We Are History Keepers is a free daylong workshop where participants can attend a number of small group instruction sessions on gathering and preserving document and photograph collections and other ways that communities and families can preserve their historical and cultural record.
Interactive, small group sessions, led by archivists and information professionals, give participants the opportunity to build skills and learn best practices, as well as ask questions, share successes, and discuss obstacles. Sessions are kept to 60-90 minutes and meant to help orient participants to archiving projects, provide basic instruction, and give guidance about getting started. Instruction packets are provided. Participants can attend several different small group session throughout the day. Check out past History Keepers workshop schedules and materials. Attend an upcoming workshop!
Examples of small group instructions sessions
Your Organization’s Records: What to Save and How to Organize Print and Digital Materials
Session leaders cover the basics of managing and preserving your organization’s records. Topics include what types of materials you should save, how and where to store your records, and preservation of your organization’s digital files. They will also talk about what supplies will help you get started.
Family or Personal Papers and Book Collections
The basics of how to care for your personal or family’s historical papers, digital files, and book collections. Topics covered include deciding what is important to save, what is involved in care and storage, tips on managing digital files for the long term, and options for what to do with collections that you don’t want to keep but may be of interest to others.
Collecting and Preserving Photos, Films, and Audio/Visual Collections
Tips and best practices for the care and storage of historical photographs, photo albums and films and your digital photos.
Sharing History through Oral History Collections, Exhibits, and Special Projects
This session will guide you through the steps of conducting an oral history interview and designing projects around oral histories, including interviewing tips, sample permission forms, and what kinds of digital files to use. They will share links to many exciting projects that are available online.
Uncovering Ethnic and Family History Resources in the Region
Discover resources that local libraries, historic organizations and museums hold that can give context and perspectives on your community’s history. Find out what local newspapers, photograph collections, census records, and even academic sources can bring to your history.