Blog and Newsletter

NEW ONLINE DESTINATIONS for panoramaniacs! 

Maine Archives and Museums (MAM) is pleased to announce that it has contracted with Erin Bishop of Falmouth, Maine, to be its first Director. Dr. Bishop will succeed Julie Rabinowitz, MAM’s Business Manager from 2011-2012, who has taken a leadership position in the Maine Department of Labor. Dr. Bishop will guide the long-term activities and oversee the day-to-day operations of MAM, a membership organization whose purpose is to develop and foster a network of collecting institutions and individuals in Maine.

"MAM is extremely fortunate to have Erin Bishop to help us build upon recent growth implemented by her predecessor," said president Jay Adams. "During her tenure here Julie Rabinowitz put MAM's administrative house in order and then introduced tools, including a new cloud-based web site, and methods of operation, such as making the most of social media, to further support our member collecting institutions. Erin Bishop comes to us with responsible administrative experience, a record of successful grant writing, and now as director, with the knowledge and ability to help MAM members carry out their most important role: caring for and using artifacts and objects from the past to inform and improve the personal and civic lives of Maine's citizens. Thanks to both of these smart, creative, dependable women for casting their lot with MAM."

Dr. Bishop has a Ph.D. in history from the National University Ireland (Dublin) and is the principal of Clio Museum Consulting, where she has consulted on projects with Skyline Farms in North Yarmouth and the Jonathan Fisher House in Blue Hill. Dr. Bishop is also the Project Coordinator of the Experience Maritime Maine program with Maine Maritime Museum in Bath. Before moving to Maine, Dr. Bishop served as Director of Education for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois.

"I am very pleased and proud to help MAM pursue its mission of supporting and promoting collecting institutions in Maine,” said Bishop. "I have followed MAM’s tremendous growth over the last two years, and I look forward to helping MAM and its members achieve even more together."

Dr. Bishop joins MAM at a time of great energy and renewed focus. Since 2011, MAM has embarked upon a remarkable number of new initiatives, including a move to a new website and system of data management, a major grant from the Davis Family Foundation, new social media fansites, and a significant increase in membership and revenue from sponsorships and paid advertising. Under Dr. Bishop’s leadership, MAM is in a strong position for future success.

Effective June 1, 2012, Stephen Bromage will become the Maine Historical Society's new Executive Director. Assistant Director of MHS since 2006, Bromage was chosen after a lengthy and rigorous national search. "He's the very best choice," said Katherine Pope, President of the Board. "He has played a vital and integral role in the success and growth of MHS over the last ten years.  We have ambitious goals and Steve has the vision and creativity to lead MHS into the future." 

Steve has been responsible for the extraordinary growth of the MHS audience, both live and virtual. He has planned and implemented all public programs at MHS, increasing numbers and diversity through better communications and partnerships with many Maine cultural organizations. Steve has been instrumental in the success of Maine Memory Network--the Society's statewide, online collaborative museum--raising more than $3 million in grants and designing new, innovative programs, such as the Maine Community Heritage Project, to help promote the role of history in creating community awareness and identity. A participant in the statewide development of the Maine Learning Technology Initiative, and a frequent presenter at national conferences, Steve is now a recognized leader in the field of digital history and community development.

Bromage received his B.A. in English from the University of Richmond (VA) and his Masters in American History from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst), where he focused on 20^th century U.S. cultural history. He has served as a regular grant reviewer for the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and has served on the board of the Willowbrook Museum Village in Newfield Maine. Before coming to MHS in 2001, Steve served as the Associate Director of the Disability History Museum and Learning Resource Center, a project of Straight Ahead Pictures (a non-profit media and education center in Massachusetts).

"In the past decade," says Steve, "we have seen the vibrant role that Maine history can play in the lives of diverse audiences throughout the state. History is becoming active, participatory, representative, and more integrated into civic life. There are exciting possibilities ahead, and heightened expectations for the role that MHS can play in Maine. I look forward to leading MHS as it continues to grow and evolve, and as we build a dynamic, sustainable foundation for the future."  

 Bowdoin College invites applications for a Curatorial Assistant to assist with curatorial programs, schedules, research, and various administrative tasks for temporary and collections exhibitions, supervise visitors to the study room; serve as the primary contact with student organizations associated with the museum; and work with museum staff to develop and implement public relations campaigns for the museum. This is an entry-level, two-year appointment. Read more.

Department: Muskie Archives/Spec Collections, Full Time, Full Year

Bates College seeks nominations and applications for Director of Archives and Special Collections. Reporting to the Vice President for Information and Library Services, the Director oversees the archives and special collections programs of the college and manages the Edmund S. Muskie Archives and Special Collections Library. We are looking for an imaginative leader to develop and manage the Library’s collections and direct its reference, research and bibliographic services. The director plans and implements technology related to management of the collections in all formats, and for use of digital formats. The director will lead the college’s efforts to develop strong, collaborative relationships among faculty and staff members for the use of original materials to support teaching, research and learning. Read more.

Penobscot Marine Museum seeks an unpaid Archives Intern to work with museum staff and volunteers in our extensive collection of primary source materials and photographs. Duties include organizing and arranging the Vessel File primary source documents and photographs, cataloguing the documents and photographs in PastPerfect museum software and creating a finding aid for the Vessel File Collection. The position requires 32-40 hours/week for eight weeks during summer 2012, with a flexible start date. The successful candidate will have completed coursework in American History, Library Science, or Museum Studies and will possess excellent organizational and writing skills. Regional historical/maritime knowledge a plus. To apply, send resume and cover letter by April 15 to cgood@pmm-maine.org or by mail to Cipperly Good, Collections Manager, Penobscot Marine Museum, PO Box 498, Searsport ME 04978.

Penobscot Marine Museum seeks an unpaid Photo Archives Intern to work with museum staff and volunteers in our extensive collection of photographic images. The position requires 32 to 40 hours/week for eight weeks during summer 2012, with a flexible start date. The successful candidate will have completed coursework in American History, Library Science, or Museum Studies and will possess excellent organizational and writing skills. Regional historical/maritime knowledge a plus. To apply, send resume and cover letter by April 15 to kjohnson@pmm-maine.org or by mail to Kevin Johnson, Photo Archivist, Penobscot Marine Museum, PO Box 498, Searsport ME 04974

Penobscot Marine Museum seeks an unpaid intern to work with the museum’s in-house picture frame shop. This position will entail project evaluation, mat cutting, and frame assembly for photos, textiles, prints, and original art. The shop manager will instruct and supervise the intern in proper techniques for museum-quality framing. Intern should be comfortable with numbers, computers, color and design, hand tools, and working with the public. This is 24 to 40 hr/wk internship, running for 8 weeks during summer 2012 with a flexible start date. To apply, send resume and cover letter by April 30 to lcalista@pmm-maine.org or by mail to Lin Calista, Museum Framer, Penobscot Marine Museum, P.O. Box 498, Searsport, ME 04974.

Internship in Museum Education or Museum Studies  A summer intern with background in education or museum studies is needed. This person will be trained to conduct public programming for children and adults. Programs for children will include arts and crafts projects, reading, outdoor and indoor games, and special campus tours. Other activities will include demonstrations of "Yard in the Yard" (a working scale model of a square rigger mast, sail and capstan that involves active participation from visitors) and hands-on public presentations of marine life using the museum's Touch Tank. Programs will be scheduled weekly for public drop-in participation. The intern will need good ability to work with children and adults; energy for outdoor demonstrations; and willingness to learn programs. Creative input is encouraged and welcome! This unpaid position runs for eight weeks, 24 hrs/wk, from mid-June through mid-August. To apply, send resume and cover letter by April 15 to bschopmeyer@pmm-maine.org or by mail to Betty Schopmeyer, Education Director, Penobscot Marine Museum, P.O. Box 498, Searsport, ME 04974

Penobscot Marine Museum is seeking a Finance and Operations Manager, responsible for the fiscal management of the organization (including budgeting, forecasting, monitoring and reporting) as well as administrative and financial functions critical to daily operations. S/he will work with work the Executive Director to provide staff support to the Board of Trustees and act as staff liaison to relevant board committees. In addition, s/he will assume responsibility for human resource functions including payroll and benefits administration, and oversight of the museum’s business insurance policies, and will work with development and program staff on grant applications and reporting. The candidate should demonstrate progressively responsible work experience in financial administration, including experience with fund accounting and audit preparation, and proficiency with computerized accounting software. A Bachelors Degree (MBA desirable) or equivalent years of directly-related experience resulting in a comprehensive knowledge of the field is required. Strong organizational and communication skills and accuracy are essential. See full job description and application procedures.