RYE , NH – Struggling with your historical records? The New Hampshire Archives Group can help. The organization will be hosting a series workshops beginning at 9AM on Wednesday, May 16^th at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye , NH . Attendees may choose between two current sessions.

Introduction to Archives: Caring for Historical Records, will be led by DARIA D'ARIENZO, Head of
Archives & Special Collections, and ANNE OSTENDARP, Project Archivist with Amherst College Library, Amherst , MA . It is especially useful for staff and volunteers working in libraries, museums, historical societies, or municipal governments who have responsibility for archival materials but no formal training in archival practice. Through a combination of lecture, group discussion, and exercises, participants will get an overview of the fundamentals of archival organization, including the basic principles and practices of identification, acquisition, preservation, arrangement, and description of historical records. It will help participants develop policies and procedures to manage archival collections, and will also explore the topics of access, reference, and outreach. This all-day workshop is limited to 20 registrants, and is co-sponsored by
New England Archivists (NEA). Cost for NHAG/NEA members is $50 (which will include lunch). The cost for non-members is $80 (which includes lunch and a one-year NEA membership).

The alternative session will begin with a Reference Workshop and Roundtable Discussion led by NORA MURPHY, Reference Archivist,
Institute Archives & Special Collections, MIT, Cambridge , MA . Ms. Murphy is the immediate past president of
New England Archivists and will cover strategies for providing reference services for institutions whether large or small. The afternoon will include a Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Seacoast Science Center, a "must see" for anyone wishing to discover the natural treasures and rich history of coastal New Hampshire . The Center's dramatic seaside setting, interpretive exhibits, and commitment to creating a memorable, personalized experience for each visitor sets it apart from other museums, aquariums and attractions. As a member of the Granite State Distance Learning Network, the Seacoast Science Center is launching a series of new interactive learning programs - virtual field trips - that will be available to individuals and organizations throughout the state and beyond via videoconference technology. Following the tour, there will be a Roundtable Discussion of Educational Outreach Programs that will conclude at 3PM . The cost for the Reference Workshop and Virtual Classroom Tour, including lunch, is $15 for NHAG members and $20 for non-members.

You need not be a NHAG member to sign up for either of these workshops. Registration information is available through the organization's website: www.historicalsocitiesnh.org/nhag.

The purpose of the New Hampshire Archives Group (NHAG) is to educate and support any in New Hampshire who are responsible for or are merely interested in the management and preservation of archival records. NHAG is a volunteer-run organization that provides a forum for its members each spring and fall by hosting educational workshops and publishing our newsletter, Inventory.

The NH Archives Group will be offering workshops for those who wish to learn more about preserving, organizing and accessing historical records. May 16, 2007 from 9:00am to 4:30pm Seacoast Science Center in Rye, NH

(END)