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

FREE Upcoming Midwest Art Conservation Center Workshop
Free to Minnesota Residents. Funds provided by the State of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society.

In-Person Guidelines for Cleaning Collections Materials: Focus on Decorative Arts and Historic House Collections
July 20 & 21 @ 10 am to 5 pm day 1 / 9 am to 4 pm day 2 - Location: Gammelgården Museum of Scandia, Scandia, MN – This hands-on, two-day workshop (max 20 participants) covers ethics, hazards, and techniques for cleaning stable cultural artifacts including textiles, picture frames, ceramics, glass, silver, and iron. Features lectures, practical exercises, advanced topics like stabilizing historic iron, cleaning level selection, and volunteer management. Cost: Free for Minnesota residents/$600 general. 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 »

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 »

Advanced Photo Preservation 101: Formats, Storage & Salvage
April 16 @ 1 pm (CT) - Online: Gaylord - Cultural Heritage Preservation Consultant Rebecca Elder shares expert techniques for identifying photography formats and their structures, selecting proper storage materials for cased images and albums, and handling mold remediation plus disaster recovery to safeguard fragile photo collections. 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 »

Community Media Preservation Project
April 20 @ 2:30 to 4 pm - Online & May 2 @ 8:30 am to 3:30 pm - in-person: Minnesota Media Arts and St. Paul Neighborhood Network - Free statewide webinar on community media preservation strategies, helping makers safeguard aging audiovisual recordings through a baseline survey, practical guidance, and sustainable archiving skills. SPNN and Minnesota Media Arts will show how preservation involves more than digitizing tapes; it also includes care, organization, stabilization, access, and sharing the voices that shape Minnesota’s cultural legacy. Choose to attend the online or in-person workshop. Cost: Free. Registration required. Learn more »

Community Media Preservation Project
April 20 @ 2:30 pm to 4 pm - Online & May 2 @ 8:30 am to 3:30 pm - in-person: Minnesota Media Arts and St. Paul Neighborhood Network - Free statewide webinar on community media preservation strategies, helping makers safeguard aging audiovisual recordings through a baseline survey, practical guidance, and sustainable archiving skills. SPNN and Minnesota Media Arts will show how preservation involves more than digitizing tapes; it also includes care, organization, stabilization, access, and sharing the voices that shape Minnesota’s cultural legacy. Choose to attend the online or in-person workshop. Cost: Free. Registration required. Learn more »

The Costs of Changing
April 21 @ 10 to 11 am (CT) - Online: Conserv – Jane Henderson hosts a discussion of the 2025 Studies in Conservation article by Joel Taylor and Caitlin Spangler-Bickell, exploring economic, logistical, and risk factors influencing museum loan specification revisions. Ideal for conservators and registrars navigating evolving standards, indemnity requirements, and institutional policies in outgoing loans. Cost: Not specified. 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 »

From Observation to Action: The “How” of Environmental Monitoring (Part 2 of 3)
April 22 @ 12 pm to 1 pm (CT) - Online: Connecting to Collections Care - Presented by Maddie Cooper, Owner and Principal Conservator of M.C. Conservation Services, this practical webinar builds on Part 1 by teaching collection managers how to transform raw environmental monitoring data—such as temperature, humidity, and light levels—into targeted action plans that protect artifacts from deterioration. Attendees will learn step-by-step methods for analyzing trends, setting thresholds, prioritizing interventions, and documenting decisions to ensure long-term preservation in resource-limited settings. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Building Digital Resilience: Digital Protection Strategies for Archivists
April 28 @ 1:30 pm (CT) - Online: Society of American Archivists Diversity Committee – In today's precarious digital and political climate, learn proactive strategies to safeguard privacy, intellectual freedom, and underrepresented community stories in archives. Panelists Brian Evans (AAUP-Texas President) and Jessica Walton (CyberPeace Institute) address personal/professional risk assessment, adaptation to threats, and advocacy for archives, archivists, and communities. Cost: Free. Learn more »

History Hour: Historic House Museum Training
April 28 @ 2 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) - Gain practical training and insights tailored for operating and interpreting historic house museums effectively. Cost: Free. Learn more »

From Awareness to Action: Breaking Workplace White Supremacy Culture Through Habit Change
April 28 @ 9 am to 12 pm (CT) - Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits – This interactive 3-hour workshop helps participants identify and interrupt white supremacy patterns like urgency, individualism, and worship of the written word, using habit change science to build liberating practices. Explore how these dynamics harm workplaces and start practical actions toward justice, welcoming all on their equity journey. Cost: $95 members/$135 nonmembers. Learn more »

When ICE Shows Up: What Nonprofit Leaders Need to Know
April 29 @ 12 to 1:30 pm (CT) - Online: Society for Nonprofits – Gain clear guidance on organizational rights, legal considerations, and response protocols for ICE encounters, including administrative vs. judicial warrants, policy preparation, and steps to respond calmly while safeguarding staff, clients, and your mission. Cost: $69. Learn more »

Measure Twice, Move Once
April 29 @ 1 to 2:30 pm (CT) - Online: Collections Care & Conservation Alliance – Presenters share safe handling techniques for diverse media, strategies for complex moves with oversized items or bulk collections/records, and real case studies from their experience. Reduce stress in museum/archival relocations, from single artifacts to major projects; recording available and follow-up Q&A offered. Cost: $10 members/$15 nonmembers. Learn more »

Museums & Schools Summit
April 29 & 30 @ 8 am to 1 pm (CT) - Online: MuseumNext – This two-day virtual summit unites museum educators, teachers, and cultural professionals with global speakers from Tate, British Museum, Smithsonian, and more to explore innovative museum-school partnerships beyond one-off trips. Discover strategies for inclusive learning, digital field trips, co-created exhibitions, trauma-informed programs, and curriculum integration from institutions like M+ Hong Kong and Chicago History Museum. Cost: $170 individual/$340 institutional. Learn more »

Assessing the Financial Health of Your Nonprofit Organization
April 29 @ 9 am to 11 am (CT) - Online: Propel Nonprofits - Workshop guiding nonprofit leaders through 10 key indicators of financial health, blending metrics and leadership practices for long-term sustainability in a shifting landscape. Cost: $70. Learn more »

STEPS Series: Financial Management
April 30 @ 2 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) - Essential webinar for STEPS members on key financial management strategies to strengthen small museum operations and sustainability. Cost: Free for STEPS members. Learn more »

Proposed Federal Voting Legislation and What it Means for Nonprofits
April 30 @ 9:30 to 10:15 am (CT) - Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits – Join Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon for insights on federal voting bills like the SAVE America Act, Voter Integrity Act, and MEGA Act, including their status, impacts on 2026 midterms, effects on nonprofits and democracy, plus the state's voting rights protection efforts. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Shoestring Digital Preservation
May 4 @ 5 pm (CT) - Online: Backlog Archivists – Discover realistic, budget-friendly steps for museums and archives to safeguard digital files, stabilize at-risk media, and establish sustainable workflows using simple tools and low-cost practices that meet professional standards. Perfect for resource-limited institutions seeking clear decision-making frameworks for long-term digital preservation. Cost: Not specified. Learn more »

Calculating True Program Costs
May 5 @ 12 to 1 pm (CT) - Online: Propel Nonprofits – Understanding full program costs beyond direct expenses is crucial for smart management, realistic budgeting, program design, and effective fundraising. This webinar introduces practical tools and methods to calculate true costs including indirect overhead, helping nonprofits make informed decisions and build sustainable financial models. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Leadership Succession Plans and Planning
May 7 @ 12 to 1 pm (CT) - Online: American Alliance of Museums – Explore essential strategies for museum leadership transitions, including creating succession policies, identifying key positions, building internal talent pipelines, board roles, interim leadership, and knowledge transfer to ensure continuity and organizational resilience. Cost: Free members/$40 nonmembers. Learn more »

Creating a Staff Safety Plan
May 21 @ 2 to 3:15 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History – Drawing on AASLH and NCPH Gender Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Task Force research, this webinar offers recommendations for embedding staff safety in policies, budgets, and culture at museums, historical societies, and sites. Led by Bethany Hawkins, EVP/COO, attendees receive a customizable Staff Safety Plan template and resources to foster secure workplaces. Cost: $25 members/$45 nonmembers. 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 »