Discussions and Questions

Discussions with postings since last week

Steep Morale Challenges (13 messages) - Participants note that while it is good educate people on how much work staff and volunteers do at local history museums, it is important to let history be the star of our programs.

Public Library Model (14 messages) - David Inman has a detailed and thought-provoking posting this past week on how public libraries operate and are funded in Minnesota.

New Discussion on Fundraising

From the National Committee on Planned Giving website: In August, H.R. 4, the Pension Protection Act of 2006 became law. This bill contains a two-year IRA Charitable Rollover provision that will allow people age 70 1/2 or older to exclude up to $100,000 from their gross income for a taxable year for cash gifts directly to a qualified charity. The bill also contains several other charitable provisions. The Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) provides a detailed explanation of the bill's charity provisions. What will its implications be for fundraising at local historical organizations in Minnesota? As the baby boomers age, fundraising that targets seniors may rise. Have you seen any examples of this at your organization?

Job Announcements

Curator of Education

The Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona seeks curator of education to plan, develop, implement and oversee all aspects of museum educational programs. Responsibilities include developing comprehensive school programs with local and regional schools (pre-school through university level); establishing and managing a docent program; recruiting and training docents and other volunteers; developing programs for the general public; creating gallery didactics and resources for different age groups; cultivating strong partnerships with other community institutions; and grant writing for educational programs. The curator will also serve on an exhibits team and oversee evaluation of exhibits. To apply e-mail or fax resume and supporting materials to: Pat Knee, Business Manager, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 507-474-6625 (fax)

Local Events

Cass Gilbert Society program

Historian William Seale will speak on “Reminiscences of Cass Gilbert Jr., and the Late Work of Cass Gilbert” at the University Club, 420 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul, on October 31, 2006, 7:30 p.m.  This talk is free to Cass Gilbert Society members and $5 for non-members. 

Tea Event in Hastings

Tea lovers from Hastings and the region can taste-test four new teas while soaking up the colorful history of the LeDuc Historic Estate on October 28 and 29, 2006.  The LeDuc Historic Estate officially launches its new line of artisan teas by hosting free, informal tea tastings at the estate between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on both days. For more information contact Heidi Langenfeld.

Search for a Legendary Tunnel in Hastings

Guests can search for the legendary LeDuc Tunnel and see for themselves if the most unique home in Hastings has a resident ghost at the first Harvest Haunting at the LeDuc Historic Estate on Saturday, October 28, 2006 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. For more information contact Chad Roberts.

News

Nominations for America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations

The nomination deadline for the National Trust's 2007 List of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations has been extended to November 13.  Nomination forms are available online. For more information contact Carrie Johnson, 202-588-6141.

MACC 2007 Subsidized Survey Program

The Midwest Art Conservation Center (MACC) announces the renewal of its Subsidized Survey Program.  The deadline for receipt of applications is December 15, 2006. Call Melinda Markell, 612-870-3128 with questions.

Free Education Resources from the National Park Service

As part of its Save Our History initiative to support historic preservation and local history education in communities across the country, The History Channel is offering a new, four-part series of lesson plans.  The first lesson plan in the series can be downloaded. 

10 Most Endangered exhibit in Richfield

Each year the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota creates a list of "10 Most Endangered Historic Properties" focusing on properties that could be lost in the not too distant future. The Richfield History Center will host the exhibit for the month of November.

Grant Deadlines

IMLS Museums for America grants deadline

The deadline for the Institute for Museum and Library Services’ Museums for America grants is November 15, 2006. 

HECUA Intership Program

Partners Internship Program grant deadline is approaching: November 27, 2006. See website for more information about the program. Please contact Trisha Hasbargen (651-287-3316) if you would like to RSVP for any upcoming information sessions or if you have any questions about the program in general.

Upcoming Conferences and Workshops

2007 CurCom Fellowship Award Announcement

The Curators’ Committee is pleased to announce two fellowships for curators who have never attended an AAM Annual Meeting before and whose major job responsibilities are the care and interpretation of their museums’ collections. The two $1000 fellowships are intended to help defray the cost of attending the AAM Annual Meeting in Chicago, May 13-17, 2007. Due Date:  postmarked on or before January 26, 2007. For further information contact James Burns or call 770-607-6372.

Genealogy Expo in Mankato

The sixth annual South Central Minnesota Genealogy Expo will be held on Saturday, November 4th from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Minnesota State University, Mankato Centennial Student Union. Expo registration is $25. For more information contact Jessica Potter at 507-345-5566,or Daardi Sizemore at 507-389-1029.

Clothing Workshop in Hastings

The LeDuc Historic Estate presents a free costume workshop on Thursday, November 2, 2006 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The fun, family-friendly workshop encompasses everything a person needs to know to create accurate and beautiful 1850s clothing. Workshop presenters Sally Anderson and Kevin Geraghty are members of the Living History Society of Minnesota and the Victorian Society. For more information contact Joan Mathison.