NEWS & INFORMATION

ALLIANCE MOURNS THE PASSING OF KEVIN BRITZ – Posted 6 January 2010

We are saddened to report the passing of Kevin Britz, former staff member at the Stearns History Museum and founding member of the Alliance. Kevin was a fun and creative member of the museum community. His contributions to the field will be missed. There is Caring Bridge page for him.

MEMBERSHIP LIST UPDATEDu> – Posted 31 December 2010
Thank you to all who have taken out or renewed their membership in the Alliance. Your support of our mission is greatly appreciated. As we look ahead to our twentieth anniversary year in 2011, we are proud to note that our rates have not changed. If you are uncertain of your status, please check the Membership List. We look forward to another great year for the Alliance.

MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE PROFILES LOCAL HISTORICAL SOCIETIES – Posted 15 December 2010
The December 10 edition of the Minneapolis Star Tribune featured a nice article about the work being done by local historical societies in Minnesota. Even though they focused on ones more in the suburban areas as opposed to across the whole state, the article exemplified both the challenges and successes of these local organizations. If you want some amusing/maddening reading, peruse the comments section.

NEW DIRECTOR AT BECKER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY – Posted 10 November 2010
TheBecker County Historical Society recently announced the hiring of Amy Degerstrom as its new executive director. She began her duties on October 18. Congrats and welcome Amy!

MUSEUMS ON FACEBOOK – Updated 28 October 2010
If you organization has a presence on Facebook, please let us know so we can add you to our list. As of today, we have twenty-five (25), but that seems low. Check the list and if you are not on there, contact the site coordinator.

TIME TO RENEW YOUR ALLIANCE MEMBERSHIP – Posted 2 October 2020
Even if you will not be attending the annual meeting on October 29, you can still use the registration form to renew your membership in the Alliance. Next year, 2011, will mark the 20th anniversary of the Alliance. We hope you are willing to join us and celebrate two decades of Peers Helping Peers.

LATEST EDITION OF ALLIANCE MONITOR – Posted 1 October 2010
Last week the October 2010 edition of the Alliance Monitor was mailed to historical societies and organizations across the state. If you missed your copy, it is availblehere. Please take a moment to consider renewing your membership in the Alliacne or sigining up for the first time.

UPDATED MUTUAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT INFORMATION – Posted 23 August 2010
Some minor changes are being made in how the Alliance maintains the Mutual Assistance Agreement program. The goal is to keep the list more up-to-date in the event of a calamity at one of our participating institutions.

For more information, please contact MAA Coordinator Nicole Elzenga at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum

MUSEUM ON MAIN STREET LOOKING FOR NEW SITES – Posted 11 June 2010
The Smithsonian Museum’s traveling display program, Museum on Main Street, is looking for applicants for its next exhibit, New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music. The Minnesota Humanities Commission is coordinating this tour.

A news release and application information can be found here.

The current display making its way across the state is Journey Stories.

MHS MICROFILM LAB – Updated 16 June 2010
The cost of acquiring copies of microfilms from the MHS Microfilm Lab has increased. The new prices are: $60 for black and white microfilm reels; $75 for silver negative reels. MHS members still receive a 10 percent discount on their orders. A complete list of MHS reproduction costs can be found here.

In other items about the microfilm lab, the Chaska Herald has a terrific article on that closure and its ramifications to local historical organizations. Click here to see the article. The Howard Lake Herald Journal also had a feature about the lab closure. Click here to see that article.

ARE YOU ON WIKIPEDIA? – Posted 17 November 2009
The popular web site, Wikipedia, features a listing of Minnesota museums. In keeping with the open (and somewhat contreversial) nature of Wikipedia, entries can be created and edited by registered users. Does your organization have a Wikipedia entry?

MUSEUMS OF MINNESOTA WEB SITE CREATED – Posted 16 November 2009
A new web site, Museums of Minnesota, has been started through the efforts of Twin Cities Public Television. This site will highlight museums of all sizes from across the state as a part of its research efforts for a new television series. To post your organization, simply go to the site and sign up. It is a quick, easy, and free way to increase your organizations presence on the net.

MINNESOTA LOCAL HISTORY WEBLOG
Looking for a forum to discuss issues relating to local history museums in Minnesota? Than look no further the the MHS Local History Weblog. Topics are added weekly. Viewers are strongly encouraged to add their thoughts and views to the forum. It is a simple way to share information between professionlals in our field. Our thanks to the staff at MHS for hosting this vital service.

COLLECTIONS INITIATIVE MANUALS & DVDS
As of August 1, 2006, there are NO manuals remaining. No new copies will be printed. A DVD of teleconference highlights has been compiled. Complimentary copies were sent to institutions and individuals who participated. Extra copies are available at $40 each. Contact Mike Worcester to order the DVD copy.