A Proposal for Hosting a Lecture/Workshop Series
at the Maryland State Archives
March, 2012
Why a Lecture/Workshop Series Is Needed
The re-introduction of a lecture/workshop series at the Maryland State Archives is a key
component of the public relations campaign being initiated to promote in-person usage of
the Annapolis facility. Such a series had been conducted in the past, but had been
discontinued due to logistical difficulties. Now, key members of the Reference Services
staff are enthused about utilizing this approach as an outreach tool. Initially, the series
will have minimal budgetary impact on either expense or revenue, but might develop as a
primary and secondary revenue source.
Topics in the series will be aimed at the Archives’ core audiences. Speakers will address
topics such as: genealogical/family history research; local, regional and state history; and
the identification, preservation and care of personal historical collections.
The resulting increased attendance at the Papenfuse Building will help justify budgetary
expenditures for archival programs, as well as maintenance and improvements of the
structure. Additionally, such a series helps fulfill goals set out in the Archives’
Managing For Results plan, specifically, goal 2, “[making] accessible records of
permanent value”, and goal 3, to “facilitate a broad and better understanding of Maryland
government and the archival record through…educational programs.”
A lecture and workshop series will create a welcoming, positive, and proactive image of
the Maryland State Archives. We will use the series to directly promote the Archives’
services and resources. This will increase patron usage of the Archives either remotely
(via mail, phone, email, or through web visits) or through in person visits. Increased
patron usage would translate into increased revenue over time through patron purchases
of record requests, books, print pass accounts, and other services.
When
Preliminary planning for the series has already begun, with some informal inquiries to
possible speakers. Once the series is approved in concept by the Archives
Administration, events will be planned and scheduled during the spring and summer
months of 2012. No events would actually start until the fall of 2012. Depending upon
the type and duration of the program, the events themselves could be held on Saturdays,
on Mondays, or even in the early evening.
Where
Depending upon the nature of the program and the number of expected attendees, events
will be held in the Electronic Classroom or in the Search Room (on days or evenings
when the search room is not in use).
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How
First, we will identify topics of interest to the patron community, and then contact
prospective speakers who would be both knowledgeable and willing to present a lecture
or workshop series on the topics.
For the sake of clarity in this proposal the distinction between a lecture series and a
workshop is as follows.
Lecture - This is an event that lasts roughly an hour to an hour and a half. Usually a
speaker is invited to discuss or present findings on a certain topic. The topic may concern
(although it is not limited to) a book review, an important finding in historical research,
or commentary on an individual of historic significance. The audience listens, but
otherwise does not actively participate until after the speaker has finished presenting by
asking questions.
Workshop - This is an event that lasts an entire day. Usually a presenter is invited to
actively demonstrate or teach a skill. For our purposes the skills will often be related to
family/genealogical research or research concerning historical records. The audience
would be expected to actively participate by asking questions during the presentation or
by actively participating in an activity that the presenter asks the audience to perform.
Topics of interest can be found by looking at what other cultural heritage institutions
have used for their own lecture series or events. Series hosted by the Maryland Historical
Society and the National Archives have been reviewed as possible models.
A variety of topics could be presented. Certainly we should have a genealogical track,
including but not limited to: an introduction to genealogy; research using a certain record
group (land, will, vital, court, etc.); assistance with “brick walls” encountered in patrons’
genealogical research; African American genealogy, colonial records; and western
Maryland historical research. We also ought to invite speakers writing on topics of local,
regional, state and perhaps even national history that have relevance to Maryland
audiences. Finally, we could call upon staff and external expertise to present on topics of
interest to collectors, such as the identification, preservation and care of historical
artifacts.
Initially there would be no charge for patrons to attend the events and the speakers would
present gratis. The motivation for the speakers to present would come from the fact that
they can promote their own services, skills, and abilities. For the private genealogists who
are looking to market themselves to potential clients speaking at the lecture series would
be a marketing activity in and of itself.
Should there be a growing interest in the lecture series it is not difficult to envision a
situation where speakers would be remunerated for their services and the remuneration
would come from admission prices charged to patrons. For all day activities in which
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patrons are charged admission it would be best to include a lunch meal as part of the
ticket price.
The events would be advertised through the Maryland State Archives website, at the
Maryland State Archives search room, and perhaps by other cultural heritage institutions
such as the Maryland Genealogical Society. Also, press releases would be sent to local
media promoting the event through public service announcements. At this juncture
funding may not be available to mail event announcements to constituent groups.
However, once funding has improved mailing announcements may be an option worth
entertaining.
Who
Maryland State Archives Staff (At least one to two staff members) would need to be on
hand to welcome the audience congregating in the building and to introduce the
presenter/speaker.
A variety of individuals have signaled an interest in presenting, but that does not mean
that others should not be asked or considered to present. A sample of possible speakers
includes, but is not limited to the following individuals.
Bob Barnes (professional genealogist and former MSA staff member) could present on
introduction to genealogy, colonial records, and breaking through brick walls just to
name some examples of talks that he could lead.
Vern Skinner (professional genealogist) has also indicated some willingness to speak on
his work.
Michael Hait (professional genealogist) could present on introduction to genealogy,
breaking through brick walls, and African American genealogy.
Michael McCormick (Director of Reference Services of the Maryland State Archives)
has offered to present his Photographic Preservation On A Shoestring Budget workshop.
(This is the workshop he presents periodically at the Midwest Archives Conference
meetings.)
Richard Richardson (Deputy State Archivist) could present on colonial land records and
the Land Office.
David Ferriero (Archivist of the United States) might be invited to speak. By way of
example, his predecessor, Allan Weinstein, agreed to speak to the MARAC meeting in
Baltimore. Ferriero was been very active in promoting NARA and its programs.
Mary Mannix (Frederick County Public Library) might lead a talk on the history of
western Maryland and the Maryland room at the Frederick County Public Library.
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