Conferences and Continuing Education

Sharpen your skills by attending training.

The following list is gathered by the Local History Services team. Please send updates as needed.

Sections
Workshops/Courses
On-Demand Workshops
Continuing Education Resources
Conferences/Meetings
Awards

Workshops/Courses

Copyright Law and Preservation, Conservation, and Digitization of Film and Video
March 27 @ 12 to 1:15 pm (CT) – Online: Open Copyright Education Advisory Network – A panel of experts will explore copyright issues involved in the conservation, preservation, and digitization of film and video, highlighting current laws and best practices for libraries, archives, and museums. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Preventive Conservation Essentials: Tools, Resources, and Practical Starting Points
March 31 @ 12 to 1 pm (CT) – Online: Connecting to Collections Care – This webinar will offer a guided overview of key preventive conservation tools and resources developed by the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI), with a focus on helping small and mid-sized cultural institutions identify priorities, make informed decisions, and take practical action – especially with a focus on realistic, scalable approaches when time, space, or resources are limited. While discussions of preventive conservation often focus on temperature and relative humidity, this session steps back to revisit the basic requirements of preventive conservation and the broader framework needed to reduce risks to collections. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Our Missing History: Building a Toolkit for Change
March 31 @ 1 to 2 pm (CT) – Online: National Trust for Historic Preservation – Join Arabella Delgado, lead researcher for the Los Angeles Women’s Landmarks Project, and Chris Morris, senior director for preservation programs, for a lively discussion on expanding preservation to include women and historically overlooked communities. Learn practical tools, research methods, and partnerships that help tell a more complete American story. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Museums Share Experiences Participating in STEM Learning Ecosystems
March 31 @ 1 to 2 pm (CT) - Online: National Informal STEM Education Network – Hear directly from NISE Network partner museums at various stages about their roles in local STEM learning ecosystems, delivering community-relevant content that helps learners identify as science enthusiasts and pursue STEM careers. Whether you're established in an ecosystem, seeking entry points, or aiming to forge stronger partnerships, gain peer insights on fostering authentic, lifelong STEM engagement through collaborative community efforts. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Outdoor History Walking Tours 101
April 2 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) – Online: American Association for State and Local History – Learn techniques and best practices for planning, promoting, and leading engaging outdoor history walking tours. Cost: $25 members/$45 nonmembers. Learn more »

MDL Regional Meeting - St. Cloud
April 6 @ 9:30 am to 3 pm – St. Cloud: Minnesota Digital Library at Stearns History Museum – First 2026 regional meeting for Central MN contributors with registration at 9:30 am, welcome/MDL updates (10 am) by Stephanie Hess & Greta Bahnemann on digital storytelling, Wikimedia images, AI transcription, traveling exhibits; lunch at noon; afternoon workshop (1-3 pm) by Carol Kussmann & Sara Ring on digital preservation toolbox—identifying content, risks like data decay, storage, sustainable plans & free tools (registration required). This is the first of three 2026 regional meetings. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Knowledge Management
April 6 @ 5 pm (CT) – Online: Backlog • Archivists & Historians – This webinar introduces the principles of knowledge management—capturing and organizing the information people carry in their heads to make it accessible across an organization. Learn how knowledge management differs from traditional archives and why it often lays the groundwork for a successful archival program. The session covers practical techniques for mapping institutional knowledge, building documentation, and creating repeatable systems that reduce risk and support long-term organizational memory. Cost: Free. Learn more »

How to Publish Your Public History Work Webinar Series
April 7, May 5, and June 2 @ 5 pm (CT) – Online: National Council on Public History – Join NCPH’s Professional Development Committee and guest speakers for a three-part webinar series on publishing public history writing. Each session offers insights from editors, reviewers, and practitioners on how to share your work effectively in both traditional and nontraditional outlets. The series follows NCPH’s pay-what-you-can model, helping support free access for others.
Sessions include:

April 7 – How to Get Published: What Editors Want You to Know
May 5 – How to Get Published: What Reviewers Want You to Know
June 2 – How to Get Published in Nontraditional Outlets

Learn more »

Advocacy 101: Easy and Effective for All Nonprofits
April 8 @ 10 am to 12 pm (CT) - Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits – Nonprofits are valued experts policymakers rely on to shape good policy—discover low-barrier ways to share your organization’s knowledge through advocacy and lobbying, distinguishing it from politics, while building internal support among colleagues. Ideal for beginners dipping their toes or veterans honing skills to advance your mission and sector impact. Pay-what-you-can options available. Cost: $50 members/$70 nonmembers.
Learn more »

I’m In Charge of a Museum Store. Now What?
April 8 @ 1 to 2 pm (CT) – Online: American Alliance of Museums – Many museum professionals find themselves managing a retail operation without prior experience. This foundational webinar introduces the essentials of mission-based retail, covering what makes museum stores unique, the fundamentals of a nonprofit buying cycle, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for managing success. Cost: Free members/$25 nonmembers. Learn more »

Core Issues Briefing Series – Spring 2026 – Webinar Bundle
April 8, 15, 22, 29, and May 6 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) – Online: American Association for State and Local History – This five-part webinar series addresses the history field’s most pressing challenges, from workforce issues and polarization to disaster preparedness. Each session offers research-based insights and practical guidance to strengthen your institution, staff, and programs.
Sessions include:

April 8 – Understanding the U.S. History Sector
April 15 – Doing History in Polarized Times
April 22 – Understanding the U.S. History Workforce
April 29 – Disaster Preparedness for History Organizations and Sites
May 6 – Engaging Younger Generations at History Organizations

Cost: $100 members/$205 nonmembers. Learn more »

Meaningful Conversations In & Out of Public History Institutions
April 10, 17, and May 8 @ 1 to 2:30 pm (CT) – Online: National Council on Public History – Part of the NCPH + Creative Futures Workshop Series, this three-session program helps public historians strengthen communication and collaboration skills through facilitated, dialogic workshops led by Linda Norris, Braden Paynter, and Stacey Marie Garcia. Each session focuses on practical strategies for dialogue, ethics, and organizational communication in public history settings. Cost: $40–$65 per workshop or $100–$150 for the full three-part bundle. Learn more »

Strengthening the History Workforce: An AASLH Virtual Summit
April 13 & 14 @ 11 am to 4 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History – This two-day summit dives into 2025 National Survey of History Practitioners data from nearly 4,000 respondents, revealing workforce challenges like low pay despite advanced degrees, equity gaps, burnout, and limited advancement, alongside opportunities for a more sustainable field. Through keynotes, panels, and small-group discussions, practitioners and leaders will explore implications for careers and institutions, address systemic issues, and develop actionable strategies for an inclusive history profession. Cost: $65 members/$85 nonmembers. Learn more »

Conflict Management: Skill Development for Cultural and Natural Resource Managers
April 14 to 16 (3-day webinar) 12 to 4 pm (CT) - Online: National Preservation Institute - Consultation and participatory processes required by best practices, as well as laws and regulations, are often challenging and stressful. When cultural and natural resources and issues of identity and heritage are involved, passions can flare. Different perspectives, interests, and personalities can feed into frustrating interactions. Learn or brush up on conflict management, consultation, and negotiation skills through interactive exercises based on real situations involving cultural and natural resources. Gain insight into your personal conflict management styles and consider how to work better with others' styles. Cost: $600. Learn more »

Gettin’ To Know You: The Art of Networking
April 15 @ 1 to 2 pm (CT) - Online: American Alliance of Museums – In an era of tight budgets, political pressures, and shifting partnerships, this webinar redefines networking for museum and public history professionals with creative, authentic strategies beyond transactional connections. Through practical examples like informational interviews, participants build sustainable relationships for collaboration, resilience, and long-term career growth in an inclusive field. Cost: Free members/$40 nonmembers. Learn more »

Nonprofit Compliance: Legal Requirements and Best Practices
April 16 @ 3 to 4 pm (CT) - Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits – This free session outlines key legal obligations and compliance best practices for nonprofits, helping staff and board members understand required filings, policies, and risk management steps to protect their organizations. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Water Management 101: Safeguarding Collections in Small and Mid-Sized Institutions
April 16 @ 1 to 2 pm (CT) - Online: Connecting to Collections Care – Learn how basic building water management can protect collections in everything from historic houses to modern facilities, including how to prevent moisture problems, spot leaks, and understand waterproofing systems. The session also prepares you to speak confidently with contractors, waterproofing specialists, and engineers about issues and repairs. Cost: Free. Learn more »

“Other Duties As Assigned”: Mastering the Multifaceted Role of a Nonprofit Leader
April 22 @ 11 am (CT) - Online: Firespring – Nonprofit executive directors often juggle endless responsibilities from leadership and fundraising to operations and HR. In this session, Kiersten Hill shares practical strategies for balancing passion with professional priorities, mastering collaboration, prioritizing effectively, and practicing sustainable leadership to thrive in multifaceted roles. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Online Demand Courses

American Association for State and Local History - Arcus Leadership Program Courses
Specifically designed for emerging and mid-level professionals and volunteers, these self-paced courses help participants understand the most critical topics in the history field and incorporate that understanding into their work. Start these courses any time.

Museum Collections Documentation and Data Cleaning
Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) and the Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN) - Provides essential museum documentation information for museum staff with all levels of knowledge. It begins with an introductory overview and ends with specific documentation issues. Learners can take the modules in order or choose a module or two that fits their needs. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Preservation Housekeeping for Heritage Sites and Small Museums
Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) and the Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN) - Covers guidelines, best practices and resources for the regular upkeep of historic interiors and exteriors as well as the contents of historic buildings. This one- to two-hour self-paced course has been designed for those who work or volunteer in small museums or heritage sites and who have little to no training in conservation. Learn more »

Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference Breakout Session Recordings
View conference recordings from the February 26-27 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference Rochester.

Digital Stewardship Training Courses for Tribal Libraries, Archives, Museums, and Small Public Libraries
OCLC's WebJunction, in partnership with Washington State University's Center for Digital Scholarship and Curation, is creating a series of 10 free online courses for staff at tribal archives, libraries, museums (TALMs), and small public libraries on digital stewardship and community-centered curation of cultural collections. Learn more »

Finding New Sources of Funding in Challenging Times:
National Preservation Institute - This 45-minute on-demand course will help you think beyond traditional sources of financial support to fund cultural resource projects. Learn how to evaluate a cultural resource project for its value in serving broader community needs. Review traditional funding types versus alternative sources that can be redirected to meet project goals. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Document Conservation - Northeast Document Conservation Center has many webinar training programs on paper, books, and similar items and topics. Learn more »

Nonprofit Education - Propel Nonprofits and the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits feature local training.

Online continuing education

Interpreting African American History and Culture Resource Kit
The American Association for State and Local History's free "Interpreting African American History and Culture Resource Kit" is made up of AASLH conference sessions, webinars, History News, technical leaflets, and books that address topics such as working with descendant communities, celebrating Juneteenth, interpreting slavery for a variety of audiences, and the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement on museum practice. Check it out »

Free Collections Care webinars
Connecting to Collections Online Community offers a series of free, online courses about the preservation of archival and historical collections. Check their website for dates and upcoming programming.

Planning for Changes in the Archives: 12 steps for undertaking collection relocation
Recorded Webinar: Midwest Archives Conference - The presenter walks through the 12 steps so you’ll have a framework to follow for your project. This framework helps focus your plans and ensures you consider possible options. These steps have been honed through experience moving archives and special collections materials. Watch video »

Webinar Recording: Oral History at a Distance: Conducting Remote Interviews
Oral History Association - This timely webinar addresses the dynamics of conducting remote oral history interviews. It begins with an analysis of the pros and cons of conducting distance oral history interviews, then addresses aspects of interviewing in a distance environment, breaking down the interviewer and narrator experience in these exchanges, and offer direction on best approaches for interviewing at a distance. This session will cover best practices for recording archival-quality oral history interviews, then discuss in depth the tools and techniques available to enable the user to follow best practices in a remote setting. Listen »

Webinar Recording: Insurance 101: Practical Considerations for Protecting Institutional Collections and Loans
Connecting to Collections - This webinar recording is appropriate for all levels of experience from beginner to expert as an introduction and review of collections insurance basics and how they are an integral part of collections care. We will examine loss prevention, loss control and how to protect the collection through good housekeeping, landscaping, managing patrons, and during transport of objects. In addition, examples of recent claims and outcomes to illustrate how insurance responds to loss and damage will be presented. Watch the recording »

A Guide to Approaching Audiovisual Digitization
This paper was written through support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The information discussed in the paper is meant to help collection holders prepare their materials and their technology systems for a digitization initiative, as well as give a brief overview of digitization workflows. There is also a discussion of some of the updates made to the BAVC workflow over the last two years. This section may be of interest to those interested in the technical and procedural aspects of digitization workflows. Download paper »

Community Reflection on Black Lives and Archives
Recorded Webinar: Society of American Archivists - Society of American Archivists’ statement on Black Lives and Archives. The vitality of American archives depends on the safety of archives workers and an explicit commitment to social responsibility, justice, and anti-racism in the work that we do and the organizations we work within. As part of this the SAA Council convened a forum of reflection to move toward healing and understanding, of which a recording of this event is now available. Listen »

'Talking About Race' Is a New Online Resource by the National Museum of African American History
Last week, The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) released a new, online portal discussing race, racism, and racial identity. The new web portal, “Talking About Race,” was launched as a way to help everyone, including families and communities, talk about racism and racial identity and the way these forces shape every aspect of society, from the economy and politics to the broader American culture. Learn more »

Online information for exempt organizations
IRS Exempt Organizations has developed an educational website with an online version of their popular workshop for Small and Mid-Sized 501(c)(3) organizations, plus mini-courses on other topics of interest, including information on the redesigned Form 990.

Reflecting on Museum Labor
A course in the Museum Studies program at University of Illinois at Chicago, centered on public engagement, produced a magazine/newspaper-style publication containing useful information about labor rights, history, and museums/places associated with celebrating labor movements and history. It also has interviews with folks in the field and activities like a custom labor-themed cocktail list. Download PDF »

Cultural Institutions at Times of Social Unrest
Recording of Carla Hayden and Lonnie Bunch discussing the future of their institutions and how they remain accessible and relevant during a period of global pandemic coupled with nationwide protests against injustice. Watch webcast »

Preservation 101
Northeast Document Conservation Center offers a set of free online courses in the basics of caring for objects.

Conferences in and around Minnesota

2025 North Star Genealogy Conference: Charting Your Ancestral Course
October 24-25 @ 9 am to 6 pm - Eagan: Minnesota Genealogical Society at Eagan Community Center - Join this two-day event featuring acclaimed genealogists David E. Rencher, Chief Genealogical Officer for FamilySearch, and J. H. “Jay” Fonkert, former MGS president. Gain insights on ancestral research and connect with fellow genealogists. Cost and registration details available on the Minnesota Genealogical Society website. Learn more »

Regional and National Conferences

Midwest Archaeological Conference and Plains Anthropological Society Joint Conference
October 29 to November 1 - Iowa City, IA: Connect with leading archaeologists and anthropologists, explore the latest research, and engage in dynamic workshops and networking events. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to collaborate, share discoveries, and celebrate the rich heritage of the Midwest and Plains regions. Learn more »

Lost Region Recovery Project Conference
November 15 @ 8 am to 6:45 pm - Sioux Falls: Middle West Review - This academic conference held at the Washington Pavilion brings scholars and community members together to address challenges facing Midwestern studies, foster open dialogue, and plant seeds for renewal and growth in the field. The schedule features short presentations on the region’s history, culture, and identity, and panel discussions on reviving scholarship and building community. Location: Schulte Room, Washington Pavilion. Cost: $40. Learn more »

American Historical Association 139th Annual Meeting - Call for Proposals
January 8 to 11, 2026 – Chicago: American Historical Association – Attend the AHA's largest yearly gathering of historians in the United States, featuring sessions on diverse historical topics, innovative methods, and the uses of history in public and academic venues. Historians and related scholars are encouraged to submit proposals for sessions and poster presentations. The event fosters lively interactions among participants and showcases the full diversity of historical scholarship. Cost: Varies by registration type. Learn more »

2026 MALHM Conference
April 28 to 30, 2026 - Save the date for the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums Annual Conference & Meeting in Mankato, Minnesota, which brings together local history professionals from across Minnesota for three days of sessions, networking, and learning with a full schedule of workshops and presentations focused on museum and historical society work. Attendees can connect with peers, exchange ideas, and discuss best practices in collections management, education, marketing, community engagement and more. This event provides a platform to expand skills and deepen connections within the local history community. MALHM offers scholarships for first-time attendees to support participation in the Annual Conference, covering all events, sessions, meals, and including a $300 stipend. Details available on the MALHM website »

Awards

Minnesota History Awards
Since 2009, the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums has recognized outstanding history work by local organizations at its Annual Meeting. A formal nomination process is conducted and reviewed by a panel of peers to determine award recipients. There are two award programs: the Minnesota History Awards and the Lifetime Achievement Awards. Learn more »

AASLH Leadership in History Awards
American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) bestows the Leadership in History Awards in recognition of excellence in the field of state and local history. Learn more »

Association of Midwest Museums Awards
Each year, the Association of Midwest Museums honors members throughout the Midwest region for leadership, career achievements, and best practices. Learn more »

Distinguished Career Award: honors individuals in mid- to late museum careers whose leadership, vision, and creativity have positively impacted staff and communities, leading to lasting change in their institutions.
Promising Leadership Award: recognizes individuals in the early stages of their museum careers (paid staff, interns, board members, and volunteers) who have demonstrated leadership through projects or service to teams/departments.
Best Practices Award: recognizes innovative projects or community collaborations by museums and cultural organizations that advance best practices or establish new ones to fulfill their missions.
Groundbreakers Award: honors museums or cultural organizations that have challenged conventions, confronted uncomfortable truths about their histories, and engaged in collaborative efforts for change.

Midwestern History Association Awards

Jon Gjerde Prize for best book on Midwestern history
January 15 - (Deadline): The Jon Gjerde Prize is given annually by the Midwestern History Association to the author(s) of the best book on Midwestern history published during the previous calendar year (2024). Learn more »
Dorothy Schwieder Prize for best article on Midwestern history
January 15 - (Deadline): The Dorothy Schwieder Prize is awarded annually for the best article on Midwestern history published during the previous calendar year (2024). All articles on Midwestern history that were published in peer-reviewed journals are eligible for the prize. Learn more »
Alice Smith Prize in Public History
January 15 - (Deadline): The Alice Smith Prize in Public History honors a public history project completed in the previous calendar year (2024) that contributes to broader public reflection and appreciation of the Midwestern past. Projects by individuals, groups, community organizations, businesses, or other organizations or work done in support of such projects may be nominated. Learn more »