Thursday, October 22, 2020
Conference Recordings
CONCURRENT SESSIONS 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Doing Fieldwork in Underrepresented Communities
This session examines effective strategies for conducting fieldwork, doing local research, and producing surveys in underrepresented communities. Using lessons learned from successful fieldwork done at the Buildings-Landscapes-Cultures Field School in Milwaukee, the topics covered will include challenges faced by an architectural fieldworker while engaging marginalized communities of color and data collection and methods of interpreting information in ways that acknowledge the history and heritage of communities of color. The session will include small group discussions that invite those attending to exchange their experiences around inclusive methods of doing fieldwork and research. Presenter: Arijit Sen, Associate Professor of Architecture and Urban Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Presenters notes: Prologue from Ned Kaufman, Place, Race, and Story: Essays on the Past and Future of Historic Preservation, (New York: Routledge 2009): 1-20.
Arijit Sen, “Walking the Field in Milwaukee,” Platform July 13, 2020
Why Old is Green: Sustainability in Older Homes
Beyond the buzzwords, this session breaks down the how and why of sustainability in homes. We will talk about sustainability as it relates to materials, community, and quality of life. You’ll learn how old homes can adapt to change and reduce cost of living, and you’ll get a thorough introduction to traditional building materials, good design, and energy efficiency. Presenter: Natalie Heneghan, Education Manager, Rethos: Places Reimagined
Successful Fundraising Strategies for Uncertain Times
How do successful nonprofit organizations adapt, innovate, and seek new opportunities for funding in difficult times? Learn how to help your organization adapt traditional fundraising fundamentals and strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will discuss a variety of strategies and tools you can use, including major gifts fundraising, grants, and virtual gatherings, to connect with donors in this new environment and inspire giving. Donors want to help their favorite organizations continue to do important work and serve their constituencies. We will discuss how nonprofit staff and volunteers can reach out, share impact, and create meaningful opportunities for donors to help. Presenters: Kristin Borst, Development Director, Wisconsin Historical Foundation Sean Lynch, Strategic Partnership Officer, Wisconsin Historical Foundation.
Additional resources from this session.
Collection Development Basics: How to Responsibly Build a Historical Archive
One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. So the saying goes, but how do historical institutions decide which collections to take? What are the factors to consider when donors offer an archival collection? During this session, we will cover the basics of identifying a collection scope, audience, preservation needs, legal rights and restrictions, and other considerations when acquiring an archival collection. Presenter: Simone Munson, Collection Development Coordinator, Wisconsin Historical Society, Sponsored by the Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board. Additional resources from this session.
This session examines effective strategies for conducting fieldwork, doing local research, and producing surveys in underrepresented communities. Using lessons learned from successful fieldwork done at the Buildings-Landscapes-Cultures Field School in Milwaukee, the topics covered will include challenges faced by an architectural fieldworker while engaging marginalized communities of color and data collection and methods of interpreting information in ways that acknowledge the history and heritage of communities of color. The session will include small group discussions that invite those attending to exchange their experiences around inclusive methods of doing fieldwork and research. Presenter: Arijit Sen, Associate Professor of Architecture and Urban Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Presenters notes: Prologue from Ned Kaufman, Place, Race, and Story: Essays on the Past and Future of Historic Preservation, (New York: Routledge 2009): 1-20.
Arijit Sen, “Walking the Field in Milwaukee,” Platform July 13, 2020
Why Old is Green: Sustainability in Older Homes
Beyond the buzzwords, this session breaks down the how and why of sustainability in homes. We will talk about sustainability as it relates to materials, community, and quality of life. You’ll learn how old homes can adapt to change and reduce cost of living, and you’ll get a thorough introduction to traditional building materials, good design, and energy efficiency. Presenter: Natalie Heneghan, Education Manager, Rethos: Places Reimagined
Successful Fundraising Strategies for Uncertain Times
How do successful nonprofit organizations adapt, innovate, and seek new opportunities for funding in difficult times? Learn how to help your organization adapt traditional fundraising fundamentals and strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will discuss a variety of strategies and tools you can use, including major gifts fundraising, grants, and virtual gatherings, to connect with donors in this new environment and inspire giving. Donors want to help their favorite organizations continue to do important work and serve their constituencies. We will discuss how nonprofit staff and volunteers can reach out, share impact, and create meaningful opportunities for donors to help. Presenters: Kristin Borst, Development Director, Wisconsin Historical Foundation Sean Lynch, Strategic Partnership Officer, Wisconsin Historical Foundation.
Additional resources from this session.
Collection Development Basics: How to Responsibly Build a Historical Archive
One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. So the saying goes, but how do historical institutions decide which collections to take? What are the factors to consider when donors offer an archival collection? During this session, we will cover the basics of identifying a collection scope, audience, preservation needs, legal rights and restrictions, and other considerations when acquiring an archival collection. Presenter: Simone Munson, Collection Development Coordinator, Wisconsin Historical Society, Sponsored by the Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board. Additional resources from this session.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Mounds, Markers, and Monuments in Wisconsin’s Landscape
Explore the history and interpretation of the many types of mounds, monuments, and markers in Wisconsin’s landscape and how the Wisconsin Historical Society works with communities to preserve or interpret these places and stories. Staff will discuss the state regulations that protect mounds as well as their importance in our landscape. They will explain the role of the State and National Registers of Historic Places and how the programs recognize the significance of many different types of historic places. Staff will also share plans for a re-envisioning of the state historical markers program. Presenters: Amy Rosebrough, PhD, Archaeologist, Wisconsin Historical Society Daina Penkiunas, PhD, State Historic Preservation Officer, Wisconsin Historical Society Fitzie Heimdahl, State Historical Markers Program Coordinator, Wisconsin Historical Society
Decision Making Processes for Historic Preservation Commissions
Heather Bailey and Tim Acklin will share their local processes for designating local landmarks and reviewing Certificates of Appropriateness. They will discuss the types of information needed from property owners, common issues found in applications and reviews, and the roles played by commission and staff in the process. Presenters: Heather Bailey, Ph.D., Preservation Planner, City of Madison Tim Acklin, AICP, Senior Planner, City of La Crosse.
Presenters notes: City of Madison Historic Preservation Planning
Historical Trauma in Native American Communities
This session will discuss significant points in history that have contributed to the creations of historical trauma for Native American communities. It will also briefly explore the devastating, inter-generational effects it has had on today’s tribal communities. Presenter: Liz Arbuckle Wabindato, PhD, (Bad River Chippewa) Education Outreach Specialist, Wisconsin Historical Society
Strengthen Your Membership Program
Learn about the basic components of a successful membership program, including new member acquisition, current member retention, and the membership renewal process. This session will cover some of the same information from “Membership 101” while exploring new ways to keep your members happy and ideas for how to attract new members to your organization. Presenter: Hannah Hankins, Annual Giving Manager, Wisconsin Historical Foundation
Explore the history and interpretation of the many types of mounds, monuments, and markers in Wisconsin’s landscape and how the Wisconsin Historical Society works with communities to preserve or interpret these places and stories. Staff will discuss the state regulations that protect mounds as well as their importance in our landscape. They will explain the role of the State and National Registers of Historic Places and how the programs recognize the significance of many different types of historic places. Staff will also share plans for a re-envisioning of the state historical markers program. Presenters: Amy Rosebrough, PhD, Archaeologist, Wisconsin Historical Society Daina Penkiunas, PhD, State Historic Preservation Officer, Wisconsin Historical Society Fitzie Heimdahl, State Historical Markers Program Coordinator, Wisconsin Historical Society
Decision Making Processes for Historic Preservation Commissions
Heather Bailey and Tim Acklin will share their local processes for designating local landmarks and reviewing Certificates of Appropriateness. They will discuss the types of information needed from property owners, common issues found in applications and reviews, and the roles played by commission and staff in the process. Presenters: Heather Bailey, Ph.D., Preservation Planner, City of Madison Tim Acklin, AICP, Senior Planner, City of La Crosse.
Presenters notes: City of Madison Historic Preservation Planning
Historical Trauma in Native American Communities
This session will discuss significant points in history that have contributed to the creations of historical trauma for Native American communities. It will also briefly explore the devastating, inter-generational effects it has had on today’s tribal communities. Presenter: Liz Arbuckle Wabindato, PhD, (Bad River Chippewa) Education Outreach Specialist, Wisconsin Historical Society
Strengthen Your Membership Program
Learn about the basic components of a successful membership program, including new member acquisition, current member retention, and the membership renewal process. This session will cover some of the same information from “Membership 101” while exploring new ways to keep your members happy and ideas for how to attract new members to your organization. Presenter: Hannah Hankins, Annual Giving Manager, Wisconsin Historical Foundation
KEYNOTE
Women’s Voting at 100 Years: A Historical Perspective Amidst Today’s Challenges and Opportunities
Dr. Turkiya Lowe, Chief Historian, National Park Service
A presentation on how gender, race, and class have structured Women’s voting rights struggles from the very beginnings of the United States’ founding to the present. Learn more about the National Park Service’s efforts to research and interpret the history of women’s suffrage, the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, and the far reaching legacies that impact women’s equality today.
Dr. Turkiya Lowe, Chief Historian, National Park Service
A presentation on how gender, race, and class have structured Women’s voting rights struggles from the very beginnings of the United States’ founding to the present. Learn more about the National Park Service’s efforts to research and interpret the history of women’s suffrage, the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, and the far reaching legacies that impact women’s equality today.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
The Legacy of 150 Years of Logging and Its Effect on Wild Rice
Wild rice is the dietary staple and sacred food of the Ojibwe. It has long been known that logging the northern Wisconsin forests changed the landscape, with devastating effects on climate, temperature, and natural resources. Wild rice once flourished in the lakes and streams of the Northwoods until massive clearing and damming destroyed many of the beds. This panel will discuss the uniqueness and value of wild rice, and the ongoing studies to save the remaining beds. Presenters: Cindi Stiles, Archaeologist and Historic Preservation Consultant Joe Graveen, Wild Rice Technician, Wild Rice Cultural Enhancement Program Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Greg “Biskakone” Johnson, Teacher, Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
Grants Available from the National Park Service
Join the National Park Service to learn about the programs and funding available through the Historic Preservation Fund. Understand how to tap into incentives to preserve local community resources through: African American Civil Rights, Certified Local Government, History of Equal Rights, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization, Save America’s Treasures, Tribal Heritage Grants, and Underrepresented Communities. Presenter: Megan Brown, Chief State, Tribal, Local, Plans & Grants, National Park Service. Additional resources from this session.
Clio: Bringing Local History Home
Clio is both a website and a mobile app designed to teach users about the U.S. history all around them. Nonprofit in nature and absolutely free to use, Clio is also an excellent educational tool to build community around local history. In this session, Professor Arnott Smith will explain how she uses Clio in her teaching, cover the basics of Clio, and demonstrate how local historical societies and history buffs can help contribute to the large knowledgebase of Clio! Presenter: Catherine Arnott Smith, Professor, The Information School, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Additional resources from this session.
Making Sense of Archival Collections
Are you beginning to manage archival collections for your institution, but you aren’t sure where to start? This session will provide a brief overview of the theory and practice of managing archival collections, from acquiring them to organizing and describing them, and providing access to them. Bring your questions, meet colleagues, and leave feeling more confident in tackling your archival projects. Presenter: Emil Hoelter, Processing Archivist, Wisconsin Historical Society, Sponsored by the Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board
Wild rice is the dietary staple and sacred food of the Ojibwe. It has long been known that logging the northern Wisconsin forests changed the landscape, with devastating effects on climate, temperature, and natural resources. Wild rice once flourished in the lakes and streams of the Northwoods until massive clearing and damming destroyed many of the beds. This panel will discuss the uniqueness and value of wild rice, and the ongoing studies to save the remaining beds. Presenters: Cindi Stiles, Archaeologist and Historic Preservation Consultant Joe Graveen, Wild Rice Technician, Wild Rice Cultural Enhancement Program Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Greg “Biskakone” Johnson, Teacher, Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
Grants Available from the National Park Service
Join the National Park Service to learn about the programs and funding available through the Historic Preservation Fund. Understand how to tap into incentives to preserve local community resources through: African American Civil Rights, Certified Local Government, History of Equal Rights, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization, Save America’s Treasures, Tribal Heritage Grants, and Underrepresented Communities. Presenter: Megan Brown, Chief State, Tribal, Local, Plans & Grants, National Park Service. Additional resources from this session.
Clio: Bringing Local History Home
Clio is both a website and a mobile app designed to teach users about the U.S. history all around them. Nonprofit in nature and absolutely free to use, Clio is also an excellent educational tool to build community around local history. In this session, Professor Arnott Smith will explain how she uses Clio in her teaching, cover the basics of Clio, and demonstrate how local historical societies and history buffs can help contribute to the large knowledgebase of Clio! Presenter: Catherine Arnott Smith, Professor, The Information School, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Additional resources from this session.
Making Sense of Archival Collections
Are you beginning to manage archival collections for your institution, but you aren’t sure where to start? This session will provide a brief overview of the theory and practice of managing archival collections, from acquiring them to organizing and describing them, and providing access to them. Bring your questions, meet colleagues, and leave feeling more confident in tackling your archival projects. Presenter: Emil Hoelter, Processing Archivist, Wisconsin Historical Society, Sponsored by the Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board
CONCURRENT SESSIONS 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Researching the Social History of Historic Properties
Sometimes a building is important for reasons beyond its architectural expression. Learn how researching the social history of a historic building may uncover a more complete history. Presenter: Neil Prendergast, PhD, Associate Professor of History, UW-Stevens Point
Financing Rehabilitation Projects
Often the biggest challenge for a building rehabilitation project is how to pay for it. This session will offer two perspectives. Bob Klebba is a property owner who will provide a case study describing how he went from financing novice to an old hand and share his tips for navigating finance options for small projects for the non-professional. Tom Landgraf is Principal at Dimension Development and will discuss funding opportunities he has used in his tenure in project development. Presenters: Bob Klebba, Historic Building Owner Tom Landgraf of Tom Landgraf Consulting, LLC and Dimension Development, LLC
Creativity: An Essential Human Need
Creativity is as important for humans as food, water, and shelter and essential for our health and wellbeing. Museums, historical societies, and historic sites are perfectly positioned to foster creativity. There is a myth that “creative people” have a monopoly on creativity. That the only people who are creative are people like artists or musicians or designers. This is not true. Everyone is creative. Some people practice more than others. Some people had a roadblock placed in their way that discouraged them. This session will help you bring creativity into your role and organization. By building our creative skills, we can help encourage creativity in our visitors. Presenters: Mike Hollander, Museum Deputy Director, Wisconsin Historical Museum and Nicholas Hoffman, Administrator of Historic Sites and Museums, Wisconsin Historical Society
45th Anniversary of the Hmong Diaspora
Join Hmong in Wisconsin author and advocate Mai Zong Vue for a reflection on the 45th anniversary of the Hmong Diaspora. Unknown to many Americans at the time, the Hmong helped the US government fight Communists in Laos during the Secret War of the 1960s and 1970s, a parallel conflict to the Vietnam War. When Saigon fell and allies withdrew, the surviving Hmong fled for their lives, spending years in Thai refugee camps before being relocated to the United States and other countries. Many of these families found homes in Wisconsin, which now has the third largest Hmong population in the country, following California and Minnesota. Presenter: Mai Zong Vue, Author and Advocate
Sometimes a building is important for reasons beyond its architectural expression. Learn how researching the social history of a historic building may uncover a more complete history. Presenter: Neil Prendergast, PhD, Associate Professor of History, UW-Stevens Point
Financing Rehabilitation Projects
Often the biggest challenge for a building rehabilitation project is how to pay for it. This session will offer two perspectives. Bob Klebba is a property owner who will provide a case study describing how he went from financing novice to an old hand and share his tips for navigating finance options for small projects for the non-professional. Tom Landgraf is Principal at Dimension Development and will discuss funding opportunities he has used in his tenure in project development. Presenters: Bob Klebba, Historic Building Owner Tom Landgraf of Tom Landgraf Consulting, LLC and Dimension Development, LLC
Creativity: An Essential Human Need
Creativity is as important for humans as food, water, and shelter and essential for our health and wellbeing. Museums, historical societies, and historic sites are perfectly positioned to foster creativity. There is a myth that “creative people” have a monopoly on creativity. That the only people who are creative are people like artists or musicians or designers. This is not true. Everyone is creative. Some people practice more than others. Some people had a roadblock placed in their way that discouraged them. This session will help you bring creativity into your role and organization. By building our creative skills, we can help encourage creativity in our visitors. Presenters: Mike Hollander, Museum Deputy Director, Wisconsin Historical Museum and Nicholas Hoffman, Administrator of Historic Sites and Museums, Wisconsin Historical Society
45th Anniversary of the Hmong Diaspora
Join Hmong in Wisconsin author and advocate Mai Zong Vue for a reflection on the 45th anniversary of the Hmong Diaspora. Unknown to many Americans at the time, the Hmong helped the US government fight Communists in Laos during the Secret War of the 1960s and 1970s, a parallel conflict to the Vietnam War. When Saigon fell and allies withdrew, the surviving Hmong fled for their lives, spending years in Thai refugee camps before being relocated to the United States and other countries. Many of these families found homes in Wisconsin, which now has the third largest Hmong population in the country, following California and Minnesota. Presenter: Mai Zong Vue, Author and Advocate