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.

  • 06 Apr 2013 3:58 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
    The Owls Head Transportation Museum is now accepting resumes for the position of Finance Manager. The successful applicant will be an experienced professional with a strong knowledge of accounting principles. Duties will include, though are not limited to, AP/AR, GL, payroll, applicable taxes and filings, financial recording, reporting and related controls. The Finance Manager is part of a team involved in Museum events, programs and services. He/she must be a detail-oriented self-starter with strong organizational skills. The ability to work under pressure and interact with volunteers and the public is a must.

    Experience in non-profit financial management is a plus. This is a perfect opportunity for someone wishing to work in a dynamic, people-oriented work environment that offers excellent compensation.

    How To Apply

    Please forward resume with cover letter to: ss@ohtm.org or the Owls Head Transportation Museum, ATTN: Sherrie Schmitt, P.O. Box 277, Owls Head, Maine 04854.
  • 07 Mar 2013 1:38 PM | Anonymous member

    The Portland Museum of Art (PMA) announced today that Curator of American Art Karen Sherry has been promoted to Chief Curator. Her new title will be Chief Curator and Curator of American Art. Sherry joined the museum staff in June 2012 and was instrumental in the opening of the Winslow Homer Studio and the exhibition Weatherbeaten: Winslow Homer and Maine last September. Sherry will organize her first exhibition at the PMA, entitled Winslow Homer’s Civil War, which opens on September 7, 2013. She is also working on a major reinterpretation and installation plan for the museum’s permanent collection slated for 2015.

    “Over the last few months, Karen has shown strong leadership skills in directing the vision of the museum’s curatorial staff and programs,” said PMA Director Mark H.C. Bessire. “The schedule of future exhibitions and the reinstallation of our permanent collection will give the museum new and diverse offerings for our visitors and members.”

    In addition to her curatorial duties related to the interpretation and exhibition of pre-1950 American art, Sherry will supervise the PMA’s curatorial activities and staff, which includes: Jessica May, Curator of Contemporary and Modern Art; Margaret Burgess, The Susan Donnell and Harry W. Konkel Associate Curator of European Art; Ariel Hagan, Curatorial Coordinator; and Emily Friedman, Curatorial Assistant.

    Prior to coming to the PMA, Karen Sherry was the Associate Curator of American Art at the Brooklyn Museum in New York, where she worked from 2003 to 2012. She has contributed to numerous exhibitions, catalogues, and other publications including: Fine Lines: American Drawings from the Brooklyn Museum (2013); American Moderns: From O’Keeffe to Rockwell, 1910-1960 (2012); Japonisme in American Graphic Arts, 1880-1920 (2008); “Under the Open Sky”: Landscape Sketches by Nineteenth-Century American Artists (2007); Picturing Place: Francis Guy’s Brooklyn, 1820 (2006); andThe Gist of Drawing: Works of Art on Paper by John Sloan (1997). She also worked as a research assistant at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, and as an adjunct professor at various colleges. In addition to her professional positions, Sherry has been the recipient of fellowships from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian American Art Museum, and Winterthur Museum. She earned a Ph.D. and M.A. in Art History from the University of Delaware and a B.A. in Art History from Boston University.

    More info: www.portlandmuseum.org

  • 04 Mar 2013 9:34 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 4, 2013

    Contact: Eric Pourchot

    Phone: (202) 661-8061

    Email: epourchot@conservation-us.org

    FAIC Announces May 1 Deadline for Tru Vue® Optium® Conservation Grant

    Tru Vue® Inc. has partnered with the Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (FAIC) to offer grants to support projects in glazing applications for preservation of museum and library collections. Funds are to help defray direct project costs, including supplies and publicity. Projects must be supported by a conservator and demonstrate conservation goals.

    Up to four awards will be made each year. Each award includes a cash amount of up to $4,000 and donated Tru Vue® Optium® acrylic glazing materials.

    Past recipients of the grant include the Flint Institute of Arts, the Rockingham Free Public Library, the Newark Museum Association, Friends of Old Ship Meeting House, the Golisano Children's Museum of Naples, Norman Rockwell Museum, New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation, Bureau of Historic Sites, the Harry Ransom Center of The University of Texas at Austin, The Fairbanks House, the Phillips Collection, The Walters Art Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Mariners’ Museum of Newport News, Virginia, the Newark Museum of New Jersey, the New York Historical Society, and the Museum of Art at the Rhode Island School of Design.

    To be eligible,

    •· The applicant must be a not-for-profit collecting institution (museum or library) with active exhibition programs and located in one of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories.

    •· The institution must have at least one full-time conservator on staff, or a conservator who will be on contract for the project.

    •· Projects should be completed within 12 months of the award date.

    The deadline for receipt of all materials is May 1 and November 1 of each year. Electronic submissions are encouraged but not required.

    Guidelines and forms are available on both the AIC/FAIC website, www.conservation-us.org/grants and Tru Vue, www.tru-vue.com/museums/grants, or by calling the FAIC office at 202-452-9545.

    # # #

    About FAIC

    FAIC, the Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works, supports conservation education, research, and outreach activities that increase understanding of our global cultural heritage.

    About Tru Vue

    Tru Vue is a manufacturer of high performance glazing products for the custom picture frame and museum markets. Tru Vue is a leader in both UV protection, as well as anti-reflective and specialty glazing products for these markets. The company is located in McCook, Illinois and Faribault, Minnesota and is a subsidiary of Apogee Enterprises, which is traded under “apog” on the NASDAQ. For more information on Tru Vue, visit the company website at www.tru-vue.com.

    Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works

    1156 15th Street, NW • Suite 320 • Washington, DC 20005

    202-452-9545 • info@conservation-us.org www.conservation-us.org

  • 19 Feb 2013 10:17 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Job Opening:  Guest Services Associate

    Supervisor: Manager of Museum Services

    Team Support: Gift Shop Team

    Status: Seasonal (May - October), 20-40 hours per week ; Rate: $9 per hour

    Hiring preference given to applicants available to work mid-May thru late October

    Job Summary

    Guest Services Associates are responsible for greeting museum guests, assisting in the museum shops,

    interpreting museum exhibits, maintaining the appearance of the museums, and providing excellent

    customer service.

    Responsibilities (may include any combination of the following):

    • Attend mandatory (paid) staff trainings.
    • Greet and count guests and tour groups, collect admission fees, and sell museum memberships.
    • Orient visitors to the Museum’s exhibits, and provide history talks and group introductions or conduct

    tours.

    • Act as shop clerk, assisting customers, answering questions, conducting sales, and maintaining good

    customer relations.

    • Maintain daily records, including sales, deposits, and reports.
    • Open and close the Museums; including shops, admission desks, and exhibit areas as required.
    • Maintain overall museum and shop appearance, including dusting and cleaning of shop fixtures,

    windows, and exhibits. Maintain appearance and cleanliness of public spaces, including lounges and

    galleries, kitchen, and hallways.

    • Assist with shop operations, including inventory, merchandise displays, and processing of stock.
    • Work with volunteers, and support their needs.
    • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

    Qualifications

    • Willingness to learn about the native cultures of Maine. Knowledge of or interest in Native Americans,

    particularly those of Maine, and their culture and crafts. Resources available upon request.

    • Previous retail and/or guest services experience, preferred.
    • Familiarity with computers or cash registers, exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, and

    the ability to work in a fast paced environment.

    • Must be available to work weekends and holidays, MayundefinedOctober, and provide flexibility.
    • Reliable transportation is required.

    Physical Requirements

    • Significant time is spent standing or walking; occasional sitting for long periods.
    • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
    • Ability to operate computer, cash register, and adding machine.
    • High energy level and ability to adapt to changing conditions.

    The Abbe Museum is an equal opportunity employer. Positions are open until filled.

    Interested candidates should mail application to: Astra Haldeman – Abbe Museum – PO Box 286

    Additional info at:  http://www.abbemuseum.org/downloads/2013guestservicesassociatedescription-1.pdf

     

  • 06 Feb 2013 10:26 AM | Anonymous member
    The Maine State Library and the Maine Library Association are pleased to announce the opening of the application period for the Maine Library Leadership Institute, a year-long program to develop leaderships skills that is open to librarians in all types of libraries. To begin this program, MSL and MLA are partnering to send 7 Maine librarians to the New England Library Leadership Symposium (NELLS) in North Andover, MA. NELLS runs from July 29 - August 2. Tuition and some travel costs will be paid through grants from MLA and the Maine Community Foundation.


    You will submit your application to NELLS but Maine applications will be forwarded to a local committee for evaluation. The MLA Chair and NELA representative and the 3 district consultants will make up the selection committee.


    NELLS is just the beginning of an exciting year of leadership training and activities planned by the district consultants. For more information and a link to the application, go the MSL website: http://www.maine.gov/msl/mrls/coned/leadership.htm.
  • 22 Jan 2013 2:08 PM | Anonymous member
    International Foundation for Cultural Property Protection

    CULTURAL PROPERTY SAFETY, SECURITY & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TRAINING & CERTIFICATION FOR FRONT LINE STAFF OR MANAGERS

    CIPS Certification

    Monday, February 4, 2013
    9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

    The Certified Institutional Protection Specialist/Supervisor (CIPS) program designates those professionals working in, or directly responsible for the protection of cultural, public, and educational institutions.  This special category of IFCPP basic certification includes proprietary or contract security officers, supervisors, human resources, librarians, registrars, curators, or other staff with duties in facility protection and front line response.
     
    CIPS Coursework Includes:
    Code of Conduct
    Conflict Resolution & Use of Force
    Customer Service & Guest Relations
    Emergency Evacuations & Lockdowns
    Emergency Medical Response
    Fire Protection
    Legal Considerations & Restrictions
    Protecting Collections 
    Patrolling, Incident Reporting, Package Inspections
    Cost: $165 per person (discounts available for multiple registrations) – includes application fee, course work, handouts, exam, and certification)
    CIPS certification requires attendance at this full-day classes, plus written examination. Confirmation, application paperwork, and classroom/parking directions will be e-mailed upon receipt of registration. 
    Location: Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine

    Contact IFCPP now to register!
    ____________________________________________________

    CIPM Certification

    Tuesday, February 5, 2013
    9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

    The Certified Institutional Protection Manager (CIPM) program provides the latest information for professionals in a management or administrative role who are responsible for the protection of cultural, educational, or public institutions.

    CIPM Coursework Includes:
    Emergency Management
    Fire Protection
    Legal Considerations & Litigation Avoidance
    Workplace Violence Prevention
    Protecting Collections & Assets
    Technology Considerations
    Personnel Management
    Cost: $195 per person (discounts available for multiple registrations) – includes application fee, course work, handouts, exam, and certification)
    Location: Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine
    Upon successful completion of course work and exam, participants will be awarded CIPS and/or CIPM certification.  Special thanks to Bowdoin College for generously hosting of this important workshop!

    Contact IFCPP now to register!


    Please pass along this message to your colleagues, associates, and peers that might benefit from these timely training opportunities.  Additional discounts are available for your referrals, contact us for details.
     

    Join Us Today.                 


    Copyright (C) 2011 IFCPP All rights reserved.

    Forward this email to a friend
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  • 22 Jan 2013 10:41 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
    History buffs interested in archaeology have an opportunity this winter to assist Dr. Neill De Paoli processing recently discovered artifacts dating as far back as the mid-1600s.

    An archaeology "lab" for washing, reconstructing, and identifying artifacts will be held at the Counting House Museum in South Berwick on Saturday afternoons from noon to 3:30 pm throughout the winter.  Volunteers are needed and will be trained on the job; no prior experience is needed.

     "This is an opportunity for a hands-on encounter with historical household objects, tools and building materials used hundreds of years ago," said De Paoli.  "You'll get a closer look than is ever possible when looking at a museum exhibit.  Your assistance in processing these artifacts will also help us get a better understanding of the age, purpose, and identity of the structures we have uncovered on the the Old Fields dig site, so we will be very grateful to participants for their assistance."

    Those interested in participating may contact DePaoli for further information at 603-766-0561 or ndppquid@yahoo.com.

    DePaoli, who has devoted most of his career to the study of English settlement and Anglo-Indian and English-French relations in early northern New England, has spent the past two summers overseeing excavations and the Old Berwick Historical Society's archaeological field school in South Berwick.

    The Old Fields dig is named for a neighborhood of South Berwick that 330 years ago was a small hamlet of several homes, a tavern, meetinghouse, burial ground, town wharf, and expansive hay fields, De Paoli explained. Historical documents suggest this locale was a fortified garrison during the conflict ridden 1690s and early 1700s. In 1690 and 1691, Wabanaki war parties attacked the Old Fields garrison and two men working in a nearby field, on two separate occasions.

    The dig site is the former dwelling and tavern of Humphrey and Mary Spencer who occupied it from c. 1696 until 1727.  De Paoli and his team and members of an archaeological field school (2012) uncovered the first evidence of an early structure that appears to be the Spencer home and tavern along with an array of items including glass wine bottles, stoneware jugs and drinking tankards, and clay smoking pipes. They have also unearthed part of a nearby blacksmith shop that was owned by Captain Ichabod Goodwin and his son General Ichabod Goodwin who lived on the property from 1740 until 1829.

    Dr. De Paoli will be continuing his search for more evidence of the Spencer home, and tavern along with the as yet elusive garrison (c. 1690-1720) this coming summer with the assistance of his crew of volunteers and an archaeological field school.

    De Paoli has 35 years of experience as a historical archaeologist, having directed archaeological projects in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. He is an adjunct professor at Southern Maine Community College.

    More information about the Old Fields Archaeology Project is available at www.oldberwick.org
  • 16 Jan 2013 4:46 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) seeks a knowledgeable
    and energetic Preservation Specialist to support its consulting,
    education, and outreach programs.

    Working closely with NEDCC's staff, the Preservation Specialist prepares
    and facilitates workshops, webinars, lectures, coursework, and
    conference presentations; edits or authors reference resources and
    publications; responds to technical and disaster inquiries; coordinates
    and conducts preservation needs assessments; authors comprehensive
    assessment reports that provide specific recommendations based on
    findings and best-practices; participates in department- and Center-wide
    projects and initiatives; and represents NEDCC at local, regional, and
    national professional meetings and conferences.

    As NEDCC continues to expand its consulting, education, and outreach
    services, the ideal candidate for this position will be able to develop
    and maintain both physical and digital preservation knowledge and
    skills.

    FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY:
    http://www.nedcc.org/about/news.2013preservationjob.php

  • 15 Jan 2013 2:55 PM | Anonymous member

    Penobscot Marine Museum Education Director

    Due to a retirement, the Penobscot Marine Museum is seeking a Director of Education with proven experience in identifying educational opportunities, creating and implementing programs and curriculum that advance the Museum’s mission.

    PMM is dedicated to preserving, interpreting and celebrating the maritime culture of the Penobscot Bay Region and beyond through collections, education and community engagement. The Museum houses superb collections of marine art, historic boats, scrimshaw, ship models and 19th export items as well as over 100,000 historic photographs. The Museum’s education programs, both on and off site, have a long history of excellence and innovation. PMM’s Maritime History and Literacy Curriculum, for example, blends maritime history and literacy skill practice in a detailed and comprehensive program that is unique in the museum education field.

    Position Description and Responsibilities include:

    ·         Work with colleagues (paid and volunteer) in the planning, development, implementation, coordination and evaluation of robust education programs and experiences that meet the diverse needs of PMM audiences, including professional development for teachers, school outreach and on-site programming for adults as well as children.

    ·         Understand, identify and appropriately respond to a diverse audience that includes students, families, and other life-long learners.

    ·         Work with PMM staff to coordinate existing programs and develop new programs that will fully leverage PMM’s historical, environmental and institutional resources.

    ·         Develop, implement and evaluate outreach strategies to promote PMM’s educational visitation and programs.

    ·         Manage and schedule interpretive programs to deliver and promote experiences, such as Museum tours, school programs and special events to Museum visitors

    ·         Facilitate school participation in the museum experience.

    ·         Together with Board members, staff, and individually, promote PMM’s programs to current and prospective donors to generate funding for exponential growth.

    ·         Working with appropriate staff, identify granting opportunities within the guidelines of the long range plan, yearly exhibits and departmental needs and participate in the preparation of the grant applications and reporting.

    ·         Working with appropriate staff, develop and maintain an annual budget for the education department.

    ·         Regularly evaluate and review the results of education programming with the executive director and appropriate Board committees.

    Qualifications

    Qualified applicants must have, at a minimum, a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four year college in social sciences, history, education or a related field as well as at least 5 years’ experience working in a museum environment or related institution or in the field of education. Preferred applicants should possess a creative and innovative approach to PMM’s programmatic and educational development. In addition, the successful candidate must have:

    • Demonstrated ability to make scholarly information accessible to various audiences, including the general public, families, students and educators.
    • Demonstrated ability to approach projects in an analytical, well-organized manner and be able to meet deadlines while working on several concurrent projects.
    • Demonstrated ability to supervise and manage staff and resources to teach, train and/or interpret information and communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences
    • Commitment to working as part of a collaborative team.
    • Ability to work effectively and creatively using computers and online technology.
    • Strong communication skills, both written and oral to include public speaking/presentation skills.
    • Relevant experience in budget and resource management.

    To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three

    professional references to Education Director Search, Penobscot Marine Museum, 5 Church Street, PO Box 498, Searsport, ME  04974 or email dhavey@pmm-maine.org.  For more information on the Museum, please visit our website at www.penobscotmarinemuseum.org

  • 09 Jan 2013 7:07 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Gallery Manager

    Maine Media Workshops + College


    Company: Maine Media Workshops + College
    Location: Portland, Maine & Rockport, Maine
    Type: Full-Time

    Job Description


    Maine Media Workshops + College is seeking to hire a GALLERY MANAGER to be responsible for two galleries: one at 132 Washington Avenue in Portland (“Portland Gallery”), and one at Central Street, Rockport, Maine (“MMWC Gallery"). The mission of the MMWC Gallery is to showcase photographic and multi-media work of students, alumni, and faculty, as well as innovative media artists whose work would be educational to our community and to our students. The mission of the Portland Gallery is to show high quality photography and works on paper of artists in Maine or with a connection to Maine.

    The person hired for this position will curate, and/or coordinate with internal and/or guest curators, and manage approximately 20 gallery exhibitions per year and related events. The Gallery Manager will ensure both galleries maintain planned open hours, recruiting and coordinating volunteers and interns as needed. Working with curators and guest curators, the Gallery Manager will be responsible for marketing, communications and public relations; hanging shows, merchandising and displays; planning and hosting gallery events, recordkeeping, cash management and all business functions. The person in this position will be located in Portland approximately 3 days/week and in Rockport 2 days/week, travelling between these locations.
    The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills and the ability to market photography and other artwork effectively through, including but not limited to the internet and appropriate social media outlets; ideally he/she will have previous management and gallery experience; he/she is passionate about photography and knowledgeable about the medium’s history and current trends.

    How To Apply


    Apply online via our website: http://www.mainemedia.edu/workshops/about/employment or send resume and letter expressing interest and relevant experience to Jobs@mainemedia.edu. Applications will be reviewed beginning January 15, 2013.

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P.O. Box 95, Portland, Maine 04112

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