Conferences, Organizations and How to Get Involved in Historical Societies

         I don't think I've ever had a dull moment at the museum this summer. My last day in the archives was just as exciting as the day I started. Today we had the pleasure of meeting with Martha Grimm of the Costume Society of America. <http://www.costumesocietyamerica.com/>. The Costume Society of America is a wonderful organization made up of all types of professionals such as conservators, curators, professors, academics, students, museum staff and the list goes on. They are devoted to the study of textiles and promote this more recently flourishing area through their many symposia, publications and projects. They will actually be holding a symposium here in Las Vegas at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in May 2013. 

Martha was in town meeting with several museums in the Las Vegas area to decide on the recipient of their Angels Project. They are deciding between the Nevada State Museum, the Hoover Dam museum in Boulder City, and the Clark County Museum in Henderson. Their Angels project consists of a few dozen volunteers from across the country. The goal is to not only assist in the preservation and conservation of museum collections but to also educate museum staff and professionals about these methods for their use in other museums. They perform such service as packaging and preparing pieces for storage, basic repairs and conservation, steaming and vacuuming garments, making cloth hangers etc. It sounds like a dream project and it would benefit the Nevada State Museum tremendously to have such an endeavour there. Crossing our fingers! For more information about this project see their website at http://www.costumesocietyamerica.com/angelsproj.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnB2bydv_E0&feature=plcp  

This YouTube video gives a taste of their Angel’s Project program.

    Martha’s visit to our collection gave me some insight into ways to get involved within the history profession. There are a plethora of societies and organizations out there that cater to any kind of interest - whether it be western history or historic garments. Membership in these organizations offers the ability to network with other professionals and scholars, oftentimes find research funding and scholarship and get involved in projects and conferences across the country. As a historian there are a lot of resources out there and exciting groups to join!