We are New York State’s ‘go-to’ service organization focusing on interpretation, collections care programming, and conservation and preservation of objects in collecting institutions statewide.
We are Greater Hudson Heritage Network.
For over 40 years, GHHN (Greater Hudson Heritage Network) has helped NYS heritage keepers care for their collections. We offer programs, technical assistance, and grant opportunities for organizations statewide. Since 2000, GHHN has administered the NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grant Program and we have regranted over $2.5 million to provide for conservation treatment procedures for objects in collections of museums, historical, and cultural organizations in NYS. The statewide program now includes three opportunities for collecting institutions in NYS: Conservation Treatment, Preservation Supplies, and Site Assessments.
GHHN promotes participation in diverse, engaging programming and learning opportunities among our members and their public audiences. Strong professional networks are built through attendance at workshops, roundtables, virtual programming, Behind the Scenes Events and at our Annual Conference and Awards for Excellence. We have a statewide membership of both individuals and organizations of all sizes. Our organizational members include museums, historic sites, libraries, archives, forts, historical societies, cemeteries, heritage centers, historians’ offices and National Heritage Areas. Our individual members cover the spectrum of heritage devotees.
Our secondary community includes service providers and funding organizations who impact the work of museum and cultural organizations. We collaborate with these partners to support, develop, co-sponsor and deliver programs that will further the work of the heritage field.
Learn more about our work at www.greaterhudson.org
WELCOME TO THE 2024 GHHN ANNUAL CONFERENCE
We're so glad you're here.
What does ‘embracing innovation’ mean? For some, it conjures up visions of robots, glowing lights, and systems known by their acronyms only – AR, VR, AI. For others, it’s the welcome integration into our everyday lives – the autocorrect function when we send a text, the traffic notifications and route suggestions in direction apps, and the ability to turn on the lights using our voices. Embracing innovation is not about one specific change, but a mind shift. It’s a wholehearted acceptance that our world is constantly changing, and we cannot cling to past ways of doing things if we wish to remain relevant. In the same way we welcome new visitors, new staff and volunteers, and new communities to our sites – we should also welcome new systems of work, new revelations, new perspectives, and new technologies.
At this year’s Annual Conference, our speakers will help us explore what it looks like to embrace innovation at our sites, whether that means reenvisioning the stories we tell, utilizing new technologies, or enacting meaningful change in our workplace culture. Together, we can bravely step into new action.
MAKE THE MOST OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE WHERE DOES EVERYTHING TAKE PLACE?
Welcome/Introductions, the Awards for Excellence Presentation, Speaker Blocks, Luncheon, and Closing Announcements will all take place in the West Room. Follow the Speaker sessions will take place in the Reid Study, the President's Dining Room, the East Library, and the Music Room . The Exhibit Hall and Coffee Breaks will take place in the Ophir Dining Room. The Awards for Excellence Poster Sessions will take place in the Stone Hallway. Office Hours will take place in the French Parlor. Please see the map in the back of this booklet for room locations.
HOW DO I FOLLOW A SPEAKER?
Our Annual Conference is designed to help attendees engage at a more direct level with our presenters. After each Speaker Block, the speakers from that block will head to a designated location where you can ask questions, chat about their presentation, or just stop by to say hello. The Follow the Speaker session locations are listed after each speaker. You can visit as many Follow sessions as you like during this time. After all your questions are answered, head back to the Ophir Dining Room to grab some coffee, and visit the Exhibit Hall!
WHAT ARE OFFICE HOURS?
This year, we are again offering office hours to give you the opportunity to speak directly with representatives from a variety of funding organizations. These 10-minute appointments will take place in the throughout the day at designated times. Advance sign-up is required and can be found at the registration desk.
WHERE’S THE EXHIBIT HALL?
The Exhibit Hall is located in the Ophir Dining Room (with the coffee!). Make sure to stop by and say hello to our exhibitors!
SPEAKING OF EXHIBITORS, HOW DO I ENTER THE EXHIBITOR RAFFLE?
Pick up a game card at the registration table. Follow the instructions on the card and visit the exhibitors and collect stickers (different exhibitors have different colors). When completed, write your name at the bottom and drop in the bin at the registration table for the raffle. One entry per person. Winner will be selected at the Conference Closing at 4:30 PM. You MUST be present to win. So, what’s the prize? You’ll have to play to find out!
HOW ABOUT THE 50/50 RAFFLE?
Tickets for the 50/50 Raffle can be purchased throughout the Conference from selling volunteers! Tickets are 1 for $5 or 5 for $20 – the winning ticket takes home half the proceeds, and GHHN gets the other half. The more tickets sold, the larger the pot! Winner will be selected at the Conference Closing at 4:30 PM. You MUST be present to win.
WHAT’S THE POSTER SESSION?
Back by popular demand, we will once again feature our awardees in a poster session. It’s a great way to interact one-on-one with our awardees and learn about the projects we’re honoring this year! It will take place at 1:25 PM in the Stone Hallway.
IS THERE A CONFERENCE HASHTAG?
We want to know what you're thinking during the Annual Conference - if you're on social media, make sure to share your photos and thoughts - and tag us @ thghhn on Instagram, Linkedin, and Facebook. The hashtag for the 2024 Annual Conference is #embracinginnovation .
GHHN Executive Director Priscilla Brendler, GHHN Program Director Kerry Sclafani, and and members of the GHHN Board of Trustees will all be on hand to help you out if you have any questions during the day - just look for anyone wearing a red 'Ask Me' ribbon on their nametag.
We are delighted to have you with us as we explore "Embracing Innovation"!
INTRODUCTION OF PARTNERS & ANNUAL CONFERENCE SPONSORS
New York State Council on the Arts
Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area/Hudson River Valley Greenway
Coby Foundation
Humanities NY
Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation
9:45 AM KEYNOTE ADDRESS
INNOVATION AS HABIT: PRACTICING LOOKING FORWARD IN A BACKWARD-LOOKING BUSINESS
Tom Scheinfeldt, Professor of Digital Humanities at the University of Connecticut Being innovative isn’t inherent to certain fields and alien to others. Innovation isn’t something STEM fields have and the humanities lack. Nor is being innovative a personality trait that some people possess and others do not. Rather, being innovative is a byproduct of certain behaviors and habits of mind. Much as being healthy isn’t a thing you have, but rather something you practice, being innovative is a function of specific repeated behaviors and commitments. The good news for us is that many of the practices that are upstream of innovation are natural to heritage organizations. This talk will explore the habits of innovation: The behaviors that allow institutions to adapt quickly and creatively to rapid technological change. In doing so, it will assess the challenges heritage organizations face, and how they can leverage existing strengths--to thrive in times of radical new technologies like AI.
10:35 AM SPEAKER BLOCK 1
8-minute speaker presentations
CREATING NEW VISIONS OF AN OLD WORLD: 3D MODELLING & AI IN 1660S NEW AMSTERDAM
Toya Dubin, Mapping Early New York for the New Amsterdam History Center In 1660 Nicasius de Sille was famously making a list of every citizen living in New Amsterdam, and Jacques Cortelyou was creating the Castello Plan, a map that has fascinated scholars for 400 years, including the team at the Mapping Early New York Project. The Mapping Early New York Project is a detailed encyclopedia of Dutch Colonial History linked to the Castello Plan, the earliest map of New Amsterdam. Richly illustrated with 3D models, AI-generated characters, maps, and an encyclopedia, the Mapping Early New York project will take you on a walk through the streets of New Amsterdam through Jacob Leisler’s eyes. Follow Toya: East Library
GET OUT THERE! USING AN APP TO ENGAGE FAMILIES IN LOCAL HISTORY
Barbara Davis, Westchester County Historical Society
For the celebration of its 150th Anniversary, the Westchester County Historical Society invited families and individuals on a “Family History Hunt” using technology to sample more than 300 years
of Westchester by "capturing" their visits to up to 96 sites in 33 Westchester communities over the summer of 2024. The WCHS History Hunt, designed by Ossining-based Otocast, provided GPSguided directions to the places as well as a description, images, and an audio recording with a brief background created by local historians or historical societies in the 33 municipalities. Explore with us how using new technologies can excite and engage families! Follow Barbara: Reid Study
STORYTELLING ETHICS USING AI: A PROJECT IN PROCESS AT THE SING SING PRISON MUSEUM
Amy Hufnagel, The Sing Sing Prison Museum
Amy Hufnagel, the SSPM Assistant Director, will share an AI tools-use project in development that collaborates with the archive, a local artist, and staff to create alternative illustration opportunities for tours. The SSPM is a museum in development, slated to open in phases starting in the Spring 2025. Illustrating spaces that has been historically undocumented, is a central challenge. Let’s discuss these new tools, not so much from a technical point of view, but to focus on the conversation on the process, ethics and issues museums face as the new tools gain prominence.
Follow Amy: President's Dining Room
USING AR TO EXPLORE FREEDOM AND SLAVERY DURING THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Steve Long, East Hampton Historical Society
East Hampton Historical Society’s 1776AR mobile phone app uses an "augmented reality" experience to teach visitors about Colonel David Mulford, an American revolutionary who led the cause for freedom while simultaneously being the largest slaveholder in East Hampton. Narrated by East Hampton’s current Town Historian, the app presents the perspectives of David Mulford, his wife Phebe, and Jack, who was enslaved by the Mulfords. During this presentation, attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at how the AR experience was crafted in collaboration between the Historical Society and the app developer and will learn how the project team interpreted historical documents to create the narrative, visuals, and the perspectives presented. Follow Steve: Music Room
ILLUMINATED INNOVATION: INTERACTIVE STORYTELLING AT LEWIS LATIMER HOUSE MUSEUM
Adriana Burkins, Lewis Latimer House Museum
How can the mindset and legacy of Lewis Latimer, the Black inventor and draftsman involved in the evolution of electric lighting, be used as a beacon to encourage us to embrace innovation and experimentation? After closing to the public for eight months, the Lewis Latimer House Museum reopened in June of 2024. Complete with a new permanent exhibition, redesigning the museum’s interior takes visitors on a journey, exploring the eras of enslavement and emancipation, the highstakes development of electrical innovation, and the push for Black rights and community in New York City as experienced by the Latimer family. This presentation will highlight the museum’s new look and interactives (developed by Kudos Design Collaboratory and Isometric Studio) as examples of the museum’s renewed efforts to promote historically diverse perspectives and culturally-responsive STEAM experiences to inspire the problem-solvers of today and tomorrow.
Follow Adriana: East Library
11:20 AM
FOLLOW THE SPEAKER
Want to learn more about the topics and projects you just heard about? Pick a speaker to follow for in-depth conversations. Each speaker will host a space.
E XHIBIT HALL AND COFFEE BREAK
Coffee Break generously sponsored by The Found Object Art Conservation
OFFICE HOURS (ADVANCE SIGN-UP REQUIRED)
10-minute appointment slots
12:00 PM AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE PRESENTATION
12:45 PM LUNCHEON
Luncheon generously sponsored by Bloomberg Connects
1:25 PM AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE AWARDEE POSTER SESSION
E XHIBIT HALL AND COFFEE BREAK
OFFICE HOURS (ADVANCE SIGN-UP REQUIRED)
10-minute appointment slots
1:45 PM SPEAKER BLOCK 2
8-minute speaker presentations
COMMANDER IN CHEERS: COMBINING LOCAL HISTORY WITH SMARTPHONE APPS TO EXPAND VISITOR ENGAGEMENT
Melaine Rottkamp, Dutchess Tourism
Dutchess Tourism President & CEO Melaine Rottkamp will present on their Commander in Cheers promotion, which utilizes 3-D video and local history data to create an immersive Rev250 experience for visitors. After scanning a custom drink coaster, users are taken to a special interface via their smartphones where John Koopman, the best George Washington interpreter in America, relates documented historical facts about Dutchess County during the Revolutionary Era and invites the user to toast local history. Created in partnership with Fourth Idea, this visitor experience combines the best elements of cutting-edge technology with a carefully considered approach to bring local history to the masses. Follow Melaine: East Library
UNLIKELY PARTNERS: HOW A MUSEUM AND A SHELTER ARE WORKING TO SERVE DISPLACED COMMUNITIES THROUGH SPACE AND TIME
Melissa Kiewiet, Dyckman Farmhouse Museum Alliance
Since 2015 the Dyckman Farmhouse Museum has been working to raise awareness of the enslaved burial site in the Inwood neighborhood of Manhattan. During the pandemic, an unlikely partner arose. The Bowery Residents' Committee, an organization that provides essential services to the city's unhoused community, purchased the land where the burial site used to be. Through careful collaboration, these two partners engaged the community to devise a plan to memorialize the site, reinter some of the misplaced remains, and create a space to care for descendants and present-day communities. Follow Melissa: Music Room
HOW TO EVALUATE AI SOURCES AND AI IMAGES WHEN DOING HISTORICAL RESEARCH
Alicia Briley, Town of Carmel Historian Town of Carmel Historian Alicia Briley will discuss how to evaluate and understand the meaning of artificial intelligence images and sources in your historical research. How do we decipher between AI images and realistic images? How do we decipher between AI sources and realistic primary sources? In this presentation, we will explore what artificial intelligence is and how we got here, giving examples of what it may look like when researching. Follow Alicia: Reid Study
COST-EFFECTIVE HISTORICAL OUTREACH
Jacob Henry/Cameron Colby, United States Military Academy - Department of History
We are digital history storytellers with a unique set of constraints. Military members and federal employees cannot pursue funding avenues or grants available to independent and institutional historians. No matter how we craft, fund, or publish our work, it is, by definition, owned by the American public. Everything we do must be immediately available at no cost to a broad audience. These constraints and limitations mean our department has become adept at making low-cost, broadly accessible content. Through creative brainstorming, we are leveraging off-the-shelf and easily accessible methods to enhance engagement and presentation. Learn how we use low-cost tools to retell or reclaim a narrative and create an informed and engaged American public and how you can too. Follow Jacob/Cameron: President's Dining Room
THE POWER OF CONVERSATION: CHANGING THE PARADIGM THROUGH ORAL HISTORY
Julia Fell, The Museum at Bethel Woods
The Museum at Bethel Woods' oral history initiative has changed the narrative of Woodstock both figuratively and literally and has opened up new opportunities for collaboration, both internally at Bethel Woods, and with individuals and partner organizations around the country. This presentation will explore how our oral history initiative – including our remote oral history program, our travel pop-up programs, new and upcoming local programs, and our expanded internship program - has changed the nature of our work. Follow Julia: East Library
2:30 PM FOLLOW THE SPEAKER
Want to learn more about the topics and projects you just heard about? Pick a speaker to follow for in-depth conversations. Each speaker will host a space.
E XHIBIT HALL AND COFFEE BREAK
OFFICE HOURS (ADVANCE SIGN UP REQUIRED)
10-minute appointment slots
3:05 PM SPEAKER BLOCK 3
8-minute speaker presentations
KOFI’S FIRE: USING A DIGITAL GRAPHIC NOVEL TO BRING HARD HISTORY TO LIFE
Betsy Bradley, Historic Hudson Valley
Betsy Bradley, VP of Programs and Engagement at Historic Hudson Valley, will share the development process that transformed a forgotten episode from colonial New York into a dynamic digital tool to engage middle and high school students with themes of belonging, resistance, culture, and memory. She’ll talk about the evolution of the project, which was funded by NEH’s Digital Projects for the Public, growing pains, evaluation process, and launch. Follow Betsy: East Library
OPENING THE GATES: EXPANDING ACCESS AND INTERACTION AT PHILIPSE MANOR HALL
Michael Lord, Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
In 2022, Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site reopened with a brand new exhibit that featured interactives, augmented reality, and QR codes. But the real source of interaction has been the “virtual wing,” a standalone website dedicated to Philipse Manor Hall which has allowed site staff to expand visitors’ understanding by sharing cutting edge research, giving access to the physical museum through a virtual reality tour, and serving as a platform for new visitors through search results and social media. Follow Michael: President's Dining Room
TECH, TEENS AND TACKLING THE VIRTUAL WORLD
Jennifer Elliott, Intrepid Museum
Teenagers today are more exposed to technology than any generation before them, and as such, are capable of tackling new and emerging technologies head-on! This presentation will discuss how two groups of teens were introduced to the uses and possibilities surrounding AR/VR at the Intrepid Museum and how they used it to showcase their own understanding of history and science. The process by which the project was developed will be shared, as well as challenges overcome and lessons learned. Follow Jennifer: East Library
EXPANDING GRAPHICS WITH DOCUMENTED DESCRIPTIONS
Lavada Nahon, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation – Bureau of Historic Sites
Creating appealing and inclusive exhibits and digital content is often challenging when so few historic images of enslaved and free Blacks are available. In a visual world of ready-to-use cameras, the public often doesn’t understand the repeated use of the same images and are pushing back on only using silhouettes. Seeking a solution, NYS OPRHP-BHS has begun developing plans to work with artists to create images based on descriptions of people found in runaway ads. This presentation will look at what we are doing and how these resources can be mined to understand the multicultural landscape of historic New York. Follow Lavada: Music Room
3:50 PM FOLLOW THE SPEAKER
Want to learn more about the topics and projects you just heard about? Pick a speaker to follow for in-depth conversations. Each speaker will host a space.
E XHIBIT HALL AND COFFEE BREAK
OFFICE HOURS (ADVANCE SIGN UP REQUIRED)
10-minute appointment slots
4:30 PM CLOSING ADDRESS
Tom Scheinfeldt, Professor of Digital Humanities at the University of Connecticut
Tom Scheinfeldt is Professor of Digital Humanities at the University of Connecticut, where he holds a joint appointment in the Department of Digital Media and Design and the Department of History. Tom is also Director of Greenhouse Studios, a transdisciplinary research unit aimed at reframing the practices, pathways and products of scholarship in the digital age through “inquiry-driven,” “collaboration-first” approaches to the creation and expression of knowledge.
Formerly Managing Director of the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media at George Mason University, Tom has directed several award-winning digital humanities projects,including The September 11 Digital Archive, THATCamp, and Omeka. Trained as an historian of science and public historian with a bachelor’s degree from Harvard and master’s and doctoral degrees from Oxford, Tom has written and lectured extensively about collaborative scholarship, digital humanities, the history of museums, and the history of science. Tom is a contributor to Debates in Digital Humanities (University of Minnesota Press) and co-editor of Hacking the Academy (University of Michigan Press).
Greater Hudson Heritage Network's Awards for Excellence program seeks to recognize and commend exceptional efforts among GHHN members. Awards are made to projects that exemplify creativity and professional vision resulting in a contribution to the preservation and interpretation of the historic scene, material culture, and diversity of the region. 2024 Awards for Excellence are presented to:
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR AWARDEES!
Boscobel House and Gardens Staff
Boscobel House & Gardens, Garrison (Putnam)
This Individual/Staff Award recognizes the Boscobel House & Gardens Staff for their swift, proactive response and action to protect people and artifacts immediately following the collapse of the Library ceiling in Boscobel’s Historic House Museum, the rollout of their emergency response plan, program pivots, and efforts to translate disaster into educational opportunity.
Culper Spy Day
Three Village Historical Society, Setauket (Suffolk)
This Program Award is in recognition of the Culper Spy Day Program. Celebrating its tenth year, Culper Spy Day is a vibrant collaboration of community, and a living history show like no other. Partnering with 14 local historic sites and hosting an additional 24 museums, authors, artists, and organizations to put on a living history event, the Three Village Historical Society’s Culper Spy Day attracts 2,000+ visitors from around the country and the globe as a must-see tourist destination that is free and open to the public!
Digital Tapestry Project Joint Awardees:
The East Hampton Historical Society, East Hampton (Suffolk)
Oysterponds Historical Society, Orient (Suffolk)
Oyster Bay Railroad Museum, Oyster Bay (Nassau)
This Project Award is awarded to the East Hampton Historical Society in East Hampton, NY, the Oysterponds Historical Society in Orient, NY, and the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum in Oyster Bay, NY, for engaging and educating modern audiences through a series of history-based augmented reality experiences known as Digital Tapestry, which includes the free 1776AR and TRAR augmented reality apps. Each app uses augmented reality technology to superimpose 3D animated versions of historical figures or local history experts over a user’s mobile device. 1776AR and TRAR were designed to help visitors better visualize historical events and, at the same time, engage younger patrons who are used to interacting on their personal/mobile devices.
Free First Fridays
Hudson River Museum, Yonkers (Westchester)
This Program Award recognizes Free First Fridays, a successful new initiative at the Hudson River Museum offering free admission and special programs on the first Friday of each month from 5–8pm. Free First Fridays is much more than free admission to the galleries, however. It aligns with the HRM's core values by helping to attract new audiences, engage current audiences in new ways, and emphasize interdisciplinary programming. Responding to the community's need for hours at times that were accessible, the HRM comes alive with a dynamic and diverse array of programs. An unequivocal success, the series has attracted more than 1,000 visitors from 102 zip codes across the region since its inception in November 2023.
“Leisurama”
Montauk Historical Society, Montauk (Suffolk)
This Project Award recognizes the immersive, interactive exhibit "Leisurama" which recreates the interior of the iconic mid-century Leisurama house in 1965, placed in a historical context and filled with period-appropriate props and original furniture. For those old enough to remember the 60s, the exhibit is like a walk down Memory Lane; for those who have ever been in a Leisurama, it’s like coming home; and for everybody who enters, it’s a fun, accessible, educational museum experience; while for the Historical Society, it’s an effective way to help fulfill its mission of preserving and sharing the history of Montauk.
“Light up the World”
Lewis Latimer House Museum, Flushing (Queens)
This Project Award recognizes the Lewis Latimer House Museum's new permanent exhibition, “Light up the World,” a complete renovation of the house and a new meticulously designed exhibition. This new look honors Latimer's remarkable life, legacy, and impact and promotes historically diverse & culturally responsive STEAM education to inspire tomorrow’s problem-solvers. Each gallery explores a facet of Latimer’s far-reaching and layered world - through his imagination, creativity, and perseverance that carried through generations of the Latimer family, the high stakes environment of electrical innovation, and the community advocacy that saved Latimer’s historic home.
“Queen of the Night” Costume Conservation
The Sembrich Museum, Bolton Landing (Warren)
This Project Award is in recognition of the successful preservation of Marcella Sembrich's “Queen of the Night” costume worn in her role for the Metropolitan Opera’s 1900 premiere production of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute). Gwen Spicer completed conservation activitie which included encapsulation of the majority of the costume in fine, custom-dyed netting, stabilization of the gown, train, and veil, recreation of one shoulder element, and the re-attachment of hundreds of sequins. This project, the single largest conservation project completed in the organization's history, could not have been realized without the efforts of Director of Institutional Advancement, Caleb Eick, who not only raised the needed $72,000 through grant funding, corporate support, and individual contributions but also curated and executed the centennial season exhibition.
Tarrytown Lighthouse Restoration
Stephen Tilly, Architect, Dobbs Ferry (Westchester)
This Project Award recognizes the many-faceted restoration of the 1883 Tarrytown Lighthouse which includes a working replica of the original fourth-order Fresnel lens, a new electronic strike mechanism for the bell, installation of a cofferdam following DEC strictures to hold back Hudson waters, repair of the cast iron caisson, and fabrication of cast iron decorative elements that had failed or disappeared. Now accessible from Westchester’s RiverWalk and gleaming in the black, white, and red colors of its most recent period of use, the Lighthouse is a beacon to the river and has become a symbol for the revival of the waterfront in Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown, and other communities along the Hudson.
The Heckscher Museum of Art Soundwalk at Dove/Torr Cottage
The Heckscher Museum of Art, Huntington (Suffolk)
This Project Award recognizes The Heckscher Museum of Art’s creation of a Soundwalk at the Dove/ Torr Cottage (Centerport, NY). Museum staff collaborated with community members, students, and local artists to create this new self-guided Soundwalk. The multi-faceted project involved a collaboration with Girls Inc. Long Island, engaging middle-school students in the design process, along with the development of a Museum Accessibility Advisory Group providing advice and expertise to enhance accessible interpretive material and increasing accessibility through on-site informational signage which includes braille and 3D tactile images, QR codes, and tactile maps of the terrain.
PARTNERS
MAURICE D. HINCHEY HUDSON RIVER VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA AND HUDSON RIVER VALLEY GREENWAY hudsonrivervalley.com 518.473.3835
The Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HRVNHA) was designated by Congress in 1996 and was officially renamed in honor of Maurice D. Hinchey in 2019. Through a partnership with the National Park Service, the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area collaborates with residents, government agencies, non-profit groups and private partners to interpret, preserve and celebrate the nationally-significant cultural and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley. In this way, we encourage public stewardship for these resources as well as economic activity at the local level. The HRVNHA is managed by the Hudson River Valley Greenway.
NEW YORK STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS
arts.ny.gov
212.459.8800
The New York State Council on the Arts ' mission is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. NYSCA strives to achieve its mission through its core grant-making activity and by convening field leaders, providing information and advisory support, and working with partners on special initiatives to achieve mutual goals.
DIAMOND LEVEL SPONSORS
COBY FOUNDATION cobyfoundation.org
Established in 1994 by Irene Zambelli Silverman, the Coby Foundation funds projects in the textile and needle arts field, offering grants for exhibition implementation and exhibition planning. Since it began its grantmaking in 2002, the Foundation has awarded nearly $10 million to well over 200 projects in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions.
HUMANITIES NEW YORK humanitiesny.org
212.233.1131
Using dialogue, reflection, and critical thinking, Humanities New York applies the humanities to strengthen democratic society. Established in 1975 as the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Humanities New York offers grants and discussion programs to support humanities programming in your community.
ROBERT DAVID LION GARDINER FOUNDATION rdlgfoundation.org
631.594.3990
The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, established in 1987, primarily supports the study of Long Island history and its role in the American experience. The Foundation is inspired by Robert David Lion Gardiner’s personal passion for New York history.
LUNCHEON SPONSORS
BLOOMBERG CONNECTS
bloombergconnects.org
For more than two decades, Bloomberg Philanthropies has helped cultural institutions transform their visitor experience with new and emerging technology. As part of this ongoing support for arts and culture, the Bloomberg Connects app is free for institutions to join and for visitors to use. The app provides free digital guides to museums, historic sites, gardens, public art, festivals, and more, expanding access to arts and culture around the world. With clean design and incredible ease of use on the app side, and an equally intuitive layout on the backend, Bloomberg Connects was built with both visitors and staff in mind. The innovative portfolio design offers hundreds of institutions on one platform, giving cultural organizations a powerful way to serve their audiences, while also reaching a diverse and growing group of users.
GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS
DOCUMENTARY HERITAGE AND PRESERVATION SERVICES FOR NEW YORK
dhpsny.org
215.545.0613
Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY) is a program that supports collecing institutions that safeguard New York's historical records and library research materials. DHPSNY provides a range of free services to eligble cultural institutions throughout the state.
GAYLORD ARCHIVAL
gaylord.com
1.800.448.6160
Since 1896, Gaylord has delivered the unique and customized solutions you need, plus the best value, quality, selection, and support. From preservation supplies and archival storage to exhibit case collections and environmental monitoring systems, when it comes to museum products, we've got you covered.
HISTORIC HUDSON VALLEY
hudsonvalley.org
914.366.6900
Historic Hudson Valley (HHV) is a not-for-profit education organization that interprets and promotes historic landmarks of national significance in the Hudson Valley for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. In support of our educational mission, HHV welcomes more than 250,000 visitors annually to its network of historic sites and special events. We reach tens of thousands more through digital programs and off-site school programs. HHV owns, restores, and preserves several sites that possess documented historical integrity, architectural distinction, superb decorative and fine arts collections, and exceptional importance of landscape and setting. Together, these sites provide meaning for visitors in a variety of settings, including traditional house and landscape tours, formal educational programs for schoolchildren, popular on-site special events, and digital media.
Founded in 1979, GHHN is the ‘go-to’ statewide service organization for New York State that focuses on interpretation, collections care programming and object conservation. The Board of Trustees, made up of museum professionals, is charged with organizational fiduciary oversight and is fully compliant with the New York State Nonprofit Revitalization Act. Underrepresented areas are the primary focus of each new board slate.
SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS
MONADNOCK
monadnock.org 413.247.6447
Monadnock designs and produces powerful and provocative media experiences for museums and other cultural institutions. We work closely with architects, designers, and museum staff to seamlessly integrate media into the visitor experience. Our commitment to engaging audiences, uplifting unheard voices, and conveying honest history and science, combined with our knowledge of technology, results in novel experiences in every media form: immersive theaters, interactive environments, multiplayer games, AR/VR, and more.
LANYARD/TOTE BAG SPONSORS
HISTORIC HOUSE TRUST OF NEW YORK CITY - LANYARD SPONSOR historichousetrust.org 646.360.0203
The Historic House Trust of New York City, in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, advocates for, promotes, and provides expertise to preserve 23 publicly owned historic sites in New York City. Since 1989, the Historic House Trust has helped tell New York City's story by addressing the structural needs of these important places, and partnering with community organizations that educate residents, schoolchildren, and visitors on the intersection of history, arts, and culture. Located on parkland in all five boroughs, the Historic House Trust's 23 partner historic sites are open to all as museums, educational centers, and public greenspaces. Ranging from modest farms to grand mansions, these landmark sites provide essential windows into the lives of all New Yorkers, past and present.
A.M. ART CONSERVATION, LLC - TOTE BAG SPONSOR
amartconservation.com 917. 796.1764
A.M. Art Conservation’s partners have decades of experience in objects conservation treatment as well as preservation consulting. Specific consulting services include: general collection assessments, environmental monitoring (temperature, relative humidity, lighting), integrated pest management, collection re-housing projects, establishing preservation-safe exhibits, collection moves, risk management and disaster preparedness for collections, training workshops, and collection database consulting.
BRONZE LEVEL EXHIBITORS
FRAMELESS TECHNOLOGIES
framelesstechnologies.com
Frameless Technologies creates interactive exhibits, museum apps, and virtual experiences that engage visitors through AR, VR, aerial maps, touchscreens, “no touch” technology and virtual tours. We also offer 3D artifact scanning/modeling for virtual interaction and archival purposes.
NADIA GHANNAM FINE ART CONSERVATION
nadiaghannamartconservation.com
917.868.7295
Painting conservation and art-care services for museums, galleries, historic sites, corporate and private art collections. On site consultation and collection assessments that include condition reports, detailed treatment proposals, conservation and restoration treatments, (cleaning, lining, tear repair, mold remediation, retouching and varnishing), framing and environmental monitoring are among the services provided. Nadia Ghannam, Principal Conservator holds a BFA from Cornell University and an MA in Art Conservation from Queen’s University, Ontario Canada. She has worked in the conservation departments of The Brooklyn Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art-Antonio Ratti Center, The Guggenheim Museum, American Academy of Arts and Letters, the National Academy Museum and the Dia Art Foundation.
OTOCAST
otocast.com
914.923.4626
Otocast is an audio guide platform used in over 225 cities, available as a free app and/or website to engage, educate, and entertain visitors – both indoors and out. We provide guides for a variety of cultural attractions, with features including multi-lingual support, digital passports, enhanced search/ filtering, and automatic audio play. We powered the Westchester Family History Hunt and are also working with the Westchester Winter Wonderland and the Westchester Library System. Find out more at www.otocast.com
PRESERVATION LEAGUE OF NEW YORK STATE
preservenys.org
518.462.5658
The Preservation League of New York State empowers all New Yorkers to use historic preservation to revitalize their communities, protect their heritage, and build a sustainable future. Founded in 1974, the League is the statewide non-profit working for historic preservation, leading advocacy, economic development, and education programs across the state. We're proud to serve the arts and cultural community with technical services and grants thanks to our partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts, with additional support from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, and the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes.
TALAS
talasonline.com
212-219-0770
Since 1962, we’ve been a trusted Brooklyn-based manufacturer of archival and conservation supplies, providing high-quality bookbinding and unique art materials to discerning clients worldwide.
VISTA GROUP INTERNATIONAL vistagroupinternational.com
203.852.5557
Vista Group International adds the impact of sound to bring exhibits to life. Voices, music and sound effects engage audiences and help get your message across. Our sound solutions have been engineered especially for museums since 1990. They are durable, low maintenence, and simple for visitors to use. We offer a range of products including our SoundStik® audio handsets and SoundPost outdoor listening stations. Vista Group's line is proudly made in the USA, and we are a certified woman-owned business.
COFFEE BREAK SPONSOR
THE FOUND OBJECT ART CONSERVATION the-foundobject.com
212.920.5535
The Found Object Art Conservation provides conservation and preservation services for fine arts and cultural heritage collections in New York, New Jersey, and New England. Services include condition assessments, conservation treatments and collections surveys as well as consultation on collections management, preventative care, exhibition and loan requirements, environmental monitoring, and Integrated Pest Management. Kerith Koss Schrager, owner and principal Objects Conservator, is a Professional Associate of the American Institute for Conservation and an approved assessor for the NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Grant Program: Site Assessments and the Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) program.
GHHN FRIENDS
Donia Conn
Lisa Goldberg
Deborah Trupin
Heidi Ziemer
Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area
10.22.24Poughkeepsie, NY7:00 PM EVENT
PRESENTS The American Imagination
A DIALOGUE
Critical Thinking in the Digital Age
Join Humanities New York for an evening’s conversation on liberties that can’t be taken for granted, lest we wake to a future wherein the concept of “inalienable rights” becomes pixelated beyond definition.
Tracing the imperial origins and profit-driven ascendance of the aphorism that “time is money,” artist and author Jenny Odell challenges us to reflect on our relationships with life’s most precious commodity in her New York Timesbestselling book, Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond the Clock. Digital media scholar and journalist Nathan Schneider approaches the digital commons with a similar imperative. If user agreements represent the law of the land, what does that make us?
BUY TICKETS
Humanities New York is a grantmaker and the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit our website: www. humanitiesny.org
CONFERENCE THEME:
Constructing the Empire State: Innovation, Environment, and Imagination in New York History
The upcoming Erie Canal bicentennial is a reminder of New York’s rich history of pathbreaking developments in transportation, commerce, and industry. It is also a reminder that such innovations have amplified debates about the use of resources and the role of the government in managing and mediating change. Likewise, the state’s long record of innovation has repeatedly transformed the way New Yorkers see themselves while sparking lively conversations about historical memory and historic preservation.
TO SUBMIT:
To submit your proposal, please complete and submit this online form
https://forms.office.com/r/ GWz83CrxG3
Questions?
Please contact Devin Lander, New York State Historian, at devin.lander@nysed.gov.
THURSDAY,FRIDAY,
-
JUNE 5 JUNE 6
Cultural Education Center, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
by Office of State History
Proposals Due December 15, 2024
The New York History Conference is accepting proposals that deal with the history, culture, economy, politics, geography, anthropology, or archaeology of New York State. We also welcome proposals that use New York’s history as a lens to understand a regional, national, or international issue. Special consideration will be given to topics that directly relate to the theme of the 2025 conference.
We encourage submissions from historians, anthropologists, archeologists, educators, high school and college students, and/or digital humanists engaged in the study of New York’s history at libraries, archives, historic sites, museums and historical societies, and educational institutions. We particularly welcome proposals that illuminate the diversity of New York’s history in regard to race, ethnicity, religion, ability, and/or gender.
Types of Proposals
Roundtable Discussion:
A roundtable discussion is comprised of a moderator and 3-4 panelists. The session is organized around a single topic, for instance, “Preparing for the upcoming commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in New York.” The moderator then facilitates a discussion about the topic between the panelists while also taking questions from the audience. The total session length, including audience Q&A, is 75 minutes.
Panel:
This is a proposal for a traditional panel, in which 2-3 panelists give a research presentation in a 75-minute session (60 minutes for presentations with 15 minutes for Q&A). Panel proposals should include presenters and a moderator who will introduce the panelists and moderate the Q&A.
Single Presentation:
This is a proposal a single researcher makes who wishes the conference organizers to place them in a traditional panel, if possible. (The conference program committee strongly encourages proposals for complete panels.)
Educator Workshops:
Educator workshops should focus on the use of best pedagogical practices and/or innovative strategies to teach any aspect of New York’s history, culture, politics, economy, geography, anthropology, or archaeology at primary or secondary schools, colleges and/or universities, museums or historic sites. We particularly welcome proposals that encourage the teaching of diverse New York State history in regard to race, ethnicity, religion, ability, and/or gender.
LightningRound:
This is a proposal for a brief 5-minute presentation highlighting a research project or program. Presenters will have the option to include up to two images/slides for their presentation. Presenters will have full audience attention since this is scheduled as a stand-alone event.
Since the mid-1950s there has been an annual New York State history conference. Over the decades different organizations led this initiative including the University at Albany and the Cooperstown Graduate Program at SUNY Oneonta. The New York State Office of Cultural Education, along with Marist College and SUNY Oneonta, will facilitate and host an annual statewide conference that will bring together historians, archivists, museum professionals, librarians, and educators to share research, resources, and best practices related to the field of New York State history.
To learn more about DHPSNY and our other services, visit
dhpsny.org
Enhance your preservation efforts with Planning & Assessment Services, offered FREE of cost to NY institutions:
• Preservation Surveys
• Archival Needs Assessments
• Condition Surveys
• Strategic Planning Assistance
Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed three times a year in MARCH, JULY, and NOVEMBER
DHPSNY is a collaboration between the NYS Archives and Library to provide service and support for the state’s archival and library research collections.
Archival Methods has your storage and presentation needs covered! Our archival boxes, portfolios, and binders are handmade in Rochester, NY!
Portfolios Boxes
Binders
Sleeves Storage Kits
Solander Cases Frames Museum Board Custom Mat Cutting
Does your education work now require new forms of digital expertise? Since 2017 Howes Studios has collaborated with all types of organizations to plan & build online learning experiences, including hybrid & virtual.
802.460.1149 | carolyn@works-on-paper.net worksonpaperconservation.com | 7 The Sq Bellows Falls, VT 05101
