News & EVENTS

Tomorrow, Tuesday, February 28, 2017, is the last day to apply for one of the New England Archivists' three professional development awards. These awards are given to help members in their professional development and activities:

Richard W. Hale, Jr. Professional Development Award
The Hale Award is given annually by NEA to promote the professional development of archivists in the region. Individual members of NEA are invited to apply for the award. For more information on the award and submitting an application, go to: newenglandarchivists.org/awards/hale

Richard L. Haas Records Management Award
The Haas Award is given annually by NEA in support of a project that promotes increased cooperation, understanding, and knowledge between the archival and records management professions. Applicants need not be a member of NEA to receive this award. For more information on the award and submitting an application, go to: newenglandarchivists.org/awards/haas

Audio/Visual Professional Development Award
The A/V Award is given annually by NEA to promote the professional development of members in the areas of moving image, recorded sound, and time-based media. Individual members of NEA are invited to apply for the award. For more information on the award and submitting an application, go to: newenglandarchivists.org/av_award

Applications for all three awards and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Representatives-at-large (RepAtLarge@newenglandarchivists.org) by Tuesday, February 28, 2017.

This year's New England Archivists Spring 2017 Meeting will be at the Cape Cod Resort and Conference Center in Hyannis, MA, March 23-25, 2017. Since it will still be the off-season on the Cape, NEA will have the run of the conference center for our meeting, and that means attendees will be able to enjoy many of the family-friendly amenities the resort has to offer.

But there are also a lot of things to do -- even in the off-season -- around Hyannis, and we have a few recommendations.

TOURS
The Spring 2017 Program Committee has organized behind-the-scene tours at a few local institutions. Sign up for a tour at the Sturgis Library, the Barnes Historical Society, or at Cape Cod Community College using the NEA Day of Service/Tour sign-up sheet. Please note: you do not have to volunteer for the Day of Service to sign up for a tour. Tours are open to all.

IN AND AROUND HYANNIS
Check the NEA Spring 2017 Meeting Pinterest board for many suggestions of tours, museums, restaurants, shopping, and kid-friendly activities. Here are some of the interesting and off-the-beaten-path things to do while on Cape Cod:
-- Cape Code Brewery
-- Hyannis Main Street
-- Cape Cod Potato Chips Factory
-- Sandwich Glass Museum
-- Kennedy Legacy Trail

GETTING TO HYANNIS
We want everyone to be able to enjoy this meeting, but it is most easily accessible by car. So if you are looking for a ride to the meeting, or if you are willing to share a spot in your car in exchange for fine company (and/or gas money), we've created an online, self-service carpooling sign-up sheet where you can connect with other members looking to share a ride. Just enter your name and contact info, when and from where you're traveling, and whether you're a driver (with a car) or a rider. Then wait to be contacted by other carpoolers, or go ahead and contact others who list pick-up locations and dates in line with your travel plans. Please note that attendees are entirely responsible for making their own rideshare arrangements, including meeting times, sharing the cost of gas, etc., and for following through with their plans.

For more ways of getting to the NEA Spring 2017 Meeting, see the NEA website.

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Attend the NEA Spring 2017 Meeting
"Changing Tides" | March 23-25, 2017
Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis*
Register today
See the NEA website for schedules, rates, and travel information

*PLEASE NOTE: There are still rooms available at the Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis, but the original NEA block is almost full. When making reservations, it is advisable to call the hotel directly (866-828-9111 or 508-775-7775) and ask for a room for the NEA Spring 2017 Meeting. They will honor our rate for any room reserved during the meeting.

See you on Cape Cod!

New England Archivists is looking for committee members for two of our upcoming meetings. If you are interested in volunteering for either committee, please contact the chairs by March 6, 2017.

Fall 2017 Meeting, Cambridge, MA
NEA seeks two volunteers for the Fall 2017 Meeting Program Committee. The half-day symposium will take place at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall of 2017. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please send a brief statement of interest to Elizabeth Andrews, Co-Chair, at landrews@mit.edu by March 6th. On behalf of committee members Myles Crowley, Chris Tanguay, Emily Gonzalez, and Nora Murphy.

Spring 2018 Meeting, New Haven, CT
NEA is looking for five volunteers to help plan our upcoming meeting in New Haven, CT, which will be co-sponsored by the Archivists Round Table of Metropolitan New York, Inc. In partnership with our NYC colleagues, there will be opportunities to plan sessions, select plenary speakers, and assist with local arrangements and associated events. The joint Program Committee will kick off its work with an in-person planning meeting on April 7th in New Haven. If you are interested in serving on this Committee, please send a brief statement of interest to Rachel Chatalbash (rachel.chatalbash@yale.edu), Co-Chair, by March 6th.

The Day of Service is a New England Archivists community volunteer project that is part of the annual Spring Meeting program. This year's event on Thursday, March 23rd, will offer volunteers a variety of experiences at two possible sites. Participating in NEA's Day of Service is a great way to enhance your skills, or learn new ones, and join with colleagues and new friends to serve the profession.

Sign up to volunteer at either the Sturgis Library or at the Bourne Historical Society using the 2017 Day of Service Volunteer Form. Shifts are first come, first serve, and space is limited so sign up early to guarantee a spot*. Sign ups will close Wednesday, March 22nd, OR as soon as all spots are filled. Once someone signs-up for a shift, the project organizers will email potential volunteers to confirm participation and share further logistical details. *You do not have to attend the Spring 2016 Meeting in order to participate in the NEA Day of Service event.

ABOUT THE PROJECTS

Sturgis Library:
Project #1: Gravestones preservation work
Volunteers will encapsulate gravestone rubbings, a project for which prior experience is strongly requested. Mylar and double stick tape are provided; these supplies are partially funded by the Cape Cod Antique Dealers’ Association.

Project #2: Stanley Smith Deed Collection online database
Volunteers will contribute to the Stanley Smith Deed Collection online database, a work-in-progress in collaboration with the Boston Public Library. Amassed by local historian Stanley Webster Smith (1869-1941), this extensive collection includes deeds for land, property, wharfs, salt works, and church pews. Volunteers will work from digital images and fill out forms with keywords and other information (to be entered into the database by a staff member). Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own laptops if they have them.

Bourne Historical Society:
Project: Town Undertaker Edward D. Nickerson diary transcription
The Bourne Historical Society recently received three diaries, dating from 1898-1930, with photographs and handwritten descriptions of Bourne from the town undertaker Edward D. Nickerson (at that time the only undertaker on Cape Cod). Volunteers will transcribe one volume (111 pages, covering 1902-1921) from photocopies and are encouraged to bring their own laptops, as computers at the historical society are limited (transcriptions may also be handwritten initially). Volunteers’ ideas or suggestions for an upcoming exhibit, tentatively titled “Edward D. Nickerson, A Bourne Original: Undertaker, Environmentalist, Storyteller,” will also be welcome.

Bring your expertise and enthusiasm and help make a difference at one of these cultural heritage institutions on the Cape!


********
Attend the NEA Spring 2017 Meeting
"Changing Tides" | March 23-25, 2017
Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis*
Register today!
See the NEA website for schedules, rates, and travel information

*PLEASE NOTE: There are still rooms available at the The Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis, but the original NEA block is almost full. When making reservations, it is advisable to call the hotel directly (866-828-9111 or 508-775-7775) and ask for a room for the NEA Spring 2017 Meeting. They will honor our rate for any room reserved during the meeting.

Donating your time and energy to New England Archivists delivers a multitude of benefits:
-- networking with fellow colleagues
-- learning new skills
-- helping to strengthen and reconnect with local archival communities

Volunteering with NEA is a rewarding and fun collective experience. Currently we have four open positions with varying levels of responsibilities.

Are you interested in:
Communications Committee: Web Content Manager (position pending)

Education Committee: Chair (JUST POSTED)
In conjunction with Education Committee members (workshop planners), the Chair coordinates annual Spring Meeting workshops and standalone workshops to provide professional development opportunities for members of the archival community. In addition, the Education Chair evaluates and approves workshop proposals and contracts and liaises with institutions, NEA program chairs, NEA registrar, NEA Board, and other NEA committees.

This position provides an opportunity for someone with an interest in professional development to get involved with NEA and further develop NEA's educational opportunities.

Inclusion and Diversity Coordinator

Registrar

See the individual job postings on the NEA website for more details and who to contact about volunteering. We look forward to working with you! 

DEADLINE EXTENDED! 

Now accepting applications through Tuesday, February 28, 2017.

There's still time to apply for one of New England Archivists' three awards to help members in their professional development and activities: 

Richard W. Hale, Jr. Professional Development Award 
The Hale Award is given annually by NEA to promote the professional development of archivists in the region. Individual members of NEA are invited to apply for the award. For more information on the award and submitting an application, go to: newenglandarchivists.org/awards/hale 

Richard L. Haas Records Management Award 
The Haas Award is given annually by NEA in support of a project that promotes increased cooperation, understanding, and knowledge between the archival and records management professions. Applicants need not be a member of NEA to receive this award. For more information on the award and submitting an application, go to: newenglandarchivists.org/awards/haas 

Audio/Visual Professional Development Award 
The A/V Award is given annually by NEA to promote the professional development of members in the areas of moving image, recorded sound, and time-based media. Individual members of NEA are invited to apply for the award. For more information on the award and submitting an application, go to: newenglandarchivists.org/av_award 

Applications for all three awards and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Representatives-at-large (RepAtLarge@newenglandarchivists.org) by Tuesday, February 28, 2017.

Sunday, February 19th, will be the last day to register for the New England Archivists' Spring 2017 Meeting, the two spring workshops, and the Born-Digital Boot Camp at the early-bird rate. Starting February 20th -- all rates will increase. So register today for:

THE SPRING WORKSHOPS

1. WRITE BETTER GRANTS: Funding for Archives Work: Preparing Competitive NHPRC Grant Proposals
What can you do to find funding for your repository? To create more access to collections? To better serve your researchers? To preserve historical documents? Grants. Anyone who has an idea for a project to better serve their collections should consider registering for Funding for Archives Work.

Kathleen Williams, Executive Director of the National Historical Publication & Records Commission, will provide expert tips and tricks on applying for a grant from the NHPRC, specifically the Access to Historical Records grant program. Through review of sample projects and the opportunity to begin your own grant application package, this NEA workshop will provide you with the skills to put together competitive grant proposals for archives and records management projects.

2. LEAD BY EXAMPLE: The Fundamentals of Project Management for Archivists (SAA)
The greatest assets in leading teams and managing archival projects are knowing how to navigate the tools, techniques, and relationships. Anyone who has ever worked on a team should consider registering for Fundamentals of Project Management for Archivists. Part of the SAA Arrangement & Description Certificate Program, this workshop will give you an understanding of the project life cycle, from initiation to completion, including addressing which tools and techniques are best, exploring how to evaluate outcomes and disseminate project information, and demonstrating methods for achieving success. Bonus: SAA will provide a $25 discount off the non-member rate for NEA members. Log on to the NEA website to view the promotional code on the member portal.

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THE BORN-DIGITAL BOOTCAMP: A COLLABORATIVE LEARNING FORUM
The Born-Digital Access Bootcamp will focus on building strategies to provide access to born-digital material. Many practitioners in archives and libraries feel that they are not prepared to provide access to born-digital records, but providing access is an important advocacy tool for developing digital processing and preservation programs. For the administrator, access is a visible service to communities as well as a proof of concept for developing policies, setting priorities, and allocating resources to digital processing and preservation. For the archivist, this step helps inform and build stronger workflows for acquiring, accessioning, and processing this material.

This full day event will be heavily participatory, making it more an active experience than a traditional learning environment. Participants will leap from acquisitions to access as quickly as they can. It isn't so much about experts teaching a course, as this is a developing area of archival activity. Instead, the Born-Digital Bootcamp will be about leaders pushing action and creating a space where we can all learn how to move forward together.

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Please note: Both workshops and the bootcamp will be held at The Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis on Thursday, March 23rd from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. For more information on these workshops, visit the NEA Spring 2017 Meeting website. Questions? Contact NEA Education Committee Chair Stephanie Call (stephanie.call@ajhsboston.org).

******

Attend the NEA Spring 2017 Meeting
"Changing Tides" | March 23-25, 2017
Cape Cod Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis
Early-bird registration is open through February 19th.
See the NEA website for schedules, rates, and travel information.

See you in Hyannis! 

On February 13, 2017, New England Archivists issued an official statement opposing political actions that discriminate against individuals and calling for a more transparent government and documentation of all government activities, regardless of political party. NEA stands ready to work with others to ensure that federal policies and funding recognize and support archives as an essential element of an enduring democracy.

To read the full statement, see the NEA website.

The Day of Service is a New England Archivists community volunteer project that is part of the annual Spring Meeting program. This year's event on Thursday, March 23rd, will offer volunteers a variety of experiences at two possible sites. Participating in NEA's Day of Service is a great way to enhance your skills, or learn new ones, and join with colleagues and new friends to serve the profession.

Sign up to volunteer at either the Sturgis Library or at the Bourne Historical Society using the 2017 Day of Service Volunteer Form. Shifts are first come, first serve, and space is limited so sign up early to guarantee a spot*. Sign ups will close Wednesday, March 22nd, OR as soon as all spots are filled. Once someone signs-up for a shift, the project organizers will email potential volunteers to confirm participation and share further logistical details.

*You do not have to attend the Spring 2016 Meeting in order to participate in the NEA Day of Service event.

ABOUT THE PROJECTS
Sturgis Library:
Project #1: Gravestones and Deeds preservation work
This project will have volunteers encapsulating gravestone rubbings, a project for which prior experience is strongly requested. Mylar and double stick tape are provided; these supplies are partially funded by the Cape Cod Antique Dealers’ Association.

Project #2: Stanley Smith Deed Collection online database
For this project volunteers will contribute to the Stanley Smith Deed Collection online database, a work-in-progress in collaboration with the Boston Public Library. Amassed by local historian Stanley Webster Smith (1869-1941), this extensive collection includes deeds for land, property, wharfs, salt works, and church pews. Volunteers will work from digital images and fill out forms with keywords and other information (to be entered into the database by a staff member). Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own laptops if they have them.

Bourne Historical Society:
Project: Town Undertaker Edward D. Nickerson diary transcription
The Bourne Historical Society recently received three diaries, dating from 1898-1930, with photographs and handwritten descriptions of Bourne from the town undertaker Edward D. Nickerson (at that time the only undertaker on Cape Cod). Volunteers will transcribe one volume (111 pages, covering 1902-1921) from photocopies and are encouraged to bring their own laptops, as computers at the historical society are limited (transcriptions may also be handwritten initially). Volunteers’ ideas or suggestions for an upcoming exhibit, tentatively titled “Edward D. Nickerson, A Bourne Original: Undertaker, Environmentalist, Storyteller,” will also be welcome.

Bring your expertise and enthusiasm and help make a difference at one of these cultural heritage institutions on the Cape!

********
Attend the NEA Spring 2017 Meeting
"Changing Tides" | March 23-25, 2017
Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis*
Early-bird registration is open through Sunday, February 19th.
See the NEA website for schedules, rates, and travel information

*PLEASE NOTE: There are still rooms available at the The Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis, but the original NEA block is almost full. When making reservations, it is advisable to call the hotel directly (866-828-9111 or 508-775-7775) and ask for a room for the NEA Spring 2017 Meeting. They will honor our rate for any room reserved during the meeting.

TODAY, Wednesday, February 15th is the deadline to apply for a New England Archivist  Professional Development award, nominate colleagues for the Archival Advocacy Award or Distinguished Service Award or take advantage of the NEA Mentoring program.

-- Professional Development Awards
Apply for one of New England Archivists' three awards to help members in their professional development and activities: Hale Professional Development Award, Haas Records Management Award, and the A/V Professional Development Award. Applications for all three awards and supporting documentation should be submitted to the NEA Representatives-at-large (RepAtLarge@newenglandarchivists.org).

-- Nominations for Service Awards
Nominate the outstanding work of your colleagues. New England Archivists is seeking nominations for the Archival Advocacy Award and the Distinguished Service Award. See the NEA website for criteria for eligibility and more details. Nominations for both awards can be made using this nomination form.

-- Mentoring Program
Apply to take part in the relaunch of the New England Archivists Mentoring Program. This year-long program will begin in March 2017. Applications and more information are available on the NEA website.

MORE UPCOMING DEADLINES:

Sunday, February 19: Spring 2017 Meeting: early-bird deadline
Attend the NEA Spring 2017 Meeting "Changing Tides" | March 23-25, 2017 | Cape Cod Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis, Massachusetts. See the NEA website for the full schedule, rates, and travel information*.

Sunday, February 19: Spring 2017 Workshops: early-bird deadline
New England Archivists is offering two workshops at the Spring 2017 Meeting in Hyannis, MA, which will give archivists in our region a leg-up on project management and grant funding. Sign up for the SAA workshop, The Fundamentals of Project Management for Archivists or the Funding for Archives Work workshop on applying for a grant from the NHPRC, specifically the Access to Historical Records grant program.

*PLEASE NOTE: There are still rooms available at the The Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis, but the original NEA block is almost full. When making reservations, it is advisable to call the hotel directly (866-828-9111 or 508-775-7775) and ask for a room for the NEA Spring 2017 Meeting. They will honor our rate for any room reserved during the meeting.