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

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

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Read now: Click here to view the current and past issues of the print 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.

  • 01 Aug 2013 11:01 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Development and Communications Assistant

    GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES

    The Maine Humanities Council (MHC) is a Portland-based nonprofit organization that serves the state of Maine. Our mission is to enrich the lives of people in Maine through literature, history, philosophy, and culture with programs, events, grants, and online resources that encourage critical thinking and conversation across social, economic, and cultural boundaries. Our work connects people through the power and pleasure of ideas, reaching audiences of all economic backgrounds in ways that make a significant difference in their lives.

    The MHC is seeking a full-time Development and Communications Assistant to provide support for the fundraising and communications efforts of the organization. In that capacity, this individual will assist with fundraising and communications initiatives, with the following responsibilities:

    • Manage gift entry and acknowledgement process, paying close attention to detail;
    • Collaborate on solicitation process;
    • Work closely with Director of Development for special approaches and solicitation opportunities linked with programming;
    • Manage administrative fundraising operations, including the monthly giving program, multi-year giving club, expand-the-base process, and monthly acknowledgement phone call process;
    • Assist with special fundraising events as needed;
    • Manage social media schedules and implementations, such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as online calendar and website updates;
    • Manage Humanities on Demand podcast program;
    • Draft and send press releases in partnership with staff;
    • Create postcards for MHC events as needed; and
    • Contribute to other development/communications initiatives as needed

    The ideal candidate will have:

    • Excellent organizational, communications, and interpersonal skills
    • The ability to meet deadlines and maintain organized records with high level of accuracy in a fast-paced environment
    • Superior attention to detail
    • Sensitivity to confidential information
    • A high proficiency in Microsoft (Word, Excel, Outlook) and database software
    • A strong facility with technology
    • Demonstrated involvement with social media and online communication tools
    • Basic graphic design skills (Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator)
    • A Bachelor’s degree and a strong interest in the humanities

    The salary for this position is $25,000 with a benefit package.

    To apply, please send a résumé, cover letter, and three references to trudy@mainehumanities.org.

    Public humanities scholars

    In addition, the Council is always interested in expanding its roster of public humanities scholars who are available on a project-by-project contractual basis to advise council projects or lead group discussions of books in locations around Maine. If you are an experienced humanities teacher or scholar who is interested in working with the public and you would like more information, please e-mail your resume and contact information to info@mainehumanities.org and we will be in touch with you.

  • 29 Jul 2013 11:52 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    IMLS is a partner in an international exchange program called Film Forward, which brings independent films to communities throughout the United States and the world in an effort to enhance the appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures. Film screenings are followed by audience dialogue and IMLS is particularly interested in identifying museums and libraries as venues for these programmatic opportunities.

    Any museum or library or other organization is welcome to submit an RFP, though the project is targeting the following states for the 2014 tour: Arkansas, California, Florida, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington. I will also be contacting state librarians and state museum associations in those particular states.

    We are seeking potential Program Collaborators around the US to collaborate with the Sundance Institute to host a FILM FORWARD program in 2014.

    FILM FORWARD is an international cultural exchange program designed to enhance cross-cultural understanding, collaboration and dialogue around the globe by engaging audiences through the exhibition of film and conversation with filmmakers. FILM FORWARD is an Initiative of Sundance Institute and The President’s

    Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

    FILM FORWARD launched in 2010. Prior to that time, the AFI in association with the federal governmental agencies ran the program as AFI 20/20. In the last three years FILM FORWARD has visited 21 locations around the world from China, Morocco, India, and Turkey to Tennessee, California, Arizona and Puerto Rico. 26 independent films including WINTER’S BONE, AMREEKA, BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD and ON THE ICE and documentaries including CHASING ICE, LAST TRAIN HOME, BUCK and SENNA have screened to diverse communities, students and filmmakers. Over 30 filmmakers associated with these films have participated in engaging local audiences in question and answer sessions, workshops, roundtable discussion and meet and greet opportunities.

    FILM FORWARD’s goal is to reach audiences that do not have access to independent film and create cultural conversations to break down barriers and bridge similarities between cultures. Our experiences have reinforced the very reason that we believe in this program: We saw this in Nashville, Tennessee as homeless youth told us they felt empowered to tell their stories after seeing LA MISSION and in Imperial Valley, California as audience members said they appreciated seeing aboriginal people being celebrated and not stereotyped. In short, we have seen the power of storytelling to connect with audiences here and abroad, and to light the fires of curiosity about other cultures and new ways of thinking. The experience is enriching for both the local audiences and the filmmakers - who are all learning and benefiting from these cultural interactions.

    “We’ve been blessed to host Film Forward three times…Needless is to say that Film Forward made the PRFS a better organization, teaching us how to connect with audiences and spark profound conversations around independent film.”

    - Guillermo Vazquez, Co-Founder, Puerto Rico Film Society

    For more information on FILM FORWARD, please visit sundance.org/filmforward and read blogs by filmmakers, collaborators and audiences, browse through the photo galleries and watch the film trailers. We hope this program is of interest to you and look forward to your proposal.

    Please feel free to address any questions to Meredith Lavitt via email at  meredith_lavitt@sundance.org

  • 26 Jul 2013 11:03 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
     

    Job Announcement: Executive Director

    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.

    How to Apply

    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

  • 17 Jul 2013 12:42 PM | Anonymous

    The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Industrial Heritage Trust is seeking an Executive Director to be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Museum’s operations, focusing on executive management and development. The Director oversees a staff of 2 full-time and 3 part-time employees, and 80 volunteers.  Annual operating budget is $500,000+.

    Qualifications:  The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of the Museum and, as such, is responsible for the general and fiscal leadership and management of the entire organization, including fundraising, budgets, programs, partnerships, and external relations. Above all, the Executive Director is charged with delivering on the mission and goals of the organization in a fiscally sound manner. This person plays a leading role, working closely with the Board and staff, in developing and articulating the strategic direction of the Museum and in implementing the resulting strategies and initiatives.  This position requires an outstanding leader with exceptional communication skills, excellent fundraising skills, a strong public presence, and enthusiasm for making the case for the Museum to a variety of donors and partners. This individual must have the ability to work with the Board to create and carry out a unified vision for what the Museum can and should do. The ability to articulate a vision must be combined with the drive to achieve results and maintain museum ethics.

    Requirements:  Relevant experience, proven leadership and fund-raising ability.  A college degree is a plus, particularly in relevant disciplines.

    Salary:  Compensation commensurate with experience.  Negotiable.

    TO APPLY :  Send resume, cover letter, and professional references in confidence to director@mainenarrowgauge.org.  Executive Director Search, Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Industrial Heritage Trust, 58 Fore Street, Portland ME 04101.

    Deadline for applications is August 17, 2013. EOE

  • 10 Jul 2013 3:15 PM | Anonymous member
    Part-time administrative support is sought for fund-raising including membership, annual fund, programs and events. 18 hours per week, flexible schedule over 3-4 days.  Knowledge of DonorPerfect fund-raising software and Microsoft Office is desired. No phone calls please.  See www.yarmouthmehistory.org, click the About Us tab for complete job description and application instructions.   
  • 09 Jul 2013 4:55 PM | Anonymous member
    Updated application forms for the Maine Historical Records Collections Grant Program are now available at http://www.state.me.us/sos/arc/mhrab/grants.html.

    With this grant program, the Maine Historical Records Advisory Board supports the efforts of Maine's nonprofit organizations as they preserve their original historical records. The most likely projects involve organizing and rehousing collections in archival folders and boxes; hiring a consultant to make recommendations for the organization and care of the collections; or microfilming archival records, with a CD produced for access. Next "Basic Project" deadline is August 1; "Major Project" deadline is October 1.
  • 27 Jun 2013 8:52 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    MuseumPests 2014: Integrated Pest Management for museums, libraries, archives and historic sites

    Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia USA

    March 27-28, 2014

    MuseumPests.net goes live at Colonial Williamsburg!  After 10 years of creating online IPM resources for the museum, library/archive and historic site community we are partnering with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation to hold a two-day conference and workshop program.  Papers will be presented in the mornings and hands-on workshops in the afternoons.  Come meet and connect faces to the colleagues whose digital signatures you’ve seen on the PestList. 

    We are seeking papers and posters on Integrated Pest Management themes:

    • Preventive strategies and case studies
    • Control strategies and treatments
    • Innovative solutions and re-evaluation of existing treatments
    • Pesticide residues and health & safety
    • Training and awareness 

    Submit abstracts (400 words maximum) to Ryan Jones at rjones@cwf.org by August 12th, 2013.  Papers, posters or annotated PowerPoint presentations are due March 10, 2014 and will be posted as conference postprints on the MuseumPests.net website immediately following the conference. 

  • 19 Jun 2013 8:53 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
    Small Museum Association

    2014 Annual Conference Call for Proposals

    The Small Museum Association (SMA) is planning its 30th Annual Conference, which will be held in Ocean City, Maryland, February 16 - 18, 2014. The most important part of that planning is assembling speakers for the 40+ concurrent program sessions that will be presented during the conference. Through this Call for Proposals we invite you to share your knowledge, experience, and lessons learned with hundreds of colleagues who – like you – are committed to small museums everywhere. The deadline for submitting all proposals is Friday, October 4, 2013.

    As the only conference in the country dedicated specifically to small museums, the Annual Conference draws museum professionals from the Mid-Atlantic region and from across the country as our membership and attendee base continues to expand. The conference goal is to support and nurture the small museum community through a mix of invited speakers, contributed presentations, workshops, and engaging discussions. The conference provides a unique and comfortable learning environment for individuals and institutions with diverse experiences to meet and learn from each other, to share their expertise, build capacity, and increase professionalism. Conference sessions typically provide practical, relevant discussions and examples for small museums and institutions with limited budgets and staff.

    This year, the Small Museum Conference would like to offer sessions that address the conference theme, 30 Years of SMA: Past, Present, and Future. Small museums have a long history of serving their communities and continue to provide inspiration and illumination. This year’s conference will explore the ways in which small museums have evolved over the past thirty years to meet the challenges brought on by changing economic, educational, and social conditions, and what may face them in the future. We invite proposals based on institutional experience or original research. Proposal topics should help attendees learn from your institutions’ successes and failures, and provide low or no-cost ideas for making an impact. The power of small museums should be a central theme to any presentation, whether it addresses fundraising, education, curatorial issues, museum boards or volunteers. Proposals should also indicate the level of the information that will be provided, whether it is most appropriate for a beginner who is new to museums, someone with intermediate experience, or an expert in the field. Possible session topics include community engagement, collaboration between organizations, volunteer management, the responsibilities of museum boards, exhibit development, and any other topic that would interest members of small museum staffs, boards, and volunteer corps. Proposals should be submitted using the form below no later than Friday, October 4, 2013.

    The mission of the Small Museum Association is to develop and maintain a peer network among people who work for small museums, giving them opportunities to learn, share knowledge and support one another, so that they, in turn, can better serve their institutions, communities and profession.

    Small Museum Association.

    2014 Annual Conference Session Proposal Form

    Name:

    __________________________________________________________

    Institution/Organization/Company:

    __________________________________________________________

    Address:

    __________________________________________________________

    Phone Number:

    __________________________________________________________

    Cell Number (needed for emergency purposes during the conference):

    __________________________________________________________

    Email Address:

    __________________________________________________________

    Preferred Session Date: Monday, Feb. 20 Tuesday, Feb. 21 Either

    Preferred Session Length: 60 minutes 90 minutes Either

    Audience Level: Beginner Intermediate Expert

    Title of Proposed Session:

    __________________________________________________________

    Description of Proposed Session (use additional space as needed):

    Contact SMA Speaker Coordinators Allison Titman (Allison@hammondharwoodhouse.org, 410-263-4683 x12) or Lindsey Baker (Director@laurelhistoricalsociety.org, 301-725-7975) with questions or completed forms. Forms must be submitted no later than Friday, October 4, 2013.
  • 04 Jun 2013 10:47 AM | Anonymous member
    The Maine Historical Society (MHS) seeks an innovative and energetic
    Education Coordinator to lead the development and implementation of our
    statewide education program. The Education Coordinator is responsible for
    on-site school and family programs; developing tours of the
    Wadsworth-Longfellow House and Portland's historic Old Port, including
    managing and training museum guides and volunteer docents; and developing
    programs to support school use of our nationally-recognized Maine Memory
    Network. The Education Coordinator also plays a critical role in building
    and maintaining relationships with Maine teachers, schools, and community
    partners through outreach, collaboration, special projects, and social
    media. The successful candidate will provide leadership in the development
    of engaging place- and collections-based programs that connect students with
    Maine history and their communities. Minimum qualifications: Masters degree
    in history, education, or museum studies; two years teaching experience in
    museum and classroom settings; knowledge of museum and K-12 programs,
    practices, and standards. Strong leadership and management skills. Send
    cover letter, resume, and a list of three references to: Steve Bromage,
    Maine Historical Society, 489 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101. EOE.
    Electronic submissions are encouraged and should be sent to
    lwebb@mainehistory.org. Rolling review; closing date: June 28, 2013. No
    phone calls accepted.
  • 31 May 2013 10:25 AM | Anonymous member
    When: Friday, May 31, 10:30-2:30pm
    Where: USM Portland Campus, 7th floor Glickman Library

    Sponsored by the University of Maine System Diversity Committee, hosted by the Jean Byers Sampson Center for Diversity in Maine, USM Libraries

    A meeting of special collections in Maine who are collecting materials documenting Maine's African American, Jewish, and/or LGBT history to share collection strategies and programming ideas. Institutions involved include Colby, Bangor Public Library, Bates, Portland Public Library, and USM.

    Free lunch and parking, and re-imbursement of travel costs (as long as funds hold out)

    If you would lke to attend, please contact Susie R. Bock, bocks@usm.maine.edu.

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