Volume 32 Issue 3 May/June 2016

THE Local Historian

Mastering Effective Meetings

Effective meetings take a lot of preparation, but can get a lot accomplished in a short amount of time. Photo courtesy of the History Connection.

By: Kate Smith, Special Projects Coordinator, Dennison Railroad and it was clear that I was clueless Have a Clear Objective/Goal: Depot Museum, Dennison on how to run a quality meeting. Whether it’s a one-time meeting or a Early in my career I wanted to make Unfortunately, meetings sometimes routine staff meeting, every meeting sure I was on the right track. I asked get a bad rap because they can be needs a clear goal to get off to a great several people to brainstorm some unorganized, are poorly facilitated, start. ideas that would help guide me in or have attendees that are unfo- Be Respectful of Time: I’ve my new position. I scheduled a meet- cused, show up late, and are dis- had a glance at my boss’ schedule. It’s ing with an idea of what I wanted to tracted by their cell phones. I hope overwhelming how many meetings accomplish but was care free about this list gives you some tools to make she is expected to attend and then get the details. It was far from a ‘good’ your next meeting effective and some work done on top of it. People meeting. Attendees were late and leaves people wondering when they are busy. Make sure you are meeting conversation was unorganized. My can meet with you again! only when necessary and have a plan meeting was in no way “effective,” (continued on page 3)

Building Your Agenda WHAT’S INSIDE: I gave a presentation on effective meetings several years ago. I interviewed ten professionals to get some stats for my talk. One of them said, “I think 2 President’s Message agendas are a must for meetings. In fact, I hate meetings that don’t have 3 Mastering Meetings (con't) one.” The other nine responses were similar. No matter how it looks, agen- das are a necessity for an effective meeting. Here are some quick tips for 4 Partnerships: developing a great agenda! Making Connections Send agendas out ahead of time. It not only serves as a reminder but helps 5 Save the History Fund everyone to prepare for the meeting. Don’t forget to schedule breaks. 6 Glass Plate Negatives You should also plan to stick around after the meeting for a few minutes. 7-9 Announcements If someone tries to pull the group on a tangent, you can suggest that they meet with you afterwards to chat. 10 Calendar I always try to end a few minutes early, if possible. 11 News from the Regions At the bottom of the agenda I like to list any upcoming meetings. Occa- sionally, if we need an extra boost of progress, I’ll even put how many days 12 New and Renewing until the event. Members

(continued on page 1)

The Local Historian ᅵ May/Juneᅵ 2016 1 a fulfilling activity, especially surrounded most cost and time effective way to utilize President’s by Ohio local historians. We share a pas- the resources at your disposal. Deliberate, Message: sion to protect and preserve history, so thoughtful strategic planning that involves a sitting around a table for two days produced group of people who have a common interest some interesting ideas for how to assist our can be invigorating, validating, and produce Early in April, the Ohio Local History Alli- members and provide more opportunities for some innovative approaches to problems and ance Board met at the Youngstown Museum education, advocacy, and communication. concerns. If your organization has not under- of Industry and Labor for two days to work You will be hearing more about the strategic taken forward-thinking and goal-oriented on a new strategic plan. Our previous strate- plan at the annual meeting in October. long-range planning recently, or ever, take gic plans have guided the organization as it the time to consider what it could do to help re-branded and reorganized. As you are planning programs, trying to preserve photographs of your community, your mission. Along with eating some great Youngstown and raising funds for a new roof for your pizza, spending time together in an inter- house museum, strategic planning may Beth Weinhardt esting location, and enjoying each other’s seem like something for bigger organizations President, Ohio Local History Alliance Local company, we did work. Brainstorming and and corporations. However, developing a History Coordinator, Westerville Public Library creating a plan to implement new ideas is (614) 259-5028, [email protected] strategic plan for your organization is the 2016 Board Members Ohio Local History Alliance President Immediate Past-President Region 4 Region 8 Beth Weinhardt, Local History Maggie Marconi, Museum Admin- Nancy Newton, Trustee Joel Kohler, Historian Coordinator istrator Canfield Historical Society, Canfield Mason Ohio Historical Society, Mason Westerville Public Library, Westerville Sandusky Library/ Follett House Museum (330) 533-3458 (513) 398-6750 (614) 259-5028 Sandusky [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (419) 625-3834 www.canfieldhistory.org www.masonhistoricalsociety.org/ westervillelibrary.org/local-history [email protected] Melissa Karman, Director Jamie Glavic, Director of Marketing & www.sandusky.lib.oh.us/follett_house 1st Vice President The Sutliff Museum, Warren Communications National Underground Ex-Officio (Executive Secretary) (330) 395-6575 Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati Todd McCormick, Curator/Director [email protected] (513) 333-7500 Logan County Historical Society, Mark Sundlov, Manager www.sutliffmuseum.org [email protected] Bellefontaine Local History Services, www.freedomcenter.org (937) 593-7557 Ohio History Connection, Columbus Region 5 [email protected] (614) 297-2343 Kate Smith, Special Projects Coordinator Region 9 www.loganhistory.org [email protected] Dennison Railroad Depot Museum Margaret Parker, Trustee www.ohiohistory.org 2nd Vice President Dennison Meigs County Historical Society, Region 1 (740) 922-6776 Pomeroy Wendy Zucal, Executive Director [email protected] (740) 992-3810 Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, Gary Levitt, Director www.dennisondepot.org [email protected] Dennison Museum of Postal History, Delphos Christy Davis, Registrar meigschs.org (740) 922-6776 (419) 303-5482 Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton Jessica Cyders, Curator [email protected] [email protected] (330) 588-3616 Athens County Historical Society, dennisondepot.org www.postalhistorymuseum.org [email protected] Athens Secretary Holly Hartlerode, Curator www.ProFootballHOF.com (740) 592-2280 Wood County Historical Center, Bowl- [email protected] Ruth Brindle, Curator ing Green Region 6 athenshistory.org Quaker Heritage Center (419) 352-0967 Leslie Blankenship, Trustee Wilmington College, Wilmington [email protected] Franklinton Historical Society, Region 10 (937) 481-2456 www.woodcountyhistory.org Columbus Jim Geyer, Director for Museums [email protected] (614) 527-1957 Pioneer & Historical Society of Musk- www2.wilmington.edu/qhc Region 2 [email protected] ingum County, Zanesville Treasurer Gale Martin, Executive Director franklintonhistoricalsociety.org (740) 454-9500 Marion County Historical Society, Marion [email protected] Kathleen Fernandez, Historian and Andrea Brookover, (740) 387-4255 www.muskingumhistory.org Museum Consultant, North Canton Executive Director [email protected] Fairfield Heritage Association, Lan- Judy Robinson, Trustee Trustees-At-Large www.marionhistory.com caster Noble County Historical Society Leann Rich, Manager of Education & Jessica Maiberger, Local History (740) 654-9923 Caldwell External Relations Librarian [email protected] (740) 732-2654 Mahoning Valley Historical Society, Milan-Berlin Library District, Milan www.fairfieldheritage.org [email protected] (419) 499-4117 http://www.rootsweb.ancestry. Youngstown Region 7 (330) 743-2589 [email protected] com/~ohnoble/histsoc.htm [email protected] www.milan-berlin.lib.oh.us Chris Burton, Executive Director www.mahoninghistory.org Armstrong Air & Space Museum Region 3 Wapakoneta Jim Oda, Director Rebecca Larson-Troyer, Librarian (419) 738-8811 Piqua Public Library, Piqua Special Collections Division [email protected] (937) 773-6753 Akron-Summit County Public Library, www.armstrongmuseum.org [email protected] Akron www.youseemore.com/piqua Kasey Eichensehr, Curator (330) 643-9030 Clark County Historical Society Pat Smith, Director [email protected] Springfield Allen County Museum & Historical sc.akronlibrary.org (937) 324-0657 Society, Lima Timothy Daley, Executive Director [email protected] (419) 222-9426 Cuyahoga County Soldiers’ and Sailor’s www.heritagecenter.us/ [email protected] Monument, Cleveland http://www.allencountymuseum.org (216) 621-3746 [email protected] www.soldiersandsailors.com The Local Historian ᅵ May/Juneᅵ 2016 2 Mastering Effective Meetings (Continued from page 1) to accomplish as much as possible. because it’s ideal for meetings where difficult people during meetings and Start on time. End on time. Stay on you want to encourage network- you can never stop getting better at it. track. Be sure to inform attendees of ing or brainstorming. It promotes a Try to anticipate any problems that exactly what they should expect at the social atmosphere and conversations. may arise and have a plan for how to meeting, as well as the time commit- Frankly, if your meeting reminder handle them. Stay calm when an out- ment involved. All will be happier at indicates there will be donuts or pizza, burst or an obvious physical display is the end of the meeting when some- I just might show up! Some steer clear causing problems at your meeting. Be thing has been accomplished in a of snacks. They feel it’s a distraction, prepared to change the subject, meet short amount of time. an expense and leads to more needed with someone individually, or address breaks. Decide which works best for the problem right then and there. Good Timing is Key: You your meeting. may want to avoid Monday morn- After the Meeting: Send out ing meetings, as many may forget so Consider Room Set Up: Room notes or minutes. You may also want early in the work week. Steer clear of set up can make or break a meeting. to send reminders or follow up with Friday afternoons as well. Check with Be sure your location has necessary individuals to ensure they’re making your committee about meeting in the equipment available and comfortable progress on their tasks. Make sure evenings or weekends, and beware seating. Theater, U-shape or class- you do your tasks as well! of the holidays! It is safe to assume room style is ideal if you need to give most people are either on vacation, or a presentation or stage yourself as the Alternatives: Consider other wish they were on vacation, the whole leader of the meeting. Conference and options for meeting. Conference calls, month of December. square setups are best for conversa- online messaging services and shared tion. If you’re incorporating a meal, document programs may help you to Be Prepared: As the leader of the banquet style may be the way to go. accomplish your work in a different meeting, your main jobs are to make fashion that better suits your team. sure objectives are met, agendas are Take Notes: Write down any great In sum, an effective meeting takes a followed, and distractions are kept to ideas and who is doing what. You lot of preparation. I encourage you to a minimum. To meet these objectives, may want to ask someone else to take try these tips and see if you leave your preparation is key. Arrive early and be notes so you can focus on the meeting. next meeting feeling eager to have ready when others arrive, be educated another. Good luck! on what you’re discussing, stay on Difficult People: Whole books track, set ground rules if needed, end have been written on how to handle on time, and make sure you are avail- able after the meeting for additional questions. Be careful to leave no items “hanging” unless you make a decision Building Your Agenda (continued from page 1 to table them. If you ignore them; so will everyone else. If you’ve done this much work, be sure to follow through and check on Agenda, Agenda, Agenda: everyone’s progress between meetings. Come to the meeting with an orga- If you have a motivated group, a general agenda may do the trick. If not, nized agenda and make it clear that a specific agenda may be needed. Here are some suggestions for fitting you will be sticking to it. Agendas everything in on time: range from simple to very specific. • Consider adding the start and end times to your agenda. Send it to attendees early, so they • Add times for reports and changes in discussion directly on the page. attendees can prepare. Notify anyone who is expected to give a report ahead • Encourage reports or ask others to lead portions of the discussion if of time. If you’re planning a long you have trouble getting good conversation. I put the names right on meeting, be sure to schedule breaks. the agenda so they know it’s coming! Make sure if someone is asked to give a report they know in advance. To Snack or Not to Snack: • Schedule a recap at the end of the meeting to tackle any unresolved The great debate. Some opt for snacks issues or review your task list. Use your agenda as the main tool to keep your group focused and on track. Keeping people on the agenda can be challenging but so worth it when you’ve had a quality meeting.

The Local Historian ᅵ May/Juneᅵ 2016 3 Partnerships: Making and Keeping Connections

Many partnerships grow out of personal connections, like those you make at the Alli- ance’s Annual Meeting or Regional Meet- ings. Photo courtesy of the Ohio History Connection.

versity, simply because of your relative organizational capacity. It might make more sense to partner with a local or Natural History Society. You might also find it makes more sense to partner with a smaller unit in a larger institution, such as a university archives or history depart- ment. The Ohio History Connection’s partner relationships, for example, are largely with statewide organizations such as the Ohio Local History Alliance and the Ohio Council for the Social Studies, rather than with individual historical societies or school districts. Like many relationships, partnerships By Dr. Betsy Hedler, Partnerships Partnerships often begin with per- between organizations take time to Coordinator, Ohio History Con- sonal connections, with one person in nection, Columbus develop and can go through phases of an organization talking to a friend in greater or lesser closeness. You prob- another organization about a specific Let’s start by talking about what a ably can’t (and don’t want to) form a challenge. Often, these two people con- partnership is and what a partnership partnership with another organization tinue to be the point of contact between isn’t. A partnership is: an ongoing, you’ve never worked with at all before. the organizations as the partnership collaborative, cooperative relationship You may find that your partnership forms and continues. You never know between two or more organizations in starts by working together on a public when a simple lunch invitation could which they work together in various event, and over time develops into start a conversation that leads you and ways that are mutually beneficial and a collaboration to plan and conduct a friend to realize ways that your orga- allow both to better fulfill their mis- many events together, for example. nizations can help each other. sions. A partnership isn’t: a one-time Start small by working together on a collaboration to run a workshop, But how do you know which organiza- specific project. Depending on how event, or other program. A partnership tions might be a good fit to partner that goes, consider whether you want isn’t: a good relationship with another with? Look for an organization that has to move toward a closer working rela- organization. A partnership isn’t: shar- strengths that compliment, rather than tionship that leads to a partnership. ing volunteers (a given person volun- match, your organization’s strengths. A mutually-beneficial partnership teers at two or more organizations). Like a good marriage, a good part- takes work. The communication need- A partnership isn’t: marching next to nership will make each organization ed for coordination and collaboration the other organization in the Fourth of better. You are looking for an organi- takes time, after all, even if it’s only the July parade. zation who can work with you to help additional time needed to travel across you reach your goals, and vice versa; This is not to say that all those other town for meetings! So why do it? Why not an organization that you have to types of relationships aren’t necessary spend this time? carry or who will have to do all your and valuable to both organizations. work for you. It’s a good idea, with this A good partnership has many benefits In fact, you may find that marching in mind, to partner with organizations for both organizations, both tangible together in the Fourth of July parade of a similar size to your own. If you are and intangible. Tangible benefits allows for conversations that lead to a a historical society with two full-time are more easily seen—for example, closer relationship and ultimately to a staff people, for example, it might be one organization provides space for partnership between your organization hard for you to sustain a cooperative and another. partnership with The Ohio State Uni- (continued on page 5)

The Local Historian ᅵ May/Juneᅵ 2016 4 Partnerships: Save the Ohio Making and Keeping Connections (Continued from page 3) History Fund! joint events, while the other provides administrative support for tracking RSVPs and handling catering. Each organization gains something obvious in this example. Intangible benefits of partnerships can include generating goodwill toward your organization. This can be a ben- efit when you’re trying to justify your funding or recruiting volunteers to help with a project. For example, at the Ohio History Connection, our partner relationships help us recruit judges for the Ohio History Day contests (thank you to everyone reading this article who has judged or otherwise helped out with Ohio History Day!). By Todd Kleismit, Director of Com- Partnerships also facilitate a transfer munity & Government Relations, Ohio of knowledge between organizations History Connection, Columbus about issues and happenings of con- We are at one of those moments in our work when we really need all cern to both. Some might call this gos- hands on deck. sip, and believe it’s not important, but the gossip that goes on between those As you might be aware, the History Fund (specifically the tax check-off working in partnership is a vital source which funds it) is currently under severe threat. In 2015, the Ohio His- of knowledge for your organization. tory Fund's fourth year, all of the state's income tax check-offs inexpli- Working in partnership with other cably dropped between 45-53%. The Ohio History Fund contributions organizations can also help you keep dropped from more than $171,000 in 2014 to just under $80,000 in up with the concerns of members of 2015. your community who aren’t members The Ohio History Fund tax check-off, and the History Fund grants pro- of your organization. For example, my gram, now faces possible elimination after 2016 because a new thresh- work with the Ohio Council for the So- old eliminates any tax check-off that fails to generate $150,000 two cial Studies as part of our partnership consecutive years. allows me to learn many things about This program, developed in part through the long, tireless efforts of the concerns and needs of social stud- the Alliance, has proven useful and important to Ohio’s museums since ies teachers in the state of Ohio. its inception. The Ohio History Fund tax check-off has appeared on the Ohio individual income tax form since 2012. Since then, the Ohio His- tory Connection has used those contributions from generous Ohioans to create a competitive matching grants program to support state and local history-related projects statewide. As a result, 47 grants totaling People in more than $448,000 have been awarded from 2013-2016. the News Please take a moment and address your legislators to request a change in policy that can preserve the History Fund as an important resource Welcome back J.D. Britton for Ohio’s museum community. You’ll find a very useful tool to ad- as the interim Site Manager of vocate for the History Fund and the Tax Check-Off (essentially a pre- . J.D. retired from drafted letter that will go to your legislators based on your zip code) at the Ohio History Connection’s www.ohiohistory.org/saveohfund. Local History Office (a few) For more specific questions about the History Fund, please contact Andy years ago. Verhoff, the History Fund Coordinator at [email protected] or 614.297.2341.

The Local Historian ᅵ May/Juneᅵ 2016 5 Have You Seen Glass Plate Negatives?

By Lisa Wood, Visual Resources Curator, Ohio History Connection, glass can crack and chip easily. Some Columbus conservators recommend wearing latex gloves when working with glass [Editor’s Note: This article was origi- plates. Others suggest washing your nally published on the Ohio History hands thoroughly prior to handling Connection’s blog. It is reprinted here glass plate negatives and frequently with permission.] during the course of your work. You Glass plates were the first base for should always hold the plates with photographic negatives. In use from both hands on the edges. the 1850s through the 1920s, they were used by both amateur and Enclosures professional photographers; photog- Glass plate negatives are often found An image from a glass plate negative from the Ohio History Connection’s collections. raphers working in studios, itinerant stored in wooden cases, stacked in the Photo courtesy of the Ohio History Connec- photographers and industrial pho- commercial dry plate negative boxes tion. tographers; photographers employed in which photographers purchased to shoot babies and photographers them, or in old, acidic envelopes. None been stacked directly on top of one an- employed to shoot mine workers. With of these containers are acceptable for other and stored in humid conditions appropriate and careful handling and long term storage. The plates need to with fluctuating temperatures. Do not storage these visual resources can be be removed from these enclosures, attempt to pry the plates apart by ap- preserved and made accessible for but frequently there is information plying pressure because there is great generations to come. describing the images - like dates, risk of cracking the plates. Consult a locations and photographers names - conservator to find out if separating Types of Glass Negatives recorded on them. Archivists typically the plates is possible There are two types of glass negatives, record this information on the new Boxing and Shelving wet collodion negatives and dry plate negative enclosures. Glass plate nega- negatives. Wet collodion negatives tives must be stored individually in It is usually recommended that glass were introduced in the acid free paper enclosures. Plates that plate negatives stand upright in ar- about 1855. They are distinguished by are not enclosed are in danger of the chival boxes. When plates are stacked wavy lines along the edges of plates emulsion being scratched, emulsion horizontally unnecessary pressure is because they were hand coated by being pulled away from the glass, and put on the plates at the bottom of the photographers. Silver gelatin dry portions of the image being lost. pile. Plates should not shift or slide in their boxes. If they do not fit the box plate negatives replaced wet collo- The best choice of enclosure for glass snugly, the space can be filled with dion negatives in the late 1880s and plates is a four flap negative envelope. acid free boards cut the same size as remained in use until the 1920s. Dry These envelopes completely enclose the negatives. For additional support, plate negatives were more convenient the plates. Putting glass plates in you can also put acid free boards in for photographers because they could envelopes or folders with open sides between the plates. Plates should be purchase prepared plates from manu- leave the plates vulnerable to slipping boxed with plates that are the same facturers in standard sizes. Determin- out. Flaking and peeling emulsion is size. Do not box 4x5 inch plates with ing if plates are wet collodion nega- a common problem with glass plate 5x7 inch plates or 5x7 inch plates tives or dry plate negatives is useful negatives. Pulling plates in and out of with 8x10 inch plates. Smaller plates for dating the images. For the purpose envelopes or sleeves poses the risk of housed with large plates will not fully of handling and storage, the two types catching and tugging on emulsion that support the surface area of the larger of glass plate negatives can be man- is peeling away from the glass base. plates. Cracked or chipped plates aged with the same procedures. Four flap envelopes can be opened and should be stored horizontally in be- plates inspected or removed without Physical Handling tween sheets of acid free board in be- the plates rubbing against the enclo- tween the plates to provide additional Like all photographic media, glass sure. This style of envelope can be support. Plates that are in multiple plate negatives are susceptible to dam- purchased from archival suppliers in pieces are best stored in sunken mats age from fingerprints. However, wear- standard sizes. When you are rehous- that hold the pieces in place. Boxes ing gloves, particularly cotton gloves, ing glass plate negatives you may find that contain broken plates must be to handle glass plates reduces the plates that are fused together. This is labeled on the outside to indicate that manual dexterity necessary to handle especially common when plates have glass safely. Glass is slippery and old (continued on page 7) The Local Historian ᅵ May/Juneᅵ 2016 6 is well suited for scanning. The tonal Have You Seen Glass Plate Negatives? (continued from page 6) range and incredible detail that glass the contents are fragile and the boxes that boxes of glass plate negatives be plate negatives are noted for can be must remain horizontal. Unless plates stored on mobile shelving. The mo- captured in high resolution tiff files. have shattered into countless pieces, tion of the shelves can cause the plates Be sure the scanner bed is clean and keeping broken plates is worthwhile to shift in their boxes and increase it will fully support the surface area of because it is still possible to scan the the risk of breakage. Additionally, the the negatives. Always place negatives plates and preserve the images. height of the shelves on which boxes on the scanner bed emulsion side up. holding glass plates are placed should Once glass plate negatives are scanned Glass plate negatives are heavy! Do not they can be printed or made available overfill boxes with glass plate nega- be considered. It may be awkward for staff to lift heavy boxes from the top or online and the original plates returned tives. It is much better to house a glass to storage. plate collection in more small boxes, bottom shelves. Boxes containing glass than fill a large box with glass plates. plate negatives should never be stacked Even in less than ideal enclosures and Never put glass plate negatives in boxes on or under other boxes. storage conditions, thousands of glass plate negatives have remained intact that are not in good condition. The Providing Access weight of glass plates could easily cause for decades. With careful handling, the bottom to fall out of a box that is It is best to minimize the need for consistent storage procedures, and not sturdy. Archival suppliers make physical handling of glass plate nega- employing common sense archivists boxes designed specifically for glass tives. Fortunately, glass plate nega- can ensure that they survive for many plate storage. It is not recommended tives have proven to be a media that more.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

AWARDS OLHA Achievement Awards Nominations Due August 1

The Ohio Local History Alliance is now accepting nominations for its 2016 Outstanding Achievement Awards! The Alliance presents 2015 OLHA Awards winners at the Annual Meeting last October. Photo courtesy of the Ohio History Connection. awards in two categories – Individual Achievement and History Outreach. General Rules: Individual Achievement Awards recognize those who have made •All nominations must pertain to Ohio state, regional, or local history. outstanding contributions to Ohio’s •Any person or project is eligible to be nominated for the program; however, historical societies, history museums, the nominator (person or group) must be a member of the Ohio Local History or the understanding and appreciation Alliance (to join, click here). of state and local history. History Out- reach Awards recognize outstanding •Ohio Local History Alliance members may nominate their own projects. local history projects in the categories •Submitted materials become the property of the Ohio Local History Alliance of public programming, media and unless return is requested and a self-addressed stamped envelope is provided. publications, and exhibits/displays. Nomination forms and supporting •Nominations may be described or reviewed in the newsletter and electronic materials must be postmarked no publications of the Ohio Local History Alliance without specific permission. later than August 1, 2016. Download •Each nomination must be presented in a three-ring binder indexed into the complete guidelines and a nomi- sections titled: 1) Nomination Form (can be found here), 2) Description of nation form. Project/Individual’s Contributions to Local History, 3) Budget, 4) Letters of Awards are presented at the Alliance’s Support, and 5) Publicity. (Please note: “Budget” not applicable for Individual Annual Meeting in October. Achievement Awards).

The Local Historian ᅵ May/Juneᅵ 2016 7 ANNOUNCEMENTS

GRANTS Deadline for Ohio Historical Marker Applications is July 1st!

To better serve those interested in submitting an appli- cation for an Ohio Historical Marker, the Ohio History Connection has implemented a deadline of July 1 for all new marker applications. Because most marker spon- sors have their marker dedication ceremonies from April through November, this single deadline helps Ohio PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT History Connection staff work on markers with the local sponsors in a more efficient manner. Sharpen Your Skills with Apply for a Grant at the Same Time Project Management Training Markers range in cost from $2,430 to $2,730 and are paid for by the local sponsor. To help defray this cost, Transform your museum, historic house or site into a high the Ohio History Connection offers a $750 grant that performing organization by training staff in the principles can be applied to the total cost of the marker. To apply of Project Management. The Ohio History Connection will for one of the ten grants available, simply check the box host the popular workshop, Project Management for History designated for the grant on the cover of the application. Professionals on July 12-13 in Columbus. The workshop is sponsored and presented by the American Association for Attention Erie, Huron & Seneca Counties State and Local History (AASLH). Pomeroy Foundation grants will fund up to $2,440 The two-day workshop teaches participants how to imple- of the cost of an Ohio Historical Marker and the full ment internationally recognized project management $2,040 cost of an Ohio Corporate Limit Marker in these principles in a humanities context for work with exhibitions, three counties. Markers funded by the Pomeroy Founda- education programs, special events, marketing, fundraising, tion must be associated with the period of 1800-1900 or collections work, and more. Adding project management must pertain to properties listed on the National Reg- to your skill set helps you identify goals and processes, and ister of Historic Places. They must also be owned by a better manage the work (and the workers). The workshop is government or nonprofit entity. To apply for a Pomeroy appropriate for staff at all levels. grant, simply check the box designated for the grant on Participants bring real projects to the workshop, apply the cover of the application. project management principles, and return home equipped The deadline for all new marker applications as well as to begin or continue their project in a more productive and grant opportunities to help fund the markers is July 1, efficient manner. “Project management is usually discussed 2016. For application materials please visit Remark- in terms of software development or construction manage- able Ohio. Questions about the deadline and application ment. It was so helpful to see its value within a humanities process? Please contact Historical Markers Coordinator, context. This is some of the best professional development Becki Trivison, at 614.297.2527 or rtrivison@ohiohis- I have ever experienced,” reports a recent participant of the tory.org. workshop. More than 300 people working in the history field have participated in this workshop series since AASLH began offering it in 2010. Read more about the workshop here. Space is limited so interested participants are encouraged to register early. Ev- eryone who registers by June 15 will receive a $40 discount on the fee. Participants who need hotel accommodations can reserve lodging at the Sheraton Suites Columbus at a special rate for workshop attendees. For more information contact Cherie Cook, AASLH senior program manager, at [email protected] or (573) 893-5164.

The Local Historian ᅵ May/Juneᅵ 2016 8 ANNOUNCEMENTS

CONGRATULATIONS The Noble County His- torical Society receives its History Fund grant at Ohio Archives Statehood Day 2016. L to R: Burt Logan, Ohio His- Grant Program tory Connection Executive Director & CEO; Judy Rob- Recipients inson, Vice President of the Noble County Histori- The Ohio Historical Records Advi- cal Society; State Repre- sory Board is pleased to announce sentative Andy Thompson; this year’s recipients of the 2016 Ohio and Glenda S. Greenwood, Ohio History Connection Archives Grant Program (SNAP Re- board president. Photo Grant Work Group) awards. The Ohio courtesy of the Ohio His- Archives Grants (between $500 and tory Connection. $2,000) are funded by the National Historical Publications and Records GRANTS Commission, an arm of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) through their State Board Pro- History Fund Grant Application gramming Grants. The funded projects Available in June include organizing and preserving historical records and cataloging and Since March 2013, the History Fund grant program of the Ohio History Connec- digitizing records for improved access. tion has made $448,000 in grants to 47 organizations across Ohio. The History This year’s recipients are: Fund wants to grow those numbers and you can help! Apply for History Fund •Anderson Township Historical grant! Local History Services will post the application to the History Fund’s Society, Cincinnati: Preservation, webpage on June 8, 2016. Applications are due three months later, on by Organization, and Storage of Family 11:59pm on September 7, 2016. Find the grant application at www.ohiohistory. Histories Collection ($1,478) org/historyfund •Archbold Community Library, If you want to get a head start, go to www.ohiohistory.org/historyfund and Archbold: Creation of Digital Ar- download the History Fund’s Guidelines and Application Instructions. The chives for Web Access to Local News- Guidelines will tell you what the History Fund does and does not fund. The Ap- paper ($2,000) plication Instructions get into the nitty gritty of the how to fill out the applica- tion. Pay special attention to the questions in the “Project Narrative” sections, •Clark County Historical Soci- especially those about the need for your project and how you plan to carry out ety, Springfield: Springfield News- the project. Begin thinking about a budget for your project and make sure the Sun Collection Processing Project narrative sections support the numbers in the budget and vice versa. ($883.30) As in past summers, Local History Services again plans to host webinars on how •Columbus Historical Society, Co- to apply for History Fund grants. The webinars will be scheduled in late June lumbus: Columbus Mayoral Collec- – mid July. Local History Services will offer its “History Fund Help” webinar, tions Processing Project ($1,539.50) which is an introduction to the grant program and a detailed overview of the •Cuyahoga County Archives, grant application. “Digitization Nuts and Bolts” will help you compile a strong Cleveland: Digitizing and Improving application for digitization project – it’s more than just buying the right kind of Access in Cuyahoga County’s Historic scanner. For exact dates and times of the webinars visit www.ohiohistory.org/ Property Appraisal Records ($2,000) historyfund after June 1. •Franklin County Children’s Ser- The Ohio History Connection publically announces grant recipients at the an- vices, Columbus: Identify, Organize, nual advocacy event Statehood Day, scheduled on or around March 1. Between and Improve Access to Historical the grant deadline of September 7 and March, History Fund grant projects Records ($2,000) undergo a rigorous review involving subject area experts at the Ohio History Connection and a panel of outside experts, who make the final grant recommen- •Huron County Community Li- dations. Local History Services contacts applicants regarding the final status of brary, Willard: Protecting, Digitiz- the applications in February, in advance of the public announcement at State- ing, and Providing Access to the hood Day. Huron County Community Library’s For more information, visit the History Fund’s website at www.ohiohistory. Historic Images ($1,870) org/historyfund or contact Andy Verhoff, Ohio History Fund grant coordinator, •Ted Lewis Museum, Circleville: 614.297.2341 or [email protected]. Good luck! Ted Lewis Record Collection Preser- vation and Digitization ($2,000)

The Local Historian ᅵ May/Juneᅵ 2016 9 Join the Ohio Local History Alliance... CALENDAR

...or connect a sister organization to the Alliance and ask its June 8: leaders to join in one of the following categories: History Fund Grant Application Available. For more information, see page 9. Organizational Member Get six issues of The Local Historian, save when you register for our Alli- June 10: ance regional and statewide local history meetings, receive periodic email AASLH Small Museums Scholarship updates, and save on Ohio Historical Society services for organization, Application Deadline. For more in- including speakers and customized training workshops. Best of all, when formation, see about.aaslh.org/annual- you join the Alliance as an Organizational Member, your mem- meeting-scholarships. bership benefits all of your organization’s staff and members— they will all qualify for discounts on registration for the Alliance’s regional June 27: and statewide meetings and when buying Alliance publications. Ohio History Connection Annual Meeting. For more information, see Operating budget: page 10. Over $200,000 a year: $100 ($190 for 2) July 1: $100,000-$200,000 a year: $75 ($140 for 2) Ohio Historical Marker Application $25,000-$100,000 a year: $60 ($110 for 2) Deadline. For more information, see Under $25,000 a year: $35 ($65 for 2) page 8.

Individual Member July 12-13: Get six issues of The Local Historian, save when you register for our Alliance Project Management for History regional and statewide local history meetings, receive periodic email updates. Professionals workshop. For more information, see page 8. Affiliate: $35 ($65 for 2) Individual: $50 ($90 for 2) August 1: Student: $20 Ohio Local History Alliance Awards Nominations Deadline. For more Business Member: information, see page 7. $100 ($190 for 2) September 7: Join at: History Fund Grant Applications www.ohiohistorystore.com/Ohio-LHA-formerly-OAHSM-C120.aspx Due. For more information, see page 9.

September 14-17: AASLH Annual Meeting. For more information, see about.aaslh.org/con- ference. On the Web Save the Date! Nonprofit With Balls For the Ohio History Connection’s Annual Meeting on June 23, 2016 nonprofitwithballs.com from 11:30-1:30 at the in Columbus. The meeting Nonprofit work is stressful. But it is fun, and there are tons of humor to will feature a special introduc- mine from it. Nonprofitwithballs.com explores what it is like to work in tion from Mary Cusick, Director of nonprofits, including fundraising, working with donors, special events, TourismOhio, and a keynote ad- community engagement, donor cultivation, program implementation, dress from Amir Eylon, President of outcomes and metrics, who should staff the board, when staff are bored, Longwoods International USA Inc. bored board, board-staff relations, and unicorns. Lunch will be provided. For more information, please con- tact executiveoffice@ohiohistory. org or 855.326.3446.

The Local Historian ᅵ May/Juneᅵ 2016 10 News from Region 5 Oakwoodians to the future of Dayton’s Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Holmes, waterfront. All lectures are held at the the Regions Jefferson, Stark, Tuscarawas, and Wayne library’s downstairs meeting room Counties and are free and open to the public. To learn more, visit www.oakwoodhis- Region 1 The Jefferson County Historical tory.org. Allen, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Association now has its own web- Henry, Lucas, Putnam, Van Wert, Williams, and site. Created with the assistance of the Region 8 Wood Counties Richfield Group and several dedicated Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Region 2 volunteers, the site now allows as- Hamilton, Highland, and Warren Counties sociation members to pay dues, send Ashland, Crawford, Erie, Huron, Marion, Mor- The Wyoming Historical Society in a research request, find out about row, Ottawa, Richland, Sandusky, debuted a new program over the win- Seneca, and Wyandot Counties upcoming events, and read about Jef- ter – “Lunch and Learn.” This series ferson County’s History. Check it out is designed to introduce the society’s The Rutherford B. Hayes Presiden- at www.jeffcountyhistorical.org. tial Library & Museums at Spiegel museum and large collections of area Grove unveiled its new name and logo Region 6 artifacts to new audiences. Sessions are held over the lunch hour and lunch in December as the kickoff to its 2016 Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Knox, is provided to all attendees. The first centennial celebrations. Formerly known Licking, Madison, Perry, Pickaway, and as the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Union Counties speaker talked about the evolution of Center, the new name was chosen to doll making over the centuries, which The Heisey Glass Museum has focus more on President Rutherford B. also showed off the society’s new col- debuted a new audio experience. In Hayes and better explain that the facility lection of antique dolls. Participants the 1930s and 40s, the Heisey Glass houses the , the presi- were also invited to bring a doll of dent’s home, and a museum. The new Company recorded a series of radio their own. For more information, go to logo has a clean, modern design with advertisements about the company www.lovelandmuseum.org. elements designed to look presidential, and the different products it offered. Museum staff discovered the scripts Region 9 including the colors red, white, and blue. Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, To learn more, go to rbhayes.org. from these productions and worked with Earthworks Audio in Newark to Lawrence, Meigs, Pike, Ross, Scioto, and Vinton Counties Region 3 record them for new audiences. The The Tourism Council of the Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, and Summit recordings feel as close to the origi- Counties nals heard on the radio as was pos- Noble County Chamber of Com- sible, and now play throughout the merce & Tourism Bureau do- Western Reserve Historical museum’s galleries. Recordings are nated $10,000 to the Noble County Society, along with Case Western also available for sale in the museum’s Historical Society for construction Reserve University, hosted over 400 gift shop. To learn more, go to www. of new restrooms at the Ball - Caldwell students for the regional History Day heiseymuseum.org. Homestead. The dollars given were competition on March 5. One hundred from the 2015 lodging tax dollars. nineteen students were chosen to move Region 7 By year end They will be donating on to the Ohio History Day competition. Auglaize, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, another $10,000 to this very worthy History Day provides students in grades Logan, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, cause. The Noble County Commis- 6-12 an opportunity to hone their his- and Shelby Counties sioners have provided plans with the tory research skills and present projects The Oakwood Historical Society Noble County engineer's office and related to their research for the chance and the Wright Memorial Public have promised to help with finally to compete at the regional, state and na- Library are continuing their partner- funding if needed. It is hoped that the tional levels. For more information, visit ship in the second annual Far Hills restrooms will be ready for the sum- www.wrhs.org. Speaker Series. This year the series mer season. On May 22, Medina County will hold expanded from six presentations to Region 10 its first History Day from 11am to eight covering topics as diverse as his- toric styles of architecture to famous Belmont, Coshocton, Guernsey, Monroe, 5pm. Historical Societies and Museums Morgan, , Noble, and from all over Medina County as well as the Ohio History Connection will open In 100 words or less, do you have outstanding news to share about your organization? their sites to encourage history lovers to Please email it to your regional representative for the next issue of The Local Historian. visit each location. Maps can be found Contact information for the representatives in your region is on page 2 of this issue. at the Medina County Visitors Bureau in Of course, you are welcome to forward your news directly to the editor of The Local Medina. Historian at [email protected]. Rather than serving as a calendar of events, items for “News from the Regions” are chosen to inspire, connect, and educate Region 4 the Alliance’s members all over Ohio and celebrate notable and imitation-worthy accomplishments of Alliance members. Ashtabula, Geauga, Mahoning, Portage, and Trumbull Counties The Local Historian ᅵ May/Juneᅵ 2016 11 MEMBERSHIP List as of May 5, 2016 Welcome New Members

INDIVIDUALS ORGANIZATIONS The Ohio Local History Alliance, Joseph R. Blum, New Washington organized in 1960 under sponsorship of Pickaway County African American Heritage the Ohio History Connection, is composed Leslie Heaphy, Canton Association, Circleville of local historical societies, historic preservation Warren Heritage Center, Warren groups, history museums, archives, libraries, and genealogical societies throughout the state involved in collecting, preserving, and interpreting Ohio’s history. Thank You Renewing Members The Local Historian (ISSN 9893-3340) is published bimonthly by the Ohio History Connection, 800 E. ORGANIZATIONS 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211-2497, as a benefit to Ohio Local History Alliance members. Akron Summit County Public Library, Akron North Baltimore Area Historical Society, Periodicals Postage Paid at Columbus, OH. Barnes-Deinzer Seneca County Museum North Baltimore POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Foundation, Inc., Tiffin Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., The Local Historian, Local History Services, Bedford Historical Society, Bedford Findlay Ohio History Connection, 800 E. 17th Avenue, Ohio Historic Bridge Association, Columbus Columbus, OH 43211-2497. Butler County Historical Society, Hamilton Editors: Amy Rohmiller, Mark Sundlov, Kim Koloski Peninsula Library, Peninsula Canal Fulton Public Library, Canal Fulton Please direct materials or phone inquiries to: Canton Preservation Society, Canton Perry History Club, Inc., Massillon The Local Historian Chagrin Falls Historical Society, Chagrin Falls Pioneer & Historical Society of Muskingum Local History Services County, Zanesville Ohio History Connection Clinton County History Center, Wilmington 800 E. 17th Avenue Fairfield Heritage Association, Lancaster Plain Township Historical Society, Canton Columbus, OH 43211-2497 Risingsun Area Historical Society, Risingsun 1-800-858-6878 Firelands Historical Society, Norwalk FAX: (614) 297-2567 Friends of Kennedy Stone House, Blue Rock Robbins Hunter Museum/Avery Downer [email protected] House, Granville Visit The Alliance online at www.ohiolha.org Grandview Heights Marble Cliff Historical Sandusky County Historical Society, Fremont and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ohio- Society, Columbus localhistoryalliance Springboro Area Historical Society, Harveysburg Community Historical Society, Annual Membership Dues: Harveysburg Springboro Organizations: Annual budget over $200,000: $100 ($190 for 2) Hocking County Historical Society, Logan Springfield Township Historical Society, Petersburg Annual budget $100,000-$200,000: $75 ($140 for 2) Huron Historical Society, Huron Annual budget $25,000-$100,000: $60 ($110 for 2) Stryker Area Heritage Council, Stryker Annual budget below $25,000: $35 ($65 for 2) Logan County Historical Society, Individuals: Bellefontaine Toledo Lucas County Historical Society, Toledo Affiliate: $35 ($65 for 2) Madison Historical Society, Madison Individual: $50 ($90 for 2) Tuscarawas County Historical Society, New Students: $20 Maple Heights Historical Society, Bedford Philadelphia Business: $100 ($190 for 2) Meigs County Pioneer & Historical Society, Wadsworth Area Historical Society, Individual subscriptions to The Local Historian Pomeroy Wadsworth only are available for $25 annually. Middleburg Heights Historical Society, © 2016 Ohio History Connection Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland Cleveland Willoughby Historical Society, Willoughby National Cambridge Collectors, Cambridge New London Area Historical Society, New London

Need to Contact Us? We at Local History Services love hearing from you.

Local History Services Staff Mark Sundlov Andy Verhoff Amy Rohmiller Anthony Gibbs Department Manager History Fund Coordinator Program Coordinator Community Engagement [email protected] [email protected] Local History, AmeriCorps Coordinator (614) 297-2343 (614) 297-2341 [email protected] [email protected] (614) 297-2609 (614) 297-2477 Becki Trivison Sohayla Pagano World War I & Ohio Historical Educational Outreach Shoshanna Gross Dr. Betsy Hedler Markers Coordinator Coordinator Ohio History Day Coordinator Partnership and Youth Ohio [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] History Day Coordinator (614) 297-2527 (614) 297-2528 (614) 297-2617 [email protected] (614) 297-2538

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The Local Historian ᅵ May/Juneᅵ 2016 12