    * Oversee and lead annual budgeting and planning process in
    conjunction with the ED; administer and review all financial plans and
    budgets; monitor progress and changes; and keep management team abreast of
    the organization's financial status.
    * Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting.
    * Update and implement all necessary business policies and accounting
    practices; improve the finance department's overall policy and procedure
    manual.
    * Effectively collaborate with and communicate financial information
    matters to the board of trustees.

    Human Resources, Technology and Administration

    * Ensure that recruiting processes are consistent and streamlined.
    * Establish and manage a training program to educate employees
    regarding staff tools, policies and procedures.
    * Work closely and transparently with all external partners including
    third-party vendors and consultants.
    * Oversee administrative functions as well as facilities to ensure
    efficient and consistent operations as the organization scales.

    Qualifications

    * Minimum of a B.A. or B.S. in Accounting, Management, or Finance,
    ideally with an MBA and/or CPA, MPA, MPPM, or MPP
    * Five years of relevant financial, supervisory, strategic, and board
    interaction experience, preferably with a not-for-profit organization. The
    ideal candidate has experience of final responsibility for the quality and
    content of all financial data, reporting and audit coordination for either a
    division or significant program area, and has preferably overseen a human
    resources function previously
    * Ability to translate financial concepts to and effectively
    collaborate with programmatic and fundraising colleagues
    * A track record in grants management
    * Technology savvy with experience selecting and overseeing software
    installations and managing relationships with software vendors; knowledge of
    accounting and reporting software
    * A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic,
    organization and problem solving skills which support and enable sound
    decision making
    * Excellent communication and relationship building skills with an
    ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and
    external stakeholders
    * Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the
    mission of Maine Historical Society.

    Please send a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references to:
    Director of Finance Search, Maine Historical Society, 489 Congress Street,
    Portland, Maine 04101. Deadline for applications is September 30. EOE.
    Electronic submissions are encouraged and should be sent to
    <mailto:lwebb@mainehistory.org> lwebb@mainehistory.org

     
  • 22 Aug 2013 7:02 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The New England Archivists Education Committee seeks two student members to serve a term of 1 year starting in the Fall of 2013. For more information, download the Job Description at this link: http://tinyurl.com/NEAStudents

    Please send a letter of interest and resume to James DaMico, Chair, at james.damico@gmail.com by September 16.

                  

     

  • 15 Aug 2013 11:13 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland is preparing a Fall exhibition that calls for using tall vitrines over pedestals to display some costumes, approx. 84 inches high x 36 x 36.   If anyone in the museum/library/archives community has such a display case that they may be able to loan out for this temporary show, please contact info@mainemuseums.org.

  • 08 Aug 2013 8:14 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
    Maine Forest and Logging Museum

    Leonard's Mills is the centerpiece of the Maine Forest and Logging Museum, Inc. (MFLM), a nonprofit organization incorporated in 1960, and dedicated to keeping alive the forest industry of long ago for the present-day citizens of the State of Maine. Located on approximately 400 acres on Blackman Stream in Bradley, Leonard's Mills is at the actual site of an early pioneer settlement, identified by the remains of a stone dam and the foundations of several houses. Today, Leonard's Mills is "alive" once again, as the Museum is represented by an authentic reconstruction of a logging and milling community of the 1790s. The Museum, through our Living History site at Leonard's Mills, teaches people of all ages about the forest and logging history of Maine. Our general purposes are to collect, preserve, and share artifacts, documents, tools, and equipment, and stories relating to the history of the Maine woods - particularly the pioneer and lumbering periods.

     

    Position Overview and Responsibilities

     

    The Executive Director is responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission through its operational and financial objectives. The Executive Director must be an organized self-starter, an experienced communicator, an enthusiastic fundraiser and a team player to successfully oversee the day-to-day functions of MFLM. He or she must have the ability to move capably and confidently between a wide range of responsibilities including program coordination & development, financial management, human resources, fundraising, public relations, board and volunteer relations, building management and staff oversight. The Executive Director reports to the MFLM President and Board of Directors.

     

    Responsibilities

     

    Fundraising (Estimated time 40%): The ED will cultivate and solicit individual, corporate, and foundation support as well as seek out grant opportunities as they arise to support MFLM.  This effort must include finding new sources of capital in order to further the museum’s mission.

    Program Management (Estimated time 30%): Develop short-term and long-term strategic plans for the MFLM that support the Mission and objectives of the organization. Oversee and engage in the planning, organizing, and operation of events – both onsite and offsite as appropriate. 

    Operate as the lead contact on potential additions to the MFLM Collections to ensure donations fit the mission.

    Communications and Public Relations (Estimated time 15%):  The ED will serve as the “public face” of the organization at events, with donors, and with the media in order to promote the MFLM and its programs. In addition he or she will oversee and engage in the creation of promotional materials including MFLM newsletters, press releases, and enhancing MFLM’s web presence.

    In addition, the Executive Director will directly oversee and manage all MFLM employees, and serve as a conduit to the Board for those employees.

    Budget and Finance (Estimated time 15%): The Executive Director will work closely with the Board President, Treasurer, and Budget and Finance Committee to develop organizational and program-specific budgets and ensure the organization operates prudently within those budgets.  The ED will also coordinate the paying of bills to the various vendors the museum uses.

    Qualifications

     

    Strong candidates will possess the following qualifications:

    • Strong organizational in communication skills
    • Experience in fundraising and grant proposal writing
    • Ability to work independently
    • Strong operational and financial management skills
    • Passion for preserving and showcasing Maine’s forest and logging history
    • Experience communicating with and organizing volunteers
    • Strong computer skills, including but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel.  The successful candidate will also be familiar with electronic communications, social media and be willing to expand their skillset into database programs. 
    • Have experience managing education programs and the accompanying physical site.

    Compensation

    Pay is commensurate with experience.  This is a part-time year-round position at 30 hours per week.

    Location

    MFLM’s office is the US Forest Service Building on the Government Road in Bradley, Maine.


    Additional Job Information

    MFLM’s employment committee will be conducting the candidate search. Please e-mail your resume and cover letter to Scott Robinson, Employment Committee Chair, at sdrobinson@prentissandcarlisle.com . The position’s expected start date is mid-August, 2013.
    8/23/2013
    Executive/Senior Management
    Part-Time
    Bangor Area
  • 01 Aug 2013 11:05 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
    Major Gifts Professional-External Affairs/Development
     
    Category: Professional
    Department: External Affairs/Development
    Locations: Unity, ME
    Posted: Jun 28, '13
    Type: Full-time
    E-mail to a friend

    About Unity College:

    Unity College, a private college in rural Maine, provides dedicated, engaged students with a liberal arts education emphasizing the environment, natural resources, and the emerging framework of sustainability science. A common interest in developing sustainable solutions to environmental problems unites our students, staff, and faculty. Recently named to the top 30 of the Washington Monthly college rankings and Princeton Review’s Green Rating Honor Roll, Unity is rapidly becoming recognized as a national leader in sustainability science.

    Job Description:

    Unity College is seeking a goal oriented full-time Major Gifts Professional who will identify, engage, cultivate, and steward current and prospective donors.  Those interested should be mission driven, with fundraising skills needed in a development professional.  As a team member, you will contribute to Unity’s market niche leadership position.

    Requirements:

    Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred.  Experience working with prospective donors and fundraising required. A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record is also required.


    Additional Information:

    HOURS:  Full-time, extensive travel, occasional evenings and weekends expected.

    PAY/BENEFITS:   Title and salary commensurate with experience.     Full benefits package.

    An Equal Opportunity Employer, minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

    Unity College seeks to attract employees who share a commitment to the environment and to human diversity, and who have an interest in helping students develop an understanding of the richness and complexity of individuals and society.

    Application Instructions:

    Application review will begin immediately until the position is filled. Applicants interested in applying MUST submit a cover letter and resume online.

    After uploading your resume, the subsequent pages enable you to upload additional documents (i.e. cover letter and three professional references, if required).

    If you already have a Unity College Employment Account that you set up previously online, Login to add documents or update your account.

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Maine Archives and Museums

P.O. Box 95, Portland, Maine 04112

info@mainemuseums.org 


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