Connecting to Collections: Raising the Bar

Workshops for Libraries,
Archives and Museums

Heritage Preservation conducted a series of in person workshops and webinars that were designed to extend and enhance the knowledge gained in the Institute of Museum and Library Services initiative, Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action. Libraries and museums nationwide have, as a result of the initiative, gained information and inspiration for the care of their collections. Now they are facing challenges as they seek to integrate these ideas into their institutions during an economic downturn. These workshops provided tools for building capacity, reaching the public and developing resources in order to save collections.

Conservation and the stories behind it can be effective tools to gain new audiences, build community support, and develop resources that will sustain collections for future generations. These workshops and webinars enlisted a team of experienced presenters who both describe successful projects and work with participants to help them develop strategies of their own. Three panels explored traditional and “new” media, resource development, and public education and outreach. Participants were challenged to return to their institutions and implement what they learned.

Two in person workshops were conducted on-site for regional participants. The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture in Baltimore, Maryland, was the site of the first workshop on May 18, 2010. Click here to view the Baltimore program. The second workshop, on June 16 and 17, 2010, was held at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, Iowa. Click here to view the Davenport program.

Staff members of institutions in nearby states that have participated in various aspects of Connecting to Collections or who have received collections-related grants from IMLS in the past five years were eligible to participate. A simple on-line application was required, and modest travel stipends were available.

The next stage of the project was a series of webinars built on the workshop series and made available nationally in the fall of 2010. Click here for more information about the webinars and their recordings.

This project is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Peck Stacpoole Foundation, and the Bay and Paul Foundations.