Workshops

DHPSNY’s workshops promote interactive learning, networking, and collaboration. Free for New York institutions, DHPSNY’s programs address the needs of professionals and volunteers at institutions that manage unique library research materials and historical records, including libraries, archives, and museums.

Presented throughout the state, workshops emphasize hands-on learning exercises and provide supplemental resources. See below for descriptions and registration for upcoming workshops.

Upcoming 2019 Workshops

Preservation Planning for Collecting Institutions
Presenter: Samantha Forsko, Preservation Specialist, CCAHA
Times: Registration: 9:15 am – 9:30 am; Program: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Click here to register.

A Preservation Plan is an essential institutional document that helps collecting institutions thoughtfully and carefully chart a course for the preservation of their collections for five to ten years. Without planning, it can be nearly impossible to effectively budget for staff time and resources. As a result, the care of priceless collections can suffer. This workshop will provide guidance on how to create a Preservation Plan and will provide participants with the opportunity to explore sample plans as well as practice creating goals, objectives, and strategies to make an effective plan.

Monday, April 1 - Closed
Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum
Niagara County – North Tonawanda, NY
carrouselmuseum.net

Tuesday, April 16 - Closed
Plattsburgh Public Library
Clinton County – Plattsburgh, NY
plattsburghlib.org

Thursday, April 18 - Closed
Storm King Art Center
Orange County – New Windsor, NY
stormking.org

Thursday, April 25 - Register by April 18, 2019
Cazenovia Public Library 
Madison County – Cazenovia, NY
cazenoviapubliclibrary.org

Friday, April 26 - Register by April 18, 2019
Rakow Research Library, The Corning Museum of Glass
Steuben County – Corning, NY
cmog.org/research/library

Care and Preservation of Audiovisual Materials
Presenter: Rebecca Chandler, Senior Consultant, AVP
Times: Registration: 9:15 am – 9:30 am; Program: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Click here to register.

Identifying the materials in archival collections and understanding how to prioritize preservation is an integral part of collections care and management. Audiovisual materials can present particularly challenging issues and require specialized skills for appropriate care. This workshop will address the different types of audio, video, and film media most frequently found in collections, discuss each format’s associated preservation risks, and introduce methods of prioritization. In addition, the steps that drive a successful audiovisual digitization project from start to finish will be outlined and discussed. Hands-on activities will give participants the chance to use what they have learned, and will provide opportunities for discussion of real-life challenges faced by those responsible for the stewardship of audiovisual materials.

Tuesday, May 28
Binghamton University – State University of New York
Broome County – Binghamton, NY
binghamton.edu

Wednesday, May 29
Crandall Public Library
Warren County – Glens Falls, NY
crandalllibrary.org

Wednesday, June 5
The Strong National Museum of Play
Monroe County – Rochester, NY
museumofplay.org

Tuesday, June 18
St Joseph’s College New York
Kings County – Brooklyn, NY
sjcny.edu/brooklyn

Friday, July 19
State University of New York at Fredonia
Chautauqua County – Fredonia, NY
fredonia.edu

Understanding Archives: An Introduction to Archival Basics
Presenters: Anastasia Matijkiw, Program Manager, DHPSNY
Amelia Parks, Archives Specialist, DHPSNY
Times: Registration: 9:15 am – 9:30 am; Program: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Click here to register.

While proper archival procedures help ensure safe and effective management of collections, the individuals who care for collections also play a key role. However, volunteers, historians, and other professionals at collecting institutions may find themselves in the position of "archivist" without formal training in the profession. Topics covered during this workshop will include the fundamentals of archival appraisal, acquisition, and access; proper storage materials; and the most common preservation problems found within paper-based archival collections. This workshop will also touch briefly on processing, arrangement, and description.

Wednesday, September 25
The Farmers’ Museum and Fenimore Art Museum
Otsego County – Cooperstown, NY
fenimoreartmuseum.org

Tuesday, October 1
Huntington Public Library
Suffolk County – Huntington, NY
myhpl.org

Friday, October 11
Richard F. Brush Art Gallery & Permanent Collection, St. Lawrence University
St. Lawrence County – Canton, NY
stlawu.edu/gallery

Wednesday, October 23
Chautauqua Institution
Chautauqua County – Chautauqua, NY
archives.chq.org

Friday, October 25
Holland Land Office Museum
Genesee County – Batavia, NY
hollandlandoffice.com