Protecting Cultural Collections: Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Response & Recovery

Posted on May 17, 2012 by admin

Protecting Cultural Collections: Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Response & Recovery

Part 1: Prevention & Preparedness – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Denver: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 – University of Colorado, Anschutz Campus

Part 2: Response & Recovery – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Denver: Wednesday, August 22, 2012 – University of Colorado, Anschutz Campus

Sponsored by Western States & Territories Preservation Assistance Service (WESTPAS)
Instructor: Julie Page, Co-Coordinator, California Preservation Program and WESTPAS

The “Protecting Cultural Collections” workshops are presented in a 2-part sequence to produce the following outcomes for disaster preparedness activities:

•         Complete a disaster response & collection salvage plan by the end of Part 2

•         Learn how to train staff to implement your plan effectively

•         Set pre- and post-disaster action priorities for your collections

•         Understand practical decision-making skills needed during an emergency

•         Experience salvage procedures for a wide variety of material including books, documents, photos & objects

The workshop days are scheduled 4 weeks apart. Participants will prepare short assignments prior to the first session; between sessions, they will undertake additional assignments resulting in a completed disaster plan at the end of Part 2. Upon completion, the institution will be invited to join an informal network of WESTPAS trained personnel to provide mutual aid in the event of emergencies involving collections in the region.

Who should attend: Administrators and staff responsible for emergency preparedness, response and decision-making, in all types of cultural institutions.  By registering for the workshop, the institution commits to supporting the attendee(s) to achieve the workshop’s disaster preparedness goals. When possible, please send two attendees so they can work together on the disaster preparedness activities.

Cost: No charge to the institution.  Funding provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Co-sponsored by the Colorado State Library.

Registration: Pre-registration required. Register online at: WESTPAS workshop http://tiny.cc/ZePOL

For registration assistance contact: Alexandra Gingerich gingerich@plsinfo.org

For general & content information contact: Julie Page jpage@westpas.org

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CWAM 2012 Conference Survey

Posted on May 17, 2012 by admin

Hello CWAMers!

We want to thank all of you for helping to create a successful, energizing, and immersive annual meeting.

Hopefully by now you have had time to process (or at least begin to think about) your experience in Dubois, the material you heard in sessions, and some of the great networking conversations you had a breaks and evening events. And with that in mind – we now want to immerse ourselves in your mind and get your feedback.

Please be candid in your thoughts and responses (don’t worry, we have a thick skin); we truly want to continually work to make your CWAM experience as rich and rewarding as possible, and listening to our membership is one way to do that.

All information is anonymous and will be used to help us craft future CWAM annual meetings.

This survey should take 6-9 minutes to complete. As an incentive to finish the survey, 2 people will win $25 off next year’s annual meeting registration! (A disclaimer: you must enter your name and email on the last page of the survey if you’d like to be entered into the drawing.)

Thanks again – and see you in Golden!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LDGCB92

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Communications Contacts

Posted on May 16, 2012 by admin

Are you trying to figure out the best way to share information with the CWAM membership?

If you have a job opening announcement or an upcoming event please email the CWAM website chair.

If you have an article or information that can wait for the next newsletter publication please email the CWAM Newsletter editor.

If you have questions about your membership, please email the CWAM Membership chair.

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Collections Manager: Meeteetse Museums – closes June 22, 2012

Posted on May 16, 2012 by admin

Job Opening:
The Meeteetse Museum District is seeking a highly qualified individual to
serve as Collections Manager at Meeteetse Museums, located in northwest
Wyoming, 85 miles from Yellowstone Park. Meeteetse Museums consists of the
Charles Belden Museum of Western Photography, the Meeteetse Museum, and
the First National Bank Museum (which is listed on the National Register).

Position:
The Collections Manager, under the supervision of the Museum Director,
will be responsible for the management of the museums’ collections and
collections programs in accordance with accepted industry standards. The
position will be full-time. While hours can be flexible, it may be
necessary to work an occasional evening or weekend. Salary will be based
on qualifications.

Duties:
Major duties include, but are not limited to: taking inventory of the
collections, registering, accessioning, and de-accessioning objects;
cataloging; database management; re-housing the collections; maintaining
the physical well-being of the collections; responding to public requests
for information; processing contracts relating to the collections; writing
collections-related grants; developing and following a collections plan
and collections policy; establishing an Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
and environmental monitoring program; developing and conducting
presentations relating to the collections; conducting collections-related
research; and curating exhibits. A number of programs are ongoing at
Meeteetse Museums. The Collections Manager will oversee these programs.
They currently include the photograph digitization program, the oral
history collections program, and the archival processing program. The
Collections Manager will directly supervise staff and volunteers only when
they are working on these programs and/or other activities that
specifically relate to the management of the collections. Because the
former First National Bank building is part of the collection, the
Collections Manager, together with the Museum Director, will oversee the
ongoing restoration of this significant structure and will assist the
Museum Director with the administration of related grants.

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess the following:

  • minimum of two years experience as a collections manager or curator at a
    museum (training acquired in a museum studies or related program may be
    substituted for experience)
  • minimum of a bachelor’s degree in museum studies or a related program
    from an accredited institution
  • knowledge of and ability to put into practice established collection
    management methods, techniques, and procedures
  • thorough knowledge of and experience using PastPerfect software
  • working knowledge of equipment and software regularly used by
    collections managers (digital scanners, Photoshop, Excel, PastPerfect,
    etc.)
  • knowledge of curatorial and conservation issues relating to museum
    collections management, including current best practices
  • excellent written and oral communication skills
  • ability to climb ladders, lift up to 50 pounds, and climb stairs
    multiple times each day (sometimes while carrying objects)

 

To apply:
Please e-mail a letter of introduction, your resume, and contact information
for three professional references to: director@meeteetsemuseums.org. All
materials must be received by June 22, 2012, to be considered.

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Security for the Small Museum: Practical Low and No Cost Solutions

Posted on May 15, 2012 by admin

Join us in Loveland, CO for a half day workshop titled “Security for the Small Museum: Practical Low and No Cost Solutions” hosted by The Loveland Museum/Gallery. This workshop is designed for small museums with 10 or fewer staff (paid or unpaid) who are looking to improve or learn about museum security. It will present practical tips that anyone can implement with little or no cost focusing on non-technical solutions.

DATE: June 4, 2012
TIME: 8 am to 12 pm
PLACE: Loveland Museum/Gallery
503 N Lincoln Ave
Loveland, CO 80537
COST: $20.00

If you are interested participating in this workshop, please fill out and return the attached registration form.

Registration Deadline: May 28, 2012

If you have questions about the workshop contact:

Peggy Schaller
Collections Research for Museums
4830 E Kansas Dr
Denver, CO 80246
303.757.7962
Toll free: 877.757.7962
Email: information@museumcollectionmgmt.com

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Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Old West Museum Exhibits Curator Position Opening

Posted on April 23, 2012 by admin

Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Old West Museum

Exhibits Curator Position Opening

Overview: Design, produce and install annual and long-range history exhibits and art shows while maintaining the integrity of existing exhibits relevant to the Museum mission. Develop and administer Exhibits budget. Exhibits may include permanent, rotating, annual history exhibits as well as the coordination of two major western art shows annually.

Duties Include: Develop and implement a program of exhibits that interpret the objects in the Museum’s collection. Preserve, protect, and care for objects and artifacts used for exhibits in conjunction with the curator of collections. Maintain standards of professional and ethical excellence in the exhibit program. Manage an exhibits program that is interesting, objective, educational, and fiscally sound. Ensure compliance with the Museum’s Exhibits Policy. Serve as Exhibits Committee lead to coordinate efforts with other staff members and board liasons. Maximize the use and supervision of volunteers. Plan and direct evaluation activities for Exhibits. Must be able to multi-task, be flexible to address unforeseen needs and duties as assigned, be a team-player and able to work to meet deadlines under pressure. Must be able to work well with volunteers with varying levels of competence.

Education: Museum Studies, Art, History or related degree preferred and 3-5 years experience or equivalent education.

Skills Required: Drafting, planning, research, writing & carpentry.

Salary and Benefits: $30,000 annually, Health, Dental, Life and IRA

To Apply: Submit resume & cover letter to amiee.reese@oldwestmuseum.org. No phone calls. Open until filled.

 

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CWAM Mentor Program

Posted on April 17, 2012 by admin

CWAM is developing a new Mentor Program and needs your help to make it a reality. Final details for the program are still being ironed out, but for the upcoming Annual Meeting in Dubois, we would like to start matching up Mentees to Mentors. Individuals who serve as Mentors will provide guidance, support, and a friendly face to turn to during the conference for their Mentees. We will try to match people up as soon as we are able to so that you can be in contact with eachother ahead of time in preparation for the meeting. If you are interested in volunteering to be either a Mentor or Mentee, please contact Isabel Tovar at itovar@dmns.org for more information.

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Collections Care Workshop

Posted on April 12, 2012 by admin

Thursday May 31, 2012, 9am—3pm

Nicolaysen Art Museum,
400 E. Collins Dr., Casper WY 82601

Presented by Victoria Montana Ryan, AIC Conservator

The Collections Care Workshop will review the primary risks to museum collections: the environment, materials, and handling. Environmental parameters, equipment and monitoring, and current topics of interest will be discussed. For handling and materials, the workshop will have a hands-on portion along with materials identification and discussion of which materials options may be the “greenest.” Attendees are encouraged to bring questions regarding their collections, environments, or materials, as there will be time after the presentation for discussion.

There is no charge to attend this workshop. It is funded by a National Endowment for the Humanities Preservation grant received by the Nicolaysen Art Museum. Please indicate your intention to attend by May 25, 2012 to guarantee copies of the handouts. Call Ingrid Burnett at 307.235.5247 or email iburnett@thenic.org

Victoria Montana Ryan is a Fellow Member of the American Institute for Conservation.
She has held the following positions: Asst. Prof. for the Conservation of Paintings at Queen’s University Kingston, Ontario; adjunct faculty member at the University of Denver; and conservator of paintings at the Rocky Mountain Conservation Center for ten years. She is currently the owner of Art Care Services, Colorado Springs and a frequent CAP consultant.

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Nicolaysen Art Museum Director of Development

Posted on April 5, 2012 by admin

Director of Development
The Nicolaysen Art Museum seeks a seasoned fundraising professional to lead all aspects of the Museum’s development department. The NIC is recognized for its high quality exhibitions, creative approaches to education and special events, and commitment to audience engagement.

The Director of Development is responsible for the oversight of the Museum’s development activities, sponsorships, memberships, and for the achievement of the related annual revenue goals. This position will develop and implement a comprehensive long-range plan for institutional advancement, to expand the donor base. The Director of Development will steward upper-level donor support groups and work in close collaboration with the executive director and board on cultivation and solicitation strategies.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of five years experience; a proven track record in non-profit fundraising, donor cultivation, and grant writing; strong managerial capabilities; and excellent communication skills. Compensation will be consistent with the successful candidate’s experience and qualification. Submit resume and salary requirements to Ruth Luchtenberg, Office Manager, rluchtenberg@thenic.org.

Ruth Luchtenberg
The Nicolaysen Art Museum
Office Manager
307-235-5247 Ext. 150
www.thenic.org

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NAGPRA Collections Specialist

Posted on April 2, 2012 by admin

TITLE: Collections Specialist, NAGPRA
RANGE: 11L
OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORY: Professional
SALARY: $20.02 hourly minimum
STATUS: Part-time, project position located at the History Center in St. Paul, MN working through June 30, 2012. Renewal dependent upon available funding and program need.
HOURS: 1,248 annual hours

DESCRIPTION: The Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) seeks applicants for a Collections Specialist to facilitate consultation visits with American Indian tribes and to lead the response to Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and other repatriation claims. Responsibilities include: 1) receives NAGPRA and other repatriation claims and responds to collections inquiries by researching the history of ownership and origin of collections; 2) researches and makes recommendations to Acquisitions Committee, Indian Advisory Committee and Board of Directors on repatriation claims; 3) researches and synthesizes past documentation of items which meet NAGPRA definition criteria in MHS collections; 4) researches best professional practices and communicates with other museums, government agencies, American Indian tribes, the MHS Indian Advisory Committee and other qualified consultants on matters concerning digitization of sensitive material; and 5) works with collections personnel to maintain the physical order and safety of the collection.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, Anthropology, History, Art History, American Indian Studies or a closely related field and 5 years program experience or equivalent; OR an advanced degree and 2 years of experience or equivalent.
  • Experience implementing the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) or equivalent repatriation legislation.
  • Two years of experience specifically assisting with NAGPRA and/or the care and preservation of collections.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Knowledge of American Indian material culture and history.
  • Proficient user of computerized databases.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Master’s degree in Museum Studies, Anthropology, History, Art History, American Indian Studies or closely related field and 3 years experience with NAGPRA related issues, including in-service staff
    training.
  • Experience working with a variety of American Indian material culture categories, particularly from

North American plains and woodlands regions.

  • Experience working for a tribal government.
  • Experience conducting presentations to American Indian tribes.
  • Knowledge of MHS collections.
  • Experience with artifact preservation and procedures for professional care of collection materials.
  • Knowledge of Ke Emu database.

CONTACT: Brian Szott, Acting Head of Collections, Collections & Reference, MHS History Center, 651.259.3244. To apply, send an MHS application, cover letter, and resume to: Minnesota Historical Society, Human Resources Department, #940 Collections Specialist, NAGPRA position, 345 Kellogg Blvd W, St Paul MN 55102. To be considered an applicant, you must submit all requested materials. If you fail to do this, your application materials will not be accepted and your materials will be returned. If submitting materials for more than one position, provide an MHS application, cover letter and resume for each position. Applicants who are offered employment will be subject to passing a background check as a condition of employment. Applications received or post-marked by March 15, 2012 will be considered first; position open until filled.

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