Blog and Newsletter

The Old York Historical Society seeks an intern to assist with library/archives projects at the organization’s Research Center in York Village, Maine. Interns gain hands-on experience in manuscript collections processing, photograph collection processing, or reference and research. This year’s project may include maritime history, York Maine history, historic postcards, or a collection of 20^th century family papers. Preference will be given to graduate level students or recent graduates in library science, archives management, American history or museum studies. Proficiency with use of MS Office applications, especially MS Word and MS Excel is required. Experience using PastPerfect or other library/archives software is helpful. The ability to bend, reach and lift boxes weighing up to 40 lbs is required. Internships may be completed for credit and are voluntary/unpaid. Schedule is flexible, must be agreed upon in advance. To apply, please send a letter of interest and resume to research@oldyork.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until a candidate is selected.

The Old York Historical Society seeks an intern to assist with collections management projects at the organization’s collections storage facility in Kittery, Maine and its museum campus in York Village, Maine. Interns gain hands-on experience in collections care, storage and record management. Students with a special interest and/or experience in historic textiles and clothing are encouraged to apply, but other interests and focuses will be considered. Preference will be given to graduate level students or graduates of museum studies, art history, American history, or archaeology/anthropology programs. Internships may be completed for credit and are voluntary/unpaid. To apply, please send a letter of interest and resume to collectionsmanager@oldyork.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until a candidate is chosen.

Castine Historical Society (CHS) annually offers a paid internship opportunity for a graduate student preparing to enter the job market in museum studies, public history, archival science or a related field. The internship is full time (35 hours per week) for 10 weeks in the summer of 2017 with a stipend of $2,800.

The Castine area saw millennia of use by Native Americans before European contact and changed hands repeatedly from the outset of the colonial period through the War of 1812. The peninsula’s development in the nineteenth and twentieth century’s represents a microcosm of American commercial and cultural history. As its mission states, CHS seeks “to invigorate our community through collaborative exploration and stewardship of our region’s rich history, engaging residents and visitors of all ages in Castine’s extraordinary past and, through it, that of New England and North America.”

The intern will work as a member of a professional team on collections and education projects central to the CHS mission. Goals include preparing and implementing public walking tours of Castine. The program also offers the intern an opportunity to focus on a public history project such as building an online exhibit, developing podcasts for self-guided walking tours or proposing her/his own preservation or education project. CHS will work with the student to structure the internship to meet requirements for academic credit as needed.

Applications are due by Monday, March 27, 2017. To view the full internship description and application instructions, visit http://www.castinehistoricalsociety.org/pages/news/ or contact Paige Lilly via email at curator@castinehistoricalsociety.org.

The Brick Store Museum in Kennebunk, Maine, recently completed work on a new smartphone app (available on both iPhone and Android). The Museum teamed with local design firm Dietz Associates to produce the “History Hopper,” a map-based app in which users can learn about historical events, people and places based on their location. Nearly 100 points of interest have been loaded onto the app, containing text, digitized archival materials, photos of museum objects, and short videos. The Museum offers the app for free.

To learn more about the app (and find directions on how to download it!), visit: www.brickstoremuseum.org/historyhopper

Summer 2017 Processing Archivist

Camp Tecumseh, Moultonborough, NH seeks a temporary full or part-time Processing Archivist for its 2017 summer season. This non profit overnight summer camp for boys, founded in 1903 by three University of Pennsylvania Olympic athletes, is located on Lake Winnipesaukee. See www.camptecumseh.net   The Camp Tecumseh Archives contains paper-based materials dating from 1903 to the present, many digital photographs and oral histories, and some artifacts. 

Possible archival tasks, depending upon hours / weeks worked, are:
-- Develop selection criteria and processing scheme for large collection of digital and print photographs
-- Accession any materials transferred or donated during the summer
-- Oversee and assist in scanning some board of trustees materials; prepare finding aid
-- Finish processing Camp facilities records; determine which ones may warrant digitization
-- Provide research services to staff and trustees, and other inquirers

Other work may include assisting in the planning and equipping of the archives space in a new building; ordering supplies; providing images for Throwback Thursday on social media.

An experienced consulting Archivist will make periodic visits to assist, and be available for consultation at all times. 

Qualifications. 
BA in relevant field; enrollment in or recent graduate of an MA or MLS program with archives management component and / or equivalent archives experience
Strong oral and written communication skills
Familiarity with archival theory and techniques: appraisal, accessioning, arrangement and description
Familiarity with preservation practices, including digitization for access
Familiarity with office software applications
Ability to lift and move 40 lb containers

Logistics and compensation. For a candidate who lives beyond a reasonable commuting distance, the Camp can provide free room and board during the weeks the Camp is in operation (June 19 - August 18, 2017).  Meals also are available during those weeks to a successful candidate who is within commuting range. 

Compensation commensurate with skills and experience.

Please submit the following electronically to :
Cynthia G. Swank, C.A., C.R.M.
cgswank@inlookgroup.com 

– A cover letter expressing interest in the position, and outlining relevant experience
– A curriculum vitae of education and employment
– A finding aid and additional writing sample in the form of exhibition text, presentation, blog post, etc. 

The Maine State Museum is currently seeking a full-time Museum Education Specialist II position. This is a leadership position within the education team. Creative, well-qualified educators are encouraged to apply!

 The Maine State Museum is currently open five days a week; the position would be required to work some weekend and evening hours. The position is scheduled to begin mid-June, 2017. The position is responsible for developing and implementing innovative, engaging, and relevant gallery experiences for a wide range of visitors.  This position assists in training staff and volunteers; assists with the day-to-day operations of the museum public spaces and admission desk; and the development of special events.

 A well-qualified candidate is proficient in interdisciplinary, object-based teaching as well as interpretive writing, curriculum development, and the design of hands-on activities; knowledgeable of current inquiry-based pedagogy and teaching strategies; and has an interest in digital technologies and media for use in online and in-house interpretative projects.  Individuals with a natural science and/or STEM backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.

 For additional information about the position, visit the General Government Service Center website at http://www.maine.gov/fps/opportunities/ and click on the position “Museum Education Specialist II Full-Time (40 hours weekly).” Qualified candidates should send a resume, direct hire application, and letter of interest to Mindy Hansen, HR Generalist, General Gov. Service Center, 74 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0074, 207-624-7430  (T), 207-287-4032 (F) or email applications to dafsdirecthire@maine.gov by March 3, 2017. Direct Hire applications are available at the General Government Service Center website.

The Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine [HHRC] will host its 3rd Annual Hearts for Human Rights Fundraiser on Thursday, February 9th at 6 p.m. at the Brunswick Hotel & Tavern.

The evening will feature live music by Portland, Maine's Pihcintu Multicultural Chorus, a live and silent auction, heavy hors d'oeuvres and more.

Each year, the HHRC reaches as many as 4,000 teachers and students from all over the state with free outreach programs about civil rights, the Holocaust, and civil discourse. All proceeds from the Hearts for Human Rights fundraiser will support the HHRC’s educational programming.

This year the HHRC will be joined by Pihcintu, a multicultural chorus that brings young, immigrant and refugee voices together to sing as one and inspire cultural acceptance. The group has shared its message of unity and peace by performing throughout Maine and at the United Nations in New York City.

Tickets are $40 per person and $300 for a table of 8. RSVP by Friday, January 27th to Jordan Bannister at jordan.bannister@maine.edu or by calling (207) 621-3530.

Event sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, email infohhrc@maine.edu.

Maine is about to observe its bicentennial of statehood.

It is a time when we look to our past, consider our present, and prepare for our future.

As one of Maine’s collecting organizations, you may already be considering how you can participate and contribute to the bicentennial.

The Maine State Archives, through the Maine Historical Records Advisory Board wants to help.

For the next two years, and, we hope, continuing to 2020, competitive grants of up to $4,000 will be available from the Historical Records Advisory Board to aid organizations, with the emphases being on projects relating to the bicentennial, and on digitizing documents to promote broader access.

With 2020 approaching, planning now will make a difference. To that end, please click on the link and answer the Survey Monkey questions.

Thank you.

Dave Cheever

Maine State Archivist

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6HRTMGJ

The Maine Association for the Education of Young Children is hosting their annual conference at Bowdoin College in Brunswick on Saturday, October 1st. Taking a glance at the subject (STEAM education) and the speakers, it looks like an interesting opportunity for those in the museum field! Just wanted to spread the word!

Visit the Maine AEYC website to read more about registration and speakers: https://maineaeyc.org/

The Yarmouth Historical Society is seeking an energetic and experienced Executive Director for a 40-hour-a-week position based in Yarmouth, Maine.

Preferred Qualifications: a graduate degree, 5 years of experience in history or cultural studies, and experience managing a non-profit cultural institution.  Experience in fundraising, personnel management, and as a chief executive officer is desired.  Excellent communications and organizational skills are a must.

The Yarmouth Historical Society is a non-profit organization of approximately 400 members.  A Board of trustees is responsible for administering, managing, preserving, and protecting the assets of the Society.  The Executive Director advises the board in developing policies and goals for the Society and, as its chief administrative officer, is responsible for the supervision of its day-to-day operations, management of other employees, fundraising, and oversight of its collection, property, and educational programs.  Additional information is posted on the YHS website, www.yarmouthmehistory.org, under the “About” tab. 

To apply, please mail or email a cover letter and resume to:  Yarmouth Historical Society, P.O. Box 107, Yarmouth, ME  04096 or info@yarmouthmehistory.org.  We will begin to review applications on Friday, 26 August 2016, and continue to consider candidates until the position is filled.

For additional information, go to http://www.yarmouthmehistory.org