Back in 2008, the Indiana Historical Society sent out a survey to the various custodians of Indiana historical heritage collections throughout the state. The goal was to find out what kinds of items are housed in these various archives and to assess their condition. Two hundred and forty groups completed and returned the survey with information on their collections. The breakdown in type of group was: 72 entities functioned as archives or libraries, 14 were genealogy groups, 50 were historical societies, 97 operated museums, and 17 functioned as preservation societies. (Some had dual roles.) The survey asked these organizations to describe their stewardship practices — in other words, the management and care of their collections.
The results of the effort are found in the Hoosier Heritage Alliance Connecting to Collections survey report. One finding was that nearly 50 percent of the responding entities “do not have a complete listing of items in their collection.” Eighty-three percent of these custodial organizations “do not know the condition of items in their care.” In addition, “the majority have no policies for storage, preservation, pest management, condition documentation, disaster planning, or the security of the collection.” The survey further indicated that “more than 80 percent of Indiana’s heritage collecting organizations do not have a conservation plan.”
The report goes on to say that 59 percent of the organizations “self-identified staff training as a need [and] a majority of Indiana organizations utilize volunteer staff for conservation and preservation needs rather than an external provider, paid conservator or collections.” Lack of funding was cited as a key issue in these organizations’ ability to provide their staff with “training in the proper conservation, preservation, and management of their collections.”
An average or typical heritage collection in Indiana consists of 32 percent books, 20 percent objects, 12 percent unbound papers, 12 percent photographs, 8 percent archaeological objects, 5 percent textiles, 4 percent art objects, 3 percent natural science specimens, and 1 percent each of moving images, recorded sound, digital materials, and ethnographic objects.
This report shows that in a time of tight money and funding cuts, Indiana’s collections of historical heritage materials is underfunded and needs more care and attention. Many of these entities operate with government funding or grants in addition to private funding through memberships or admission fees. Remember them when you vote and when you donate.
Announcements
• Don’t forget to attend the Wabash Valley Genealogy Society’s March meeting Monday, starting at the new earlier time of 6:15 p.m. in the Vigo County Public Library. Monday’s program is “Dying to Help Out, Too — Researching Death Records,” to be presented by Ron Darrah. The meeting is open to the public.
• For WVGS members, there will be a tour of the Special Collections Department in ISU’s Cunningham Memorial Library from 1 to 3 p.m. March 31. Cinda May, the chair of Special Collections, will conduct the tour. To attend, please register at the WVGS website.
• Beginning genealogy classes will be offered on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Vigo County Public Library, starting on March 28 and lasting through May 2. The class will be limited to 30 participants and requires registration. The cost for the class is $15. To register, go to www.inwvgs.org under events, or call Linda Malooley at (812) 238-2415.
History
GENEALOGY: Survey breaks down Indiana historical collections
- History
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Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
As another spring blossoms, it is time for another season of baseball to descend upon the city of Terre Haute.
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HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: George Lance dominates intercity golf rivalry in 1927
What was expected to be a close match between two Terre Haute golfers for the 1927 Indiana Amateur Golf championship turned out to be a cakewalk.
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GENEALOGY: Follow ‘Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs’
I recently read an article called “Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs,” by Tamara Hemmerlein, Hoosier Heritage Alliance Coordinator for the Indiana Historical Society
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LOOKING BACK: 1988: Teachers issued rubber gloves to use in management of blood, other body fluids
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
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Historical Perspective: Wabash Valley is home to prominent comedy opera stars
Comic opera, a genre consisting of light hearted musicals, was introduced in Europe during the 17th century.
In the 19th century, several female vocalists from the Wabash Valley, earned national celebrity by using that art form to excel. -
Looking back: In 2003, Storm rips off half of Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof
A Saturday morning storm ripped off half of the Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof and caused heavy damage in Allendale. Wind gusts topping 60 miles an hour brought down power lines and trees throughout the county. Hail almost an inch thick and 1.5 inches of rain fell in less than an hour.
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Abundance of shoe stores existed downtown
Spring to me means putting away heavy winter sweaters and bringing out fun lighter sundresses. It also means the possibility of shopping for a new dress or even new shoes.
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Genalogy: Handwriting in 1700s-1800s Copperplate or English Round Hand
The primary style of old handwriting in the mid 1700s through the 1800s is sometimes called Copperplate or English Round Hand. This style of writing is much more recognizable and readable than the older Secretary Hand style discussed last week, and it is much less ornate as well.
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The death of Irish Kate Preston
The lifeless body of Catherine Preston, commonly referred to as “Irish Kate,” was found Saturday morning, Oct. 5, 1895, on a sandbar at the western edge of the Wabash River wagon bridge.
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Looking back: 2003: Sherertz sets nine-hole school record
Terre Haute North Vigo High School’s nine-hole record at Hulman Links was broken by golf team member Matt Sherertz who shot a 4-under-par 32 in a team-record win over Northview.
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Historical perspectives: Railroads were models of innovation and growth in Haute
Railroads have played an important part in the building of our nation and in the history of Terre Haute. It is no small wonder that these amazing machines were turned into children’s toys, as well as models for the more mature train enthusiast.
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‘Foreign’ letters to confuse a genealogist
Any serious family researcher will at some time or another encounter old documents in an older handwriting style that need to be read and deciphered.
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1988: 700 teachers unite in protest
At least 700 teachers were absent from their Vigo County School Corp. schools as part of a job action to protest lack of progress in contract negotiations.
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Genealogy: Vigo County Gold Star Honor Roll
FamilySearch International recently announced “the release of significant new enhancements to its web services that allow visitors to collaboratively build their family tree online, preserve and share precious family photos and stories, and receive personal research assistance–all for free.”
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‘Far-sound’ rings in a new era
This week’s Historic Treasure is an invention that changed life, as we know it in a great way, the telephone.
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Historical perspective: Venard: soldier in the War of 1812
His name was Stephen Venard. For more than 50 years he resided in Terre Haute, without fanfare, with his wife and a daughter. Much of that time was spent in the 400 block on N. First St.
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Looking Back: 2003: Mark Cook brings blues home
Mark Cook returned to Terre Haute to play with fellow musicians in the Cook-N-Blues group at Brazil and Terre Haute.
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Historical perspective: Attempted carriage-jacking thwarted
Nineteenth century newspapers covered several topics that might astonish current readers. For example, the front page of the Terre Haute Weekly Gazette on Nov. 16, 1878 – 135 years ago – reported on the bold attempt by four “villains” to rob two women riding in a carriage immediately west of the fairgrounds at Brown and Wabash avenues:
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Genealogy: Dutchman seeks family of missing soldier
Query: I live in the Netherlands and recently I have adopted the name of American PFC Joseph P. Nelson at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten. He was killed in action on Dec. 5, 1944, and his name is on the Walls of the Missing.
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Sewing Society keeps hospital in linen, supplies
When Tracy Pruitt came across a small box of old ledgers and receipt books recently, his first impulse was to throw it away. But he decided to sit down and examine its contents. In doing so, he discovered a story.
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Looking Back: 1963: Officials prepare for disaster
City officials were studying survival plans in case of a natural disaster or attack by an enemy source. Gilbert Leonard was the director of Vigo County Defense.
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Genealogy: Gold Star Honor Roll: Vigo County
This week continues with the Gold Star Honor Roll (those who died in WW I) from the Wabash Valley. The Vigo County list is long and will be run in three parts.
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River boat models capture glory of former culture
In the River portion of the latest exhibit at the Vigo County Historical Society museum are two models of river paddle boats created by Alfred F. Nehf.
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Historical perspective: Babe Holland: advocate for equality
Wherever Terre Haute native William Sylvester Holland roamed, he made an impact.
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Historical Perspective: Terre Haute’s architectural heritage
Much more than is commonly recognized, Terre Haute has a rich and diverse legacy of landscapes designed by some of the nation’s most talented architects.
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Genealogy: A search for names from broken stones
This week there is a query about an old cemetery in Parke County, that is believed to have been destroyed:
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Hidden treasures: Laborers phased out by machines
Today’s historical treasure will intone to many people an early experience of practical labor. For others, this artifact might lack a contextual notion.
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Looking back: 2003: Two men rob Terre Haute First National Bank
Two men robbed Terre Haute First National Bank’s banking center at Southland Plaza, South Seventh Street and Margaret Avenue. It was the first bank robbery in Terre Haute since November 2000.
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Interurban makes city Crossroads of America
Electric transportation is not a new technology. With the arrival of the electric car we are reminded that electric technology has a long history in Terre Haute.
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The tale of the Wabash River
On March 14, 1913, the Indiana General Assembly adopted “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away,” by Terre Haute native Paul Dresser, as Indiana’s state song.
- More History Headlines
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Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
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Probe Begins After Conn. Commuter Trains Crash
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Conn. Commuter Trains Collide; 60 Go to Hospital
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Fmr. IRS Head Insists No Politics in Targeting
Raw: Driver Ejected From Truck, Over Bridge
Raw: Gun Scare Mars Cannes Film Festival
NM Mom Chases Down Child Abductor
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CDC: Fecal Bacteria Common in Swimming Pools
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Raw: Obama Sits Down With Elementary Kids
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One Million Evacuated As Cyclone Hits Bangladesh
China, Others Want What's Under the Arctic Ice
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Dying Man's Blinks Lead to Murder Conviction
Ousted IRS Chief: Errors Not Caused by Politics
Twiggy, the Water Skiing Squirrel
Sailor Surprises His Mom At Her CU Denver Graduation Ceremony
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Coffee Stop Leads To Arrest Of YouTube Sensation Wanted For Murder
Bearded Dragon Reunited With Owner
Marine Reunited with Warzone Companion
Beyonce Is Pregnant!
SF baseball player overpaid $500,000 RETURNS money -- and team says KEEP IT
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Emma Watson Goes Pantless
IRS scandal: Republicans seek to tie Obama to agency's woes
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Pregnant Kim Kardashian Squeezes Her Swollen Feet Into Stilettos
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