Join us this year as we deliver three new workshops on a range of collections management topics, presented at fifteen locations across New York State! Always free of charge, DHPSNY’s programs address the needs of professionals and volunteers responsible for the care and handling of historical records. The registration deadline for all workshops is two weeks before each program date. Learn more and register below or at our workshops page.
The Process of Processing: A Hands-on Approach
Presenter: Amelia Parks, DHPSNY Archives Specialist
Dates: May 2 - 23
Time: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Click here to register for all May workshop dates.
Processing is a vital step in archival collections care, but many institutions struggle with where to begin. This hands-on workshop will focus on the fundamentals of archival processing and provide the tools necessary to establish better intellectual and physical control over collections. Topics addressed will include principles of archival arrangement, preservation best practices, and description standards. Participants will work in groups to process a study collection, determining arrangement, completing a basic finding aid, and assigning housing priorities using the procedures presented in the workshop.
Tuesday, May 2
Historic Hudson Valley
Westchester County
Pocantico Hills, NY
Thursday, May 4
Bethlehem Public Library Central Library
Albany County
Delmar, NY
Tuesday, May 16
Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History
Chautauqua County
Jamestown, NY
Thursday, May 18
George Eastman Museum
Monroe County
Rochester, NY
Tuesday, May 23
Plattsburgh Public Library
Clinton County
Plattsburgh, NY
Disaster Response and Recovery: A Hands-on Intensive
Presenters: Amelia Parks, DHPSNY Archives Specialist, and Gillian Marcus, DHPSNY Preservation Specialist
Dates: June 5 - 22
Time: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Click here to register for all June workshop dates.
Thoughtful preparation for an emergency or disaster is one of the most important steps a cultural institution can take to safeguard collections. This daylong program will increase practical knowledge through hands-on salvage of a simulated disaster. Participants will use the Incident Command System while learning to salvage a variety of archival and library materials, including paper, photographs, audio-visual media, and books. Personal safety, initial site assessment, object triage and tracking, and post-disaster debriefing will be addressed during the workshop. Participants will also learn about resources and services offered by local and regional emergency management agencies. Knowledge of basic salvage techniques and/or prior attendance in a collections-oriented emergency response workshop is encouraged.
Monday, June 5
Marion H. Skidmore Library, Lily Dale Assembly
Chautauqua County
Lily Dale, NY
Wednesday, June 7
Utica College
Oneida County
Utica, NY
Wednesday, June 14
Smithtown Historical Society
Suffolk County
Smithtown, NY
Tuesday, June 20
Fort Ticonderoga
Essex County
Ticonderoga, NY
Thursday, June 22
The Farmers’ Museum and Fenimore Art Museum
Otsego County
Cooperstown, NY
Fundamentals of Caring for Paper Collections: Handling, Assessing Storage Needs, and Basic Care
Presenter: Gillian Marcus, DHPSNY Preservation Specialist
Dates: October 11 - November 15
Time: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Click here to register for all October/November workshop dates.
This workshop will introduce best practices in caring for any paper-based collection. Topics covered will include: handling guidelines, assessing storage materials and special needs items, prioritizing for treatment, and understanding preservation and conservation terminology. This program is appropriate for those looking to develop new skills, and individuals wanting to increase their knowledge of best practices in the care of paper-based collections.
Wednesday, October 11
Brooklyn Historical Society
Kings County
Brooklyn, NY
Wednesday, October 25
Western New York Library Resources Council
Erie County
Cheektowaga, NY
Monday, November 6
National Museum of Dance
Saratoga County
Saratoga Springs, NY
Monday, November 13
Rakow Research Library,
Corning Museum of Glass
Steuben County
Corning, NY
Wednesday, November 15
Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library
Jefferson County
Watertown, NY