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.

Advertising: If you are interested in advertising in the print newsletter, please review these specifications and deadlines.

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.

  • 30 Oct 2012 10:02 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Effective November 1, 2012, Maine Archives and Museums will move from a traditional calendar-year membership format to “rolling” membership, allowing members to enjoy a full 12 months of membership benefits no matter what time of year they join the organization.  Traditionally, MAM’s membership year ran from January 1 to December 31.  The new rolling membership will allow member benefits to run for a full calendar year from the date of enrollment.  “We are excited to offer the rolling membership option to our members,” said MAM President Jay Adams.  “This is just one of the many benefits resulting from our decision last year to upgrade to new membership management software.”  According to Adams, the new software allows for easy tracking of memberships no matter when members join.  This is a real benefit to organizations that close during the winter season and renew when they reopen in late spring each year.  “Essentially, those members who were closed in the off-season would miss the renewal drive held every January and could, as a result, miss several months of newsletters and benefits,” explained Candace Kanes, who sits on MAM’s membership committee.  “It makes sense to let members join when it suits their calendar and budget year.  It allows them to take advantage of a full year of MAM benefits, including the newsletter, email updates, seasonal workshops, and the like.”  The change will have no impact on current members and requires no action by current members.  MAM’s membership management software monitors all renewal dates and automatically sends electronic updates to members to inform them of pending expiration dates and renewal procedures.   When members renew, their membership will be in effect for one year from the date their renewal is processed.  For more information on MAM’s rolling membership visit www.MaineMuseums.org or email info@MaineMuseums.org.

  • 29 Oct 2012 12:40 PM | Anonymous member
    With any luck, Hurricane Sandy has left your organization unscathed.  But if you have storm damage or flooding, there is help.

    For Documents and Works on Paper: 
    Contact Northeast Document Conservation Center's Disaster Assistance Hotline, 978-470-1010, day or night, seven days a week. After Center hours, you will be referred to a second telephone number to reach a staff member. Please do NOT request disaster assistance via email, since it is not monitored 24 hours a day. NEDCC staff members are available 24 hours a day to provide telephone advice when a disaster occurs. This service is provided at no charge thanks to a grant to NEDCC from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). This service does not normally include on-site assistance.

    For Artwork and Historic Artifacts:

    Another source for hurricane disaster relief, with trained specialists right here in Maine is the American Institute of Conservation's Collections Emergency Response TeamAIC-CERT responds to the needs of cultural institutions during emergencies and disasters through coordinated efforts with first responders, state agencies, vendors and the public. For 24-hour assistance from trained volunteers, call (202) 661-8068.

    Or Search MAM's Service Provider directory for a conservator or historic building specialist located near you.  Stay safe out there!

  • 23 Oct 2012 9:22 AM | Anonymous member
    Approximately 75 organizations in communities of varying sizes across the
    country will be selected to participate in The Big Read from September 2013
    through June 2014. Grants may range from $2500 to $20,000 and include a
    dollar for dollar match requirement.

    Community organizations participating in The Big Read develop and produce
    community-wide reading programs which encourage reading and participation by
    diverse audiences. Activities focus on one book or poet from The Big Read
    Library.

    For more information, see http://www.neabigread.org/application_process.php.
  • 07 Oct 2012 10:24 AM | Anonymous member
    The ALA Public Programs Office is now accepting nominations for the ALA
    Excellence in Library Programming Award, sponsored by the ALA Cultural
    Communities Fund. The award will recognize a library that demonstrates
    excellence in library programming by developing and presenting a cultural or
    thematic program or program series during the previous year (September 1,
    2011 - August 31, 2012). The Award consists of $5,000 and a citation of
    achievement, to be presented during the ALA Award Presentation at the 2013
    ALA Annual Conference. Applications and award guidelines are available at
    http://www.ala.org/programming/programmingexcellence. To be considered,
    nominations must be received by December 1.

    In recognition that programming is an essential part of service delivery in
    all types of libraries, school, public, academic, and special libraries are
    all eligible. The nominated program/series must have been for a public
    audience. The nominated cultural/thematic program should be one that
    features the humanities, sciences, arts, creative arts, community and civic
    engagement programs, as well as programs in conjunction with exhibitions,
    community-wide reading programs, or other community-wide programs. The
    nominated program should have engaged the community in planning, sponsorship
    and/or active participation, addressed an identified community need, and
    have had a measurable impact.

    With questions, please contact the ALA Public Programs Office,
    publicprograms@ala.org or 800-545-2433 x5045.
  • 02 Oct 2012 8:26 AM | Anonymous member

    DIRECT HIRE CAREER OPPORTUNITY

    STATE OF MAINE

    Maine State Museum

     

    Museum Technician I

     Part-Time 20 hours weekly

    Salary Range: $12.53 - $16.43/hourly

    Class Code:  3121                  Range: 15

     

    Value of State paid Dental Insurance:  $13.69 bi-weekly

    *Value of State-paid Health Insurance

    Level 1:         100% State Contribution (employee pays nothing):                    $363.77 bi-weekly

    Level 2:         95% State Contribution (employee pays 5%):                            $345.58 biweekly

    Level 3:          90% State Contribution (employee pays 10%):                          $327.39 biweekly

    Level 4:          85% State Contribution (employee pays 15%):                          $309.20 biweekly

    * The level of the actual value of state paid Health Insurance will be based on the employee's

    wage rate and status with regard to the health credit premium program as of July 1, 2011.  Value of State’s share of employee retirement contribution = 11.54% of salary for BU position; 16.54% of salary for X position.

                           

    Date Issued:   September 28, 2012                           Date Closed: October 19, 2012

    PURPOST OF ANNOUNCEMENT:

    The Maine State Museum has a 20 hour a week position for a Museum Technician I position in their Education Division.  The Maine State Museum is opened seven days a week and this position would be required to work some weekend hours.

    DESCRIPTION:

    This is technical services work providing interpretation of the collections on display in both formal and informal settings.  Work involves disseminating information and presenting gallery education programs.  Work is performed under general supervision.

    REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:

    ·         Inspects exhibit galleries and related areas in order to assure visitor safety

    ·         Provides active interpretation of the exhibits to general visitors and school group

    ·         Presents (teaches) formal education programs relating to Maine natural history, prehistory and/or social history

    ·         Assists in the planning and presentation of scheduled special events

    • Provides maintenance for the exhibit galleries and assists with the operation of audio-visual presentations.

    ·         Assists with scheduling group visits to the museum and helps to manage the scheduling database

    ·         Provides security for the collection on display in the exhibit galleries

    KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

    ·         Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques used in assigned specialty. (Education /interpretation)

    ·         Knowledge of applicable security rules and safety codes.

    ·         Ability to interact in a positive manner with visitors of different ages and abilities.

    ·         Ability to maintain facilities

    ·         Ability to work independently

    ·         Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Two (2) years education and/or experience in appropriate museum specialty.  Preference will be given to applicants with experience teaching in a formal or informal educational setting.

    HOW TO APPLY:  Qualified candidates should send resume, direct hire application, and letter of interest to Julie Cotnoir, Personnel Officer, General Government Service Center, 74 State House Station, Augusta, Maine, 04333, Telephone (207) 624-7417.  Direct Hire applications are available at the General Government Service Center in Augusta, all Maine Career Center Offices, and on the General Government Service Center web site at: http://www.maine.gov/fps/opportunities

    Maine State Government is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer-diverse candidates encouraged to apply.  We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

  • 01 Oct 2012 12:48 PM | Anonymous member
    Maine Archives and Museums seeks dedicated, enthusiastic professionals to serve on its board for two-year terms starting January, 2013.  This is an amazing opportunity to become more deeply involved in Maine's community of collecting institutions--to network, gain new skills, connect with other organizations, and to help strengthen our shared resources.

    Good with numbers?  We're still looking for a new TREASURER to replace the magnificent Patty Henner, who retires from the Board (after many years of service!) at the end of this calendar year.  Come on--we know some of you archivists out there are secret numbers people! If that describes you, and especially if you have some experience with Quickbooks, we've got a place for you here at MAM.

    The board meets in person four times a year, in different locations throughout the state, and board members are also expected to attend the Annual Conference and Meeting, held each fall. Board members are also asked to serve on committees that work together on project related to membership, long-range planning, communications, and more.  Board members serve on a volunteer basis and are elected for up to three consecutive two-year terms.

    Think you might be interested?  Time is of the essence!  New board members need to be voted in at the Annual Meeting on October 26, and we need time before that to prepare the slate. Please contact Nominating Committee Chair (and MAM's outgoing Vice President) George Squibb RIGHT AWAY at 207-338-3340 or fuzzbe@yahoo.com.
  • 30 Sep 2012 5:40 PM | Anonymous member

    The New England Regional Genealogical Conference (NERGC) is held every two years and in 2013 the conference will be held from April 17-21 in Manchester, NH. It draws more than seven hundred attendees from all over the U. S. and from other countries. Library Day and Tech Day will be held on Wednesday, April 17th. This year's conference theme is “Woven in History: The Fabric of New England” and will offer over eighty sessions and six workshops with both regionally and nationally recognized speakers, as well as the Society Fair, Poster Sessions, Special Interest Groups and Ancestors' Road Show. The Exhibit Hall will be open to the public. More information about NERGC can be found on their website www.nergc.org. From that site click on “Program Brochure” and under the yellow brochure cover you will be able to view the sixteen page 2013 brochure by selecting “Download Program Here”.

  • 30 Sep 2012 9:08 AM | Anonymous member

    Important news for all MAM members, especially those who have recently joined or renewed mid-year.  MAM will soon be moving to a “rolling” membership renewal process rather than one based on the calendar year.  That means that instead of having all memberships become active in January and come up for renewal in December, each member will have a unique renewal date based upon when they joined or last renewed.  In other words, if you renew your membership in June 2013, we won’t ask you for your renewal again until June 2014. Whatever time of year you join or renew, you can be confident that you’ll receive twelve full months of MAM’s great membership benefits.  The new renewal process will be in place by November 1.  For more about MAM membership, visit www.mainemuseums.org/MAMmembership or contact us directly at (207) 400-6965 or info@mainemuseums.org.

  • 27 Sep 2012 10:08 AM | Anonymous member
    The Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) is seeking an
    experienced preservation professional to lead and manage its
    nationally-recognized education programs and consulting services.

    For the complete job description: http://bit.ly/PrsSvcsJ

    For the latest NEDCC Staff News Update:
    http://www.nedcc.org/eblasts/2012StaffUpdate.html


    ************************************

    NORTHEAST DOCUMENT CONSERVATION CENTER
    Andover, MA
    Preserving Cultural Heritage Collections Since 1973

    Join NEDCC's E-List for all the latest news: www.nedcc.org






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Maine Archives and Museums

P.O. Box 95, Portland, Maine 04112

info@mainemuseums.org 


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