Fall 2011 VAM Voice Newsmagazine

Voice

200 S. Third St. | Richmond, Virginia 23219 | 804.788.5820 | www.vamuseums.org | Fall 2011

Earth, Wind, Fire (and Water) Disaster Planning Helps Virginia Museums Cope with Mother Nature Chimney damage at Wilton House Museum in Richmond, as a result of Hurricne Irene.

iEarthquake-Specific Considerations for Disaster Planning Member Profile: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Alexandria’s “Five-Star Hotel of the 18 th Century”

Earth, Wind, Fire (and Water)

Disaster Planning Helps Virginia Museums Cope

Cover Story

August 2011 in Virginia was one for the record books. Not only did the summer heat and humidity present the usual challenges to museums and their collections, but this year, the Dismal Swamp was burning, wafting smoke throughout Tidewater and Central Virginia, the strongest earthquake in over a century shook the state, and Hurricane Irene was right on its heels to blow over or flood anything compromised by the quake. If that wasn’t enough, September followed up with the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee, inundating the state with up to 9 inches of rain. All told, Virginia’s museums fared pretty well (see page 7 for a summary of earthquake and hurricane damage in Virginia).

This summer highlights a fact we all know but easily push aside in our busy day-to-day work lives. Emergency preparedness and disaster planning are critical to every organization – particularly to those entrusted with priceless, irreplaceable art and artifacts, and those located on historic properties. It is easier to focus on developing cutting edge exhibits, educational programs, and public events than it is to prioritize disaster preparedness for an event that “might never happen.” This summer’s weather emphasized the importance of planning and preparedness for museums throughout the state.

The Heritage Health Index According to A Public Trust at Risk: The Heritage Health Index Report on the State of America’s Collections (HHI Report), 80% of collecting institutions do not have an emergency plan that includes collections,

with staff trained to carry it out.

This translates to 2.6 billion items of historic, cultural, and scientific significance that are not protected should a disaster strike their institutions. The good news, according to the HHI Report, is “Institutions that prepare for emergencies dramatically improve the chances that their collections will survive. … [and] modest commitments of time and resources devoted to preparedness will prove to be enormously cost effective in the event of a disaster.”

The HHI Report was published in December 2005. The message it sent regarding not only everyday care of collections but also disaster readiness resonated throughout the museum community – in August of that year we had just witnessed the most catastrophic damage ever wrought by a hurricane when Katrina collided with the Gulf Coast. As any good historian knows, “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”

Virginia Emergency Response Team In Virginia, VAM launched the Disaster Response Task Force and the Emergency Response Team (ERT) in 2006. The ERT is made up of volunteers willing to mobilize within hours of a call to provide triage and salvage assistance anywhere in the state. This team is effective when an entire region has been struck by disaster, such as a hurricane, and it is important to receive assistance from outside of the area as well as within the locality.

ERT professionals have volunteered to: • assist with immediate response and triage of damaged items

• remove collections from damaged areas • determine levels of damage for salvage efforts • assist conservators and museum staff with preliminary salvage and recovery efforts • assist with basic treatments of damaged objects The teams respond to emergencies that cannot be handled by the museum’s staff and board members alone.

VAM acts as the central point of contact in such an emergency situation. Any museum or historic site that encounters a disaster can contact our special Emergency Response toll-free number, 866.636.7505, monitored around the clock by VAM staff.

Upcoming: VAM ERT Workshops These museum-specific disaster training workshops are required to become an ERT, but anyone who is interested in knowing more about disaster response at their museum is welcome!

December 8, 2011 Smithfield—Isle of Wight Museum, 10 AM to 1 PM April 12, 2012 Lynchburg—Lynchburg Museum, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Each workshop will cost only $25 for VAM members

e with Mother Nature In addition to fulfilling the primary requirement of attending the two-day Homeland Security Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, VAM’s ERT volunteers are required to attend a one-day museum-specific training workshop within their region. ERT certification is contingent upon completion of these requirements.

In August 2007 VAM applied for a grant that included 100 “ready bags” from the Richard and Caroline T. Gwathmey Memorial Trust. The bags that included safety equipment (i.e., headlamp, Tyvex suit, gloves) for ERT volunteers, triage care information, and tools for basic collections triage. Designed to complement, rather than duplicate, the CERT bags that volunteers are given, these bags were given to people who completed both CERT training and VAM’s museum-specific ERT training, which we offer twice yearly around the state.

Museum Emergency Support Teams At about the same time the ERT was created, museums in the Richmond region were interested in collaborating for disaster preparedness. Thus, the first Museum Emergency Support Team (MEST) was formed. VAM has been encouraging MEST creation by helping cultural institutions plan for emergency response, coordinate local resources, establish relationships with local emergency officials, and create local response teams to assist one another in emergency situations. Since that first MEST team met in Richmond, MESTs have sprung up in the Roanoke area, Tidewater Virginia, the Danville area, Pulaski, and Northern Virginia, to name a few. Museums are continuing the process of reaching out and strengthening their emergency support networks.

While we’ve come quite a long way since the days before the HHI Report and Katrina’s nasty wake-up call, there’s still quite a long way to go. Hurried museum leaders and professionals facing budget crunches, staff shortages, and the everyday challenges of running a museum sometimes lose sight of the importance of disaster planning. For example, MEST volunteers are sometimes forced to use personal time to devote to those emergency preparedness meetings. While this demonstrates the passion and dedication of those museum professionals, it also serves to remind us all that we often do not “see the forest for the trees.” We are bound up in our everyday duties and – until it strikes us – disaster is a thing of the late night news.

Disaster Planning Lock-Ups Thanks to a generous grant from the Institute of Museum and LiSource: A Public Trust at Risk: The Heritage Health Index brary Services (IMLS), VAM is hop- Report on the State of America’s Collections ing to change all that. The Virginia Collections Initiative (VCI) includes a series of “Disaster Planning Lock-Ups” throughout the state. Over the next two years, look for one of these day-long planning workshops near you. We’ll provide the guidance and the disaster planning template that’s right for your museum. Museum representatives will be “locked-in” to work on Disaster Plans, and will emerge from the workshop armed with a completed plan and with the tools and know-how they’ll need to be prepared in cases of emergency.

Watch your inbox as we will begin announcing these Lock-Ups soon!

For a listing of damage reports VAM has received from the recent natural disasters, see page 7.

Fall 2011

Circuit Riders Provide Essential Needs Assessment for Collecting Institutions

Program Updates

VAM is excited to announce that its Circuit Riders program will be extended over the next two years through the new Virginia Collections Initiative (VCI), which is funded through a generous Connecting to Collections grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

A “Circuit Riders” team of one curator and one archivist will visit 10 sites across the state in the first year (2011-2012) and another 10 in the second year (2012-2013).

Conducted as a “mini” collections needs assessment program for small museums, libraries and archives, Circuit Riders will discuss various areas of stewardship with you, help identify your specific collections issues, suggest and prioritize basic steps to improve care of your collections, review your existing documents and forms, provide you with templates and suggest site-specific resources. Best of all, the program is completely FREE to participants who apply during the grant period.

How the CR Program Benefits Your Institution: The Circuit Rider program helps small museums develop preliminary strategies for improving collections care by identifying and prioritizing actions the museum can practicably take to implement collections care improvements, and by providing templates and identifying resources the museum can use to draft basic collections policies, forms, and procedures for adoption and implementation. The Circuit Rider program addresses many of the same stewardship areas as the American Association for State and Local History’s (AASLH) StEPs program and is based on American Association of Museum’s CMAP and CAP. The Circuit Rider program is tailored to meet the needs of individual sites and offers an opportunity for site staff and board members to meet personally with the Circuit Riders in an informal, supportive and consultative setting. These mini needs assessments are intended to help identify your specific collections issues

and set priorities for improving collections care at your institution that staff and board can practicably accomplish in the next one to two years.

ment to use during the site visits which will provide staff or volunteers with some immediate information about their collections environment.

Additionally, participating in VAM’s new Circuit Riders program can help you prepare to pursue the AASLH StEPs Program or help determine your institution’s readiness for a more comprehensive assessment (CMAP or CAP.)

Also, VAM’s new Environmental Monitoring Kit Rental Program will soon be available to offer small museums opportunities for more extended monitoring at their own institutions. Site rental kits will include user-friendly equipment with

“I’ve just finished my initial reading [of our assessment] and must say this is absolutely fantastic! Exactly what we need to guide our actions going forward. I’m amazed at how you were able to distill so much information into concise recommendations, and in a format that I’m certain everyone can understand. I’ll be forwarding this on to our Board and I’m certain it will generate needed discussion and action. I’m going to enjoy checking off the action-items for the next year or so.” ~ Emma Young, Weems-Botts Museum

What to Expect from the Program: No preparation is needed. You need only plan for staff members (paid or volunteer) who work with collections to meet with the VAM assessment team for a half-day site visit. The visit will include tours of your exhibits and collections storage areas, discussion about your specific collections issues and suggestions to help you address them. Following the visit, the Circuit Rider team will prepare a short report that addresses collections needs at your institution, accompanied by a prioritized list of recommended low-cost steps to help you improve collections care and management over the next 1-2 years, and a list of specific resources to help you accomplish them.

Six-month and one-year follow-ups from VAM will encourage accomplishments by the institution and offer some additional external accountability without any undue pressure.

New to the Program: A new element of the Circuit Riders program is the addition of on-the-spot environmental measurements. The team will be equipped with monitoring equip-

step-by-step instructions for use plus a supplemental Manual. Contact VAM for rental information.

Apply for a “Circuit Riders” visit today!

Visit www.vamuseums.org for an application. Applications are reviewed quarterly by members of VAM’s Technical Assistance Committee.

Deadlines: December 15, 2011 - for site visits January 2012 through March 2012 March 15, 2012 - for site visits April 2012 through June 2012 June 15, 2012 - for site visits July 2012 through September 2012 Email, Fax, or mail completed application to: Virginia Association of Museums 200 South Third Street Richmond, VA 23219 Fax: 804-788-5826 Email: cnewton@vamuseums.org

For more information: Christina Newton, VCI Project Manager Phone: 804.788.5822

i

Earthquake-Specific Considerations for Disaster Planning

compiled by Heather Widener, with contributions from Kara West, Assistant Director Operations / Field Services, Balboa Art Conservation Center in San Diego, CA and Julie A. Page, Co-Coordinator, California Preservation Program and Western States & Territories Preservation Assistance Service.

VAM has always put a priority on assisting museums with disaster preparedness (see lead article, entitled Earth, Wind, Fire (and Water)), and having a disaster plan in place is part of that planning. However, it is doubtful that most of us here in Virginia have included earthquake-specific considerations in our disaster plans.

Thanks to the wake-up call we received on August 23rd, we now have the opportunity to learn from experience and incorporate the following recommendations into our disaster plans.

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. In an earthquake the ground movement seldom causes death or injury. Most casualties occur from falling objects or flying building materials such as broken glass or dislodged bricks. Earthquakes can trigger other types of emergencies, such as fire due to fractured gas lines or chemical spills and water damage caused by burst pipes.

What to Do Before an Earthquake Check for Hazards • Fasten shelves, bookcases, and other large storage units securely to walls.

Poorly braced shelving can suffer catastrophic failure, and items - even on the highest quality of new shelving - will shake off the shelves.

• Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.

• Store breakable items in low, closed cabinets with latches.

• Mitigate risk by placing restraining bars or cords on shelving and ensuring the shelving is appropriately bolted together to stable building elements.

• Hang heavy items away from seating areas.

• Brace overhead light fixtures.

• Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.

• Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.

• Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.

• Store flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches, on bottom shelves.

Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors • Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.

• Against an inside wall or corner.

• Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy furniture could fall over.

• Outdoors in the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.

What to Do During an Earthquake Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake – human safety is the first priority.

Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe. Do not use an open flame such as matches or a candle as there may be gas leaks.

If indoors • DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or

Fall 2011

desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building. Do not get in a doorway.

• Stay away from glass, windows, display or book cases, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.

• Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.

• Be aware that electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

• Do not use candles, matches, or other open flame as there may be gas leaks.

• DO NOT use the elevators.

If outdoors • Stay there.

• Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.

• The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If in a moving vehicle • Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.

• Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

• If able to drive on after the shaking stops, watch for hazards which may have been created by the earthquake (e.g., fallen/falling objects, downed utility wires, under-mined roadways, damaged

Technical Insert, cont’d...

bridges/overpasses).

What to Do After an Earthquake • Expect aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.

• Extinguish all fires with the proper type of fire extinguisher.

• Contact emergency services if necessary.

• Open doors carefully and watch for falling objects.

• Do not use elevators.

• Carefully move outside and away from the building.

• Do not re‐enter the building until instructed by emergency personnel.

• Listen for the latest emergency information on a battery-operated radio or television.

• Use the telephone only for emergency calls. Expect cell phone lines to be jammed.

• Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.

• Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organizations. Return only when authorities say it is safe.

• Be aware of possible tsunamis if you live in coastal areas. These are also known as seismic sea waves (mistakenly called “tidal waves”). When local authorities issue a tsunami warning, assume that a series of dangerous waves is on the way. Stay away from the beach.

• Inspect the entire length of chimneys for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.

• Inspect utilities. Check for broken water pipes, shorting electrical circuits or leaking fuel.

• Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off all gas and water at main valves or meter boxes if you smell gas or see water flowing.

Turn off the gas at the outside main

valve if you can and call the gas company.

If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.

• Look for electrical system damage. Turn off all electrical appliances at the power point. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.

• Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap.

Straps for boxes on shelving, from COLLECTION IDEAS: EARTHQUAKE STRAPPING

by TANIA COLLAS Research & Collections Division, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Sources: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): What to do before, during, and after an earthquake.

Accessed on September 10, 2011 at http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/.

Library of Congress: Earthquake Response and Recovery. Accessed on September 12, 2011 at http://www. loc.gov/preservation/emergprep/ earthquake.html.

National Parks Service: Primer on Disaster Preparedness, Management, and Response, Museum Management Program. Accessed on September 14, 2011 at http://www. nps.gov/museum/publications/primer/prim17.html.

Damage Reports from Virginia Museums Virginia’s museums fared very well, overall, during the natural disasters of the late summer. Here are just a few of the damage reports we’ve received:

August 23rd Earthquake Damage Washington Monument remains closed due to earthquake damage.

Cape Henry (Fort Story) has sustained some stucco and brick cracks.

Cape Henry Lighthouse is closed until further notice due to structural earthquake damage.

County of Henrico Historic Preservation: minor cosmetic damage / plaster cracks. Nothing structural.

The Mary Washington House in Fredericksburg sustained significant chimney damage from the earthquake.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum sustained chimney damage (see Member Profile article, page 8) Minor foundation cracks were found after the earthquake at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum in Staunton.

Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center sustained some structural damage from the earthquake in Town Hall.

Westmoreland County Museum: sustained a crack from the earthquake which runs from the second floor fireplace, across the length of the ceiling to the chimney on the opposite side.

Hurricane Irene / Tropical Storm Lee Damage Wilton House Museum: a tree fell during the storm and hit a chimney on its way down. The more than 260 year old, 17 foot long chimney fell to the ground, hitting part of the roof on its way. No objects suffered damage.

Westmoreland County Museum: The building just purchased for expansion received water damage.

The Mariners’ Museum: buildings & artifacts safe; many downed trees, branches, debris throughout park property.

Norfolk Botanical Garden: many downed trees on garden property. Some damage to sculptures.

County of Henrico Historic Preservation: tree fell on roof of newer building that houses exhibit space at Clarke Palmore historic site. Collections are being stored off-site until repairs are made. No damage to exhibits Edgar Allen Poe Museum: wet/damaged plaster.

City of Petersburg Museums: A pane in a 14’ window at The Siege Museum window was blown out; Blandford Church and the Church’s Visitor’s Center lost power but no damage to the structures. The cemetery sustained the most damage with numerous trees down,

some on historic grave markers. Centre Hill lost power and collections in the basement suffered as humidity levels rose to 90%. Staff worked quickly to relocate collections.

Pamplin Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier: downed trees, branches, and debris.

Bacon’s Castle and Smith’s Fort lost numerous trees, but the structures were not affected.

Historic Jamestowne had degradation of the seawall constructed by the Corps of Engineers in 1902.

Irene treated the Hermitage Foundation Museum and Gardens to a fire – the exterior electrical panel caught fire. That meant a loss of electrical, internet and phone for a week. Hermitage was in a mandatory evacuation zone, all first floor objects went to the second floor.

Waterman’s Museum, York, VA: pier damage; estimated cost: $70 – $100K. Stratford Hall sustained damage from Irene and was closed from August 27th – September 3rd.

Pope-Leighey House closed Sept. 9 due to a power outage and unsafe conditions (flooding).

Call for Nominations The Virginia Association of Museums will be electing seven members for its governing Council at the Annual Meeting held in conjunction with the 2012 Conference in Newport News March 17-20. Serving on VAM Council is a great way to become more involved in the Virginia museum community, and build leadership skills and credentials. Please take a moment to nominate someone with the ability and willingness to serve. Self-nominations welcome!

The positions open are: • President* • Vice President for Planning & Resources* • Vice President for Programs* • Director, Southwest/Blue Ridge • Director, DC • Director, Mountain & Valley • Director, University & College Museums & Galleries • Director, Southern Region *officer positions must be selected from current members of the board; check list under About VAM on our website.

How to Nominate Someone for VAM Council To be eligible for nomination, a person must be a member of the Virginia Association of Museums in good standing and must be willing to serve as outlined in the Bylaws under Roles and Responsibilities.

To nominate yourself or someone else, simply submit the name and a brief description of why you think he/she would make a good candidate to John Verrill, Chair, VAM Nominations Committee, jubylee@verizon.net, by December 1, 2011.

Fall 2011

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum

Member Profile

Alexandria’s “Five-Star Hotel of the 18 th Century”

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum reopened its doors September 9th after sustaining damage from the August 23rd earthquake that struck in Mineral, Virginia, nearly 90 miles from the historic 1792 City Tavern (the adjacent tavern was built in 1785). At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, a post-earthquake assessment of the property uncovered damage to Museum buildings, most significantly to the chimneys on the 1792 City Tavern. Once the damage was assessed, the chimneys at Gadsby’s Tavern required stabilization – filling in one of the existing three flues with concrete to create a “spine” and then securing the unstable chimneys with plywood supports surrounded with fiberglass mesh – before the final repairs will begin.

Of course, since the chimneys are historic, workers will catalogue each brick as it is removed so that the chimneys can be rebuilt exactly as they were prior to the quake.

Virginia’s historic houses are used to the occasional flood, lightning strike, downed tree, or even hurricane. While the folks in California and other far-western states may be more versed in responding to earthquakes, they simply do not have buildings this old! So for Virginians, this has been a learning process.

Disaster planning always helpd, though. Says Gretchen Bulova, director of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, “When the earthquake concluded, our staff members grabbed their disaster plans and went to survey the building and collections. While only a wig fell off its stand inside the building, the three chimneys of the 1792 City Tavern building cracked and continued to shift with the after shocks.“ Gadsby’s was one of many (see damage summary on page 3) museums that have been damaged in recent weeks either by the August 23rd earthquake, or by hurricane Irene, which swept in less than a week later. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum will be able to keep its historic chimneys after all. Those chimneys lead to unique experiences in “Alexandria’s five-star hotel of the 18th century.”

If you’ve never visited, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum consists of two buildings, a ca.

1785 tavern and the 1792 City Hotel. The buildings and ice well were constructed

by John Wise, but made famous by John Gadsby. The buildings are named for Englishman John Gadsby who operated them from 1796 to 1808. Mr. Gadsby’s establishment was a center of political, business, and social life in early Alexandria. The tavern was the setting for dancing assemblies, theatrical and musical performances, and meetings of local organizations. George Washington enjoyed the hospitality provided by tavernkeepers and twice attended the annual Birthnight Ball held in his honor.

Other prominent patrons included John Adams, Thomas Jefferson (whose Inaugural Banquet was held at Gadsby’s), James Madison, James Monroe, and the Marquis de Lafayette.

Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, the museum offers tours and a wide variety of children’s programs and special events throughout the year. A few upcoming events at the museum include a Ladies’ Tea, Candlelight Tours, and even The Great Rum Punch Challenge. Take a moment to journey back to the 18th-century tavern and hotel where famous historical figures and everyday people dined, slept, and were entertained. Learn about the history, architecture, decorative arts, social customs, food, and clothing of a past era.

Visit Gadsby’s Tavern Museum online at www.gadsbystavern.org, and follow Tavernkeeper Gadsby on Twitter - @ JohnGadsby!

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum 134 N. Royal Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Phone: 703.746.4242 Captions: Upper left - Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. Lower Left - Chimney damage at Gadsby’s Tavern after August 23rd earthquake.

Encouragement via The Social Web Gadsby’s Tavern Museum posted the following on Facebook, and got some encouraging replies: Gadsby’s is sad - she is lonely, her chimneys are broken. What would be your words of encouragement to her? What would be in her get well card?

• “Tis but a flesh wound! My walls have experienced much greater pain! I shall survive and endure!”

• “Don’t be sad Gadsby! We love you! Get well soon!”

• “My husband and I celebrated our engagement here 13 years ago... so many wonderful memories. Get well soon, Gadsby! We love you!”

Save the Date

#VAM2012 Launching New Connections Newport News has a rich shipbuilding heritage, and has launched countless ships into the world from its famous shipyards. As museum professionals, we launch into community partnerships, ambitious new museum projects, and sometimes unexpected collaborations every day. Just as modern shipbuilding demands innovation and cooperation, so our museums need to explore new ideas and forge new relationships to stay vibrant and relevant. We hope you’ll join us to enjoy the hospitality of Newport News, and to launch a few new connections of your own. Your career, your colleagues, your museum, and your community will thank you!

The VAM 2012 Annual Conference will be held at the Marriott Newport News at City Center from March 17-20, 2012. *sessions designed specifically with mid-career professionals in mind *a whole track of sessions on museum finances—new ways to think about fundraising, how to ensure your financial health, ending with a facilitated financial roundtable that gives you the chance to share your challenges and successes in this troubled economy *workshops on advocacy, capital campaigns, evaluation, and more!

2012 Conservation Assessment Program Applications Available October 3rd The 2012 Conservation Assessment Program (CAP) application will be launched on Heritage Preservation’s Web site at www.heritagepreservation.org on Monday, October 3, 2011. The deadline to submit 2012 applications is 11:59 pm on December 1, 2011. Participants are identified on a rolling basis, and site visits for participants can begin as early as January 1, 2012. Final reports must be submitted by assessors to Heritage Preservation by November 1, 2012.

CAP is a federally-funded program that provides professional conservation assessments for small to mid-sized museums of all types, at a minimal cost. The program also funds historic buildings assessments for institutions with buildings that are 50 years or older. The assessment process helps museum professionals improve their institutions’ conservation policies and procedures, learn conservation and historic preservation best practices, and forge relationships with conservators and historic structures assessors. The resulting CAP report helps museums to develop strategies for improved collections care, long-range planning, staff and board education, and fund-raising. CAP is administered by Heritage Preservation and supported through a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

In 2011, 101 museums in 36 states have been selected to participate in CAP, including the University of Mary Washington Art Gallery in Fredericksburg, Virginia. To view the entire list of current CAP participants, visit www.heritagepreservation.org/CAP/11recipients.html. To search for any CAP participant from the program’s 21-year history, check out the Past CAP Participants Search Tool at http://www.heritagepreservation.org/cap/Search.html.

The 2012 application will be available online and for download in PDF and Word fill-in forms. If you prefer to receive a paper application booklet, please let us know. To receive notification of the availability of the 2012 CAP application, or for more information, please contact the CAP staff at cap@heritagepreservation.org or 202-233-0800.

Fall 2011

Museum News in Your VAM News

VAM is always striving to promote technology and to secure discounts for our members, so we are pleased to announce a new business discount being offerred to our members by OnCell. OnCell will offer institutional VAM members a 25% discount on services.

begin offerring health insurance plans in the greater Roanoke area. Find out more online.

Also, there are new wellness benefits as part of the VAM Optima Health Plan!

It was so nice to see many of you at the

recent AASLH conference held in Richmond in September. VAM played an active role in the conference - VAM staff served on both the Local Arrangements and Program committees; we had a booth in the Exhibit Hall to spread the word about the many VAM programs that serve museums in the VA and DC communities; we sponsored a Town Hall Meeting with the topic “How Does Commemoration Impact American Memory?”; we sponsored the Volunteer Reception; and we co-sponsored (with AASLH) a special scholarship for a museum studies student to attend. The winner of this scholarship was Elizabeth Fuqua, who is a graduate student at VA Commonwealth University. Additionally, many of our local members were also involved as speakers and hosts for evening events and tours.

Among the recipients is the Virginia Historical Society (VHS), awarded $375,000 to clean Member News and conserve Charles Hoffbauer’s Memorial Military Murals depicting Confederate The Hermitage Museum & Gardens was leaders and soldiers during the spring, recently awarded a grant from the Hampsummer, autumn, and winter “seasons” of the ton Roads Community Foundation in the American Civil War. Save America’s Treasures amount of $25,000 towards the installation received 338 grant applications from eligible of a new heating, ventilation, and air condi- federal agencies; state, local, and tribal govtioning (HVAC) system. ernments; and not-for-profit organizations.

The VHS, a private nonprofit, received the The Hermitage had been operating with the same HVAC system for several decades. In late largest monetary award granted to any apMay that system ceased to function, forcing the plicant in Virginia and the largest SAT grant Museum to close to the public for nearly two the organization has ever received. weeks before a temporary system could be Construction has begun on the Sandusky put into place. The installation of a new HVAC fence. The fence covers the front of the propsystem is essential not only for the operation erty and replicates a historical white picket of the Museum, but for the preservation of the fence. It will include a carriage gate and gate valuable art collection at the Hermitage. posts at the circular drive entrance. The fence is part of the ground beautification project.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

(VMFA) and Virginia Commonwealth Univer- Are you a professional artist or art sity (VCU) jointly announced the largest-ever cash gifts to both organizations totaling $115 million. The record gifts will help acquire additional works of art and support medical research. Thirteen additional charitable organizations will receive the remaining $10 million.

VFH and VAM, in partnership with a

The trusts, created in the 1950s by Arthur Graham and Margaret Branch Glasgow, terminated earlier this summer with the death of their son-in-law, Ambrose Congreve 104, in London. VMFA, VCU and the other charities will receive the gifts according to percentages The Virginia African American Museums and set forth in the trusts of Mr. and Mrs. Glasgow.

These will be the largest cash gifts to both Historic Sites Network will hold its second VMFA and VCU. Nearly $70 million will go statewide meeting on Thursday, October 6 from 10am until Noon at the Marriott Hotel in to VMFA to create a restricted art purchase endowment and to support its recent expanRichmond. This meeting of the Network will take place during the annual Association for sion, and approximately $45 million will go the Study of African American Life and History to VCU to support the cure and prevention of cancer and other degenerative diseases.

Convention (ASALH). There is no charge to attend the Network meeting. However, par- The National Park Service and the ticipants may also want to consider register- President’s Committee on the Arts and the ing for the larger conference and in particular Humanities-in collaboration with the Nafor the luncheon with Cornel West at Noon, tional Endowment for the Arts, the National immediately following the meeting of the Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute Virginia Network. of Museum and Library Services, and the Nasteering committee comprised of representatives from eight Virginia museums and one independent collector, is working to establish a statewide network of Virginia’s African American museums and historic sites.

TimeTraveler Sites: As the 2011 TimeTraveler season winds down, be sure to track

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Save America’s Treasures (SAT) grants to 61 organizations and agencies that will conserve nationally significant cultural and historic sites, buildings, objects, documents, and collections.

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As of October 1st, Optima Health will

MUSENET

the number of passports stamped - we’ll be asking for that information in November. Also, now is a great time to order new passport books. Contact Margo at mcarlock@vamuseums.org for more information. Our 2011 Theme is “Turning Points.”

tional Trust for Historic Preservation-recently awarded $14.3 million in federal competitive

student in Virginia looking for grant funding?

VMFA is now accepting applications for the following 2012 Visual Arts fellowships - professional artists: $8,000, full-time graduate students: $6,000, and full-time undergraduate students: $4,000. Deadline is Thursday, November 10.

The Virginia Historical Society (VHS) recently launched Unknown No Longer: A Database of Virginia Slave Names. The Unknown No Longer database is accessible via the VHS website, www.vahistorical.org. The creation of the Unknown No Longer database was made possible by a $100,000 grant from Dominion Resources and the Dominion Foundation. This grant was awarded to the Virginia Historical Society in January 2011.

From The Valentine Richmond History Center: Congratulations to the 2011 History Makers. Each year, the History Center honors individuals and organizations that are improving the quality of life in Central Virginia through hard work and creative thinking. They are publicly nominated and publicly celebrated. Congratulations to this year’s winners.

Creating Quality Educational Opportunities: Dr. Margaret Dabney Demonstrating Innovative Solutions: Joe

Backyard, and Beyond...

Doetzer (ElderHomes) Encouraging Regional Collaboration: Regional Hospital Accompaniment Response Team Improving Social Justice: Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Promoting Stronger Communities: ART 180

R-Station electric vehicle charging station at the Museum in downtown Roanoke. The charging station is part of the Museum’s efforts to highlight emerging transportation technologies and their impact on community development throughout the Commonwealth. “Alternative energies and fuels have an important place in The Virginia Living Museum in Newport News the future of transportation,” says Beverly T. Fitzpresented its highest honor, the Golden Paw patrick, Jr., executive director of the Museum.

Award, to Ferguson Enterprises to recognize the firm’s outstanding service to the museum. The ex- From James Madison’s Montpelier: Approxipertise of Ferguson’s employees provided “a spe- mately 100 slaves, performing a variety of duties, cial gift that is priceless to the future of the VLM: supported the Montpelier plantation during an inspirational branding campaign, television James and Dolley Madison’s time. The domestic commercial and video that is just amazing,” said enslaved individuals, who worked in the manVLM President Charles Wornom in presenting the sion, lived in the South Yard, an area adjacent to award Sept. 8.“Ferguson has made possible some- the Madisons’ home. More than 200 years later, thing that has always been out of reach for the Montpelier archaeologists and researchers re-dismuseum – a professionally done representation of covered this area and directed the construction who we are, who we want to be and who people of wooden frames to outline the buildings that perceive us to be. In other words, A BRAND.” once stood there. James Madison’s Montpelier dedicated the South Yard on September 25th.

The Virginia Museum of Transportation The Orange County African-American Historical recently announced the donation of a private Society co-sponsored the event. corporate jet slated to become the centerpiece of the Museum’s new Wings Over Virginia aviaThe University of Virginia Arts Board has tion gallery. Because of space constraints in the selected New York visual artist Tom Burckhardt as gallery, deconstruction of the jet is underway this year’s visiting artist. Each year, the board seat the Roanoke Regional Airport.“Many people lects an outstanding artist, attraction, performance never have a chance to fly, and very few ever or exhibition to visit the Grounds and work closely enter the cockpit of a real jet airplane,” said Don with the arts community. The selection rotates Moser, the Museum’s deputy director who is also among music, the visual arts and drama. a pilot and curator of the new gallery.“By moving the fuselage of this jet into the Museum, visitors From Historic Sandusky: Filming has begun will be able to explore the passenger and crew on our next documentary video project. Recompartments, and hopefully become inspired cently scenes were filmed at the Norvelle-Otey to pursue their dreams of flight.” house. This new video will cover Lynchburg’s history throughout the Civil War era, from 1860 The Center for the Constitution at James to reconstruction. Check out the film shoot Madison’s Montpelier recently launched photos on Facebook.

“Introduction to the Constitution,” a free online course for educators and the public. RegistraThe Contemporary Art Center of Virginia tion for “Introduction to the Constitution” is in Virginia Beach has embraced QR codes, Flickr available at center.montpelier.org. uploads, and other technology-based educational tools for visitors to enhance their experiThe Mariners’ Museum will host an interna- ence while at the Center. These tools provide tional convention of maritime museum profesmultiple new ways for visitors to learn about sionals in October – marking the first time in 14 and interact with exhibits and artists. years that the U.S. has hosted the conference.

The Virginia Historical Society (VHS) presented awards to individuals who have made significant contributions to research, education, and the mission of the Society. A total of ten VHS awards were presented to a teacher, a businessman, an author, students, volunteers, and staff.

Find out more: http://www.vahistorical.org/news

The Virginia Museum of Transportation announces it is installing an Eaton Level 2 Pow-

Hails/Farewells

The Virginia Museum of Natural History has named Garth A. Mills Sr., as director of development. As director, Mills is responsible for managing all aspects of fundraising and constituent relations, as well as supervising the development department. Mills began his new position August 22.“On behalf of the entire Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation Board, I am pleased to welcome Garth Mills as the museum’s new director of development,” said Dr. Denise Unterbrink, president of the VMNH Foundation Board.“The museum has a very strong group of development support staff in place, and we look forward to Garth’s leadership as we continue to expand our fundraising efforts.”

Oyez! Oyez! The City of Alexandria has selected Benjamin Fiore-Walker as its new town crier, following tryouts and interviews last week.

Fiore-Walker was one of a dozen candidates who competed in a “cry off” on Wednesday, September 7 before panelists representing Alexandria tourism, historic resources, special events and the City government, who evaluated the candidates for their voice strength and clarity, deportment, verbal and nonverbal communication, and interest in Alexandria. The public also had the opportunity to weigh in by voting for their favorites online. A resident of Alexandria, Fiore-Walker has experience working with the public, appearing in period costume, volunteering at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum and promoting history as a tour guide.

He made his first official appearance as town crier at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 27. http://alexandriava.gov/TownCrier

Jennifer Farrell, whose scholarly research, writing, foundation and curatorial work focuses on modern and contemporary art, joined the University of Virginia Art Museum staff Aug. 15 as curator of exhibitions.“The museum is pleased to welcome Jennifer Farrell as our new curator of exhibition,” museum director Bruce Boucher said.

“She comes to us with a distinguished record of scholarship and curatorial experience at the City University of New York, the Museum of Modern Art and the Yale University Art Gallery.”

Robin Rogers has joined the Chrysler Museum of Art as the glass studio technician. The position

Peggy McKee, who served the Shenandoah Val- was created to support the Chrysler Museum ley Discovery Museum since its inception in 1994, as executive director and president, announced her resignation recently. Geb Bennett, Curator of the Collections at the Museum, will serve as interim president. Said McKee,“It is a rare opportunity to be part of something as magical as the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum.”

Fall 2011

Glass Studio that opens November 2. In this full-time position, Rogers oversees the day-today operations of the glass furnace, kilns and equipment, as well as safety and operational procedures for the Studio. Rogers will be one of the lead glass instructors and will present free daily demonstrations for the public.

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Project Manager’s Corner includes collections. • 40% of institutions have no funds allocated in their annual budgets for conservation.

Dear Members, It’s an honor to have joined VAM at the end of June to head its Virginia Collections Initiative, which is a new two-year program supporting collections management among museums, libraries, and archives across the Commonwealth and in the District of Columbia.

Thanks to generous support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Virginia Association of Museums and its distinguished partners - John Tyler Community College, Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference, Preservation Virginia, Virginia Conservation Association, and Virginia Department of Historic Resources – are taking the lead in Virginia to tackle the recommendations of the 2005 Heritage Health Index Report that call for increased public awareness and funding of conservation and improved safety of collections and disaster planning at our nation’s collecting institutions.

This first comprehensive survey of U.S. collections – coordinated and published by Heritage Preservation – found astounding facts about the state of collections across the country and U.S. territories: • 190 million objects held by archives, historical societies, libraries, museums, and scientific organizations in the U.S. are in need of conservation. • 65% of collecting institutions have experienced damage to collections due to improper storage.

• 80% of collecting institutions do not have an emergency plan that

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While these sobering details may first appear to note a lack of care at our collecting institutions, they actually tell of the daunting task before these sites to maintain and preserve our historic and cultural treasures.

Routine and time consuming duties coupled with the ever present need to fundraise, manage programs, and reach out to the community often have to take precedent. Not to mention that staff have to deal with improper storage and climate control and accessibility.

So in order to help make your job easier and improved (and who doesn’t like that?!), the VCI is here to help. As the new VCI Project Manager, I encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities that have been developed to support your organization’s collections care efforts. You can find all the details about the components of the Virginia Collections Initiative at VAM’s website.

Public Awareness Marketing Resources Top Ten Endangered Artifacts competition Safety of Collections Online Training Circuit Riders Technical Assistance Disaster Planning Disaster Plan Templates & Lock-Ups Museum Emergency Support Teams (MEST) We hit the ground running with the new Virginia’s Top 10 Endangered Artifacts campaign, which has garnered 22 media clippings so far from diverse print and broadcast outlets in Virginia, DC, Tennessee, and West Virginia, not to mention an incredible public outpouring of support for our 25 diverse nominees with nearly 100,000 votes! Keep watch for the big announcement of the first “Top 10” winning artifacts around the first of November. And

Our Governing Council President, Joe Gutierrez VP, Planning & Resources, Sean Fearns VP, Programming, Tracy Gillespie Secretary, Barbara Batson Treasurer, Al Schweizer Past President, John Verrill Ex-Officio Member, Robert C. Vaughan Directors Gretchen Bulova Anna Holloway Donald Buma Melanie L. Mathewes Norman Burns Robin Nicolson April Cheek-Messier Cheryl Robinson Diane Dunkley Barbara Rothermel Lin Ezell Gary Sandling Patrick Farris Charlotte Whitted Page Hayhurst O u r St a f f Executive Director, Margo Carlock Deputy Director, Jennifer Thomas Communications Dir., Heather Widener Accountant, Su Thongpan Project Manager, VCI, Christina Newton O u r Vo i ce VAM Voice is a member benefit published quarterly for museum professionals and volunteers. The editor encourages readers to submit article proposals. Contact the Communications Director for more information.

of course, we hope you’ll participate in next year’s contest too!

Next on our radar are the Disaster “LockUps” and Circuit Riders collections assessment site visits. Whether you sign up for the day-long disaster planning workshop or apply to receive a personalized visit by collections professionals, we’ll bring the training to you monthly. New Online Training including video webinars and college courses through John Tyler Community College round out the variety of opportunities available to our museum, library, and archive communities.

Our collections care efforts and those of our “Connecting to Collections” grant recipient colleagues from across the country and U.S. territories were acknowledged as “historic” at the group’s inaugural meeting at the recent American Association of State and Local History (AASLH) annual conference held here in Richmond. What a rewarding experience it was to be able to

O u r Co nt a c ts Phone: 804.788.5820 Fax: 804.788.5826 www.vamuseums.org membership@vamuseums.org mcarlock@vamuseums.org jthomas@vamuseums.org timetravelers@vamuseums.org hwidener@vamuseums.org O u r News D eadlines Spring: February 1st Summer: May 1st Fall: August 1st Winter: November 1st Our Mission The Virginia Association of Museums is a non-profit, professional membership organization for museums and individuals associated with museums, primarily in Virginia and Washington, DC, serving all museum disciplines.

The Association provides education, information, resource and support services, facilitates communication among the institutions and individuals of its membership, fosters inclusiveness and serves as an advocate to governmental and other decision-making authorities on issues relating to museums.

represent Virginia at this important gathering and exchange projects accomplished and lessons learned.

I’m proud of my experience and recognition over the last decade to drive community change in Richmond through the arts and culture, but I’m looking forward to putting my museum background and admiration for our remarkable museum community to work for you over the coming two years. I hope you’ll call on me for help and to share your stories.

Feel free to reach me at 804.788.5822 or at cnewton@vamuseums.org. I also encourage you to check out VAM’s website www.VaMuseums.org for its many resources and to keep up with us on Facebook and Twitter @VAMuseums.

Best wishes,

Christina Christina E. Newton VCI Project Manager