Category: News & Updates
IMLS Maintains Commitment to Museums, Opens FY25 Grant Funding Cycle
IMLS Maintains Commitment to Museums, Opens FY25 Grant Funding Cycle
The primary source of federal funding for US museums and related organizations is now accepting applications to eight grant programs. Proposals to offer programming, manage collections, and enhance the workforce can be submitted through November 15, 2024.
Photo: Thomas Cole National Historic Site, New Studio ribbon cutting. Courtesy of the Thomas Cole National Historic Site
WASHINGTON, DC— The Institute of Museum and Library Services is now accepting applications for eight museum grant programs. Museums and related organizations across the United States are encouraged to apply to the programs below by November 15, 2024.
Supports projects that offer professional development to the current museum workforce and create opportunities to train and recruit future museum professionals
Supports small museums of all disciplines in project-based efforts to serve the public.
Builds the capacity of African American museums and supports the growth and development of museum professionals at African American museums.
Build the capacity of American Latino history and culture museums to serve their communities, and broadly advance the growth and development of a professional workforce in American Latino institutions.
Supports projects that use the transformative power of professional development and training to generate systemic change within museums of all types and sizes.
Supports museums of all sizes and disciplines in strategic, project-based efforts to serve the public.
Support projects that address critical needs of the museum field and that have the potential to advance practice in the profession to strengthen museum services for the American public.
Support Indian tribes and organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians in sustaining heritage, culture, and knowledge.
To ensure a complete understanding of the programs’ policies and recommendations, applicants should review the Notices of Funding Opportunity carefully and make use of applicant resources.
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Notices of Funding Opportunity
Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) detail the requirements and benefits of each grant program. Applicants should reference them regularly. This year, NOFOs have been reformatted for ease of reading.
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Getting Started with IMLS Museum Grants
This recorded webinar provides an overview of each grant program and the application process. Similar videos, detailing the specificities of each program, will be available soon.
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LIVE Getting Started with IMLS Museum Grants
The Office of Museum Services will host a live webinar for potential applicants on September 9th. The event will include a Q&A period.
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Counseling Calls
IMLS staff members are available to help you decide which program is best suited for your project, and to answer general questions about the application and review process.
MLS FY 2025 Museum Services Funding Opportunities
IMLS FY 2025 Museum Services Funding Opportunities
Education and Engagement Toolkit for Associations
Opportunity
Museums and related organizations across the United States have eight opportunities in the coming months to apply for grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the nation’s primary source of federal funding for museum services.
As a valued stakeholder and IMLS partner in the museum field, we would like to ask for your help communicating these funding opportunities with your members and encouraging interested institutions to apply. Raising awareness of IMLS grant programs among potential applicants is one of our key agency priorities, and we appreciate your efforts to assist IMLS in achieving this goal
IMLS is accepting applications for eight grant programs, all due no later than November 15, 2024:
- 21st Century Museum Professionals Program – Advances the growth and development of a diverse workforce of museum professionals.
- Inspire! Grants for Small Museums - Supports small museums of all disciplines in project-based efforts to serve the public.
- Museum Grants for African American History and Culture - Designed to build the capacity of African American museums and support the growth and development of museum professionals at African American museums.
- *NEW* Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture - Designed to build the capacity of American Latino history and culture museums to serve their communities, and broadly advance the growth and development of a professional workforce in American Latino institutions.
- Museums Empowered - Supports projects that use the transformative power of professional development and training to generate systemic change within museums of all types and sizes.
- Museums for America - Supports museums of all sizes and disciplines in strategic, project-based efforts to serve the public.
- National Leadership Grants for Museums - Support projects that address critical needs of the museum field and that have the potential to advance practice in the profession to strengthen museum services for the American public.
- Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services - Support federally-recognized tribes and organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians in sustaining heritage, culture, and knowledge.
Here are a few ways to engage with IMLS and your communities:
Social Media Messages
We encourage you to follow IMLS on our social platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn, X/Twitter and Instagram, and reshare our reminders about each funding opportunity.
We also ask that you share information about IMLS museum grant programs and the accompanying informational webinars for each funding opportunity via your own social media channels, newsletters, etc. Sample messages are provided below for your use, and you can download the IMLS logo from our website to accompany these messages:
X/Twitter:
- FUNDING: @US_IMLS is accepting applications to 8 grant programs for museum services now through Nov. 15. Find out more at https://www.imls.gov/grants/
apply-grant/available-grants .
- Looking to fund a project that will increase your museum’s impact? Apply for an #IMLSgrant now through Nov. 15: https://www.imls.gov/grants/
apply-grant/available-grants .
Facebook and LinkedIn:
- FUNDING: @Institute of Museum and Library Services is now accepting applications for eight museum grant programs. Museums and related organizations across the United States are encouraged to apply by November 15, 2024. https://www.imls.gov/grants/
apply-grant/available-grants
Instagram:
- FUNDING: The Institute of Museum and Library Services (@US_IMLS) is now accepting applications for eight museum grant programs. Museums and related organizations across the United States are encouraged to apply by November 15, 2024. Visit their website to learn more!
Newsletters
If your organization sends a newsletter to members, below is suggested copy to use through the grant deadline on November 15. You can edit this message to fit your newsletter’s style and standard word count, and you can download the IMLS logo from our website to accompany this message.
IMLS Museum Funding Opportunities Open Now through November 15, museums and related organizations across the U.S. are encouraged to apply to the eight grant funding opportunities provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the nation’s primary source of federal funding for museum services.
For more information and to access applicant webinars and sample applications, please see our latest announcement!
Additional Information
For more information, please contact Dorothy Peck, Communications Specialist at dpeck@imls.gov.
Sessions for Small Museums at the 2024 AASLH Annual Conference
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Most history organizations are small but mighty, preserving local history for future generations. If you work at a small museum or historic site, be sure to attend the 2024 AASLH Annual Conference and attend the suggested sessions below. All sessions are included with conference registration. The Putting it All Together workshop and the Small Museums Luncheon have an additional cost and require preregistration. Save on conference registration by becoming an AASLH member and registering by the August 16 online deadline!
Wednesday, September 13 OR Saturday, September 14 Thursday, September 12 Capturing Oral Histories Small Museums Luncheon Small Museum, Big Impact: Steps for Ensuring Your Exhibition Resonates Surviving Disaster: Learn By Doing the Work Friday, September 13 Strategic Vision at Small Museums FSA Tips: America 250 on a Shoestring Marketing 101: Minimal Effort for High Reward Small Museums Affinity Committee Meeting Saturday, September 14 Creative Approaches to Primary Sources What I Wish I Learned in School: Small Museums Edition |
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Queen Anne’s Revenge Project Conservator Position
URGENT: Contact Congress to Oppose Drastic IMLS Funding Cuts
The House Appropriations Committee last week approved a bill that if enacted would make drastic funding cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and its Office of Museum Services (OMS), for fiscal year 2025, which begins October 1, 2024.
If enacted, the bill would cut the OMS by $9.3 million by eliminating National Leadership Grants for Museums, leaving an OMS total of $46.1 million — down from an historic high of $55.5 million.
National Leadership Grants are vital as they fund cutting edge programs that are models for the museum field at large. Recently, Made By Us, of which AASLH and many of its members are a coalition partner, received this grant to build the Youth250 program. This program will supply hundreds of history organizations with access to Gen Z input and guidance on their U.S. 250th programming.
The bill also would entirely eliminate funding for overall IMLS Research, Analysis and Data Collection ($5.6 million), which would include ending the agency’s ability to conduct the first ever National Museum Survey, which it has already developed and field-tested. All of this preparatory work would be for naught, and all monies spent, wasted. In addition, overall IMLS Program Administration would be cut by $5 million (22%). Libraries were not spared: library discretionary grants were slashed by $25.2 million to $5 million in a bill that would cut education programs by 14% and would eliminate 57 programs. While these proposed cuts are unlikely to make it past the Senate and White House, it’s critical for you to voice your opposition to your Representative now!
Please use the link below to fill out a contact form provided by our colleagues at the American Alliance of Museums.
The FY 2025 Appropriations process has a long way to go. Senate action has lagged behind the House. In the meantime, it’s critical to oppose these drastic proposed cuts.
Thank you for your advocacy in support of IMLS! This agency provides vital support to AASLH members and your colleagues in the national history community.
UNESCO Post – Underwater Cultural Heritage
Parent Sector : Culture Sector (CLT)
Duty Station: Paris
Job Family: Culture
Type of contract : Non Staff
Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 1-AUG-2024
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Background
The mission of the Unit on the Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) is to ensure the effective implementation of the 2001 Convention for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, and its related programmes.
Work assignment
In that framework, under the authority of the Director of the Culture and Emergencies Entity and the direct supervision of the Chief a.i. of the Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit, the incumbent shall be responsible for the following tasks:
1. Based on Recommendation 3 of the 14th STAB meeting, assess and develop activities related to the International underwater archaeological mission on the Skerki Bank and in the Sicily Channel as described by the 2001 UNESCO Convention, with the following tasks:
i. Develop communication and awareness-raising materials aimed at promoting and encouraging the ratification of the 2001 Convention, ensuring their quality from a scientific and technical point of view, in particular as concerns the new website of the Convention, of the Multilateral project as well as other communication initiatives;
ii. Ensure the translation, broadcast and dissemination of the documentary (EN/HR/IT/AR/ESP) in coordination with CPE, Gedeon Programme and associated partners;
iii. Organize the promotion and dissemination of the photo exhibition, in close cooperation with interested Field Offices;
iv. Organize the formal and informal meetings of the Coordination Committee established for the International underwater archaeological mission:
- prepare agenda, working documents, briefings, correspondence and other materials, including communication tools;
- ensure regular contacts and information sharing with the focal points of the eight participating Member States;
v. As per requested by the STAB during the 14th and 15th STAB meeting, elaborate and organize consultations with the Coordination Committee on:
- the Lessons Learned about the first implementation of the cooperation mechanism for the protection of UCH outside of territorial waters,
- a Model Roadmap on the cooperation mechanism for the protection of UCH outside of territorial waters.
2. Based on Recommendation 5 of the 15th STAB ordinary meeting in June 2024, requesting the Secretariat to launch consultations on the potential project in the Baltic Sea region focusing on the endangered wooden wrecks”, the Consultant will:
i. Organize the formal and informal meetings of a potential multilateral cooperation project in the Baltic Sea with permanent delegations and experts;
ii. Prepare agenda, working documents, briefings, correspondence and other materials, including communication tools;
iii. Ensure regular contacts and information sharing with the focal points of the governmental and non governemental partners;
iv. Contribute to the drafting of a global project for the protection of vulnerable UCH in the Baltic Sea (scientific study, protection, education, capacity building and communication);
Long Description
v. Participate in identifying fundraising partners and drafting an estimated budget;
vi. Participate in identifying communication partners and initiatives to ensure the project and UNESCO visibility.
3. Identify other possible international archaeological missions by analysing potential new partners (institutions, experts and countries), in coordination with international and local experts, identifying and assessing the vulnerable UCH remains to protect.
4. Support the Secretariat’s efforts to build projects and programmes relating to climate change-induced threats to underwater and coastal heritage by:
i. Assessing the state of research, identify the interesting institutions, experts and heritage sites related to the protection of underwater and coastal heritage facing the threats of Climate Change;
ii. Developing and implementing a project on Risk Assessment on Climate Change impacts on Underwater and Coastal Heritage;
- Online platform and datasets;
- Focus on pilot projects and on-site documentation;
iii. Supporting the organization in 2024 of an international conference on Climate Change and UCH in preparation to the UNOC 25;
iv. Supporting the organization of related climate-change and UCH official side-events during the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France in June 2025 and, in particular,
v. Under CPE’s coordination, ensure the visibility of the 2001 UNESCO Convention during the Art Explora Festival, notably by organizing a Think Tank session on Climate Change and UCH on the boat stopovers in Nice (June 2025) and other potential stopovers
5. Contribute to the implementation of activities carried out by the Secretariat of the 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage with the following tasks:
i. For the 2001 UNESCO Convention, prepare requested contributions to the documents for the meetings with STAB and stakeholders, compile and review data, content and opinions experts to support the drafting of the Global Report on cultural policies and the process of implementation of a monitoring mechanism for the 2001 Convention;
ii. Draw on meetings, compile and review data and content to support the review and implementation of the Theory of change;
iii. Develop with the UNITWIN and NGO networks a free MOOC on Underwater Cultural Heritage;
iv. Support the Secretariat for the organization of the next 10th MSP and 16th STAB meetings in June 2025. In particular:
v. draft documents and resolutions related to the follow up and preparation of the past and future implementation of the international cooperation mechanism;
vi. support coordination and negotiations with States Parties to the Convention with regard to future potential cooperation missions;
vii. Draw scientific guidelines and proof-read scientific communications for the implementation of any other activities and underwater archaeological missions, notably in relation with UNFCCC COP29 and the 2025 Ocean Summit;
viii. Analyse the archaeological data available and from previous underwater archaeological studies to support the implementation of the underwater archaeological mission on the Qalhât WH site in Oman by the Alexandria University UNESCO Chair, with the collaboration of Doha FU;
ix. In relation notably with the 2025 Ocean Summit and Année de la Mer organized in France, ensure the visibility of the 2001 UNESCO Convention by drafting requested communication tools, while
x. Assess, research and draft the possibilities for projects to be implemented in cooperation with France;
xi. Develop and implement a think tank about Museums and UCH in collaboration with MHM;
xii. Based on the international multilateral mission and project best practice, support the development of training activities for underwater cultural heritage professionals in cooperation with UNESCO Field Offices;
xiii. Participate in developing communication and awareness-raising materials aimed at promoting and encouraging the ratification of the 2001 Convention, ensuring their quality from a scientific and technical point of view, in particular as concerns the new website of the Convention, of the Multilateral project as well as other communication initiatives;
xiv. Advise on inter-Conventions potential projects (in particular the 1954, 1970, 1972 and 2003 Conventions)
xv. Ensure the Secretariat’s attendance and follow-up of international scientific conferences on underwater archaeology, starting with the ISBSA conference in October 2024.
TIME LINES AND DELIVERABLES
The contractor will submit the following deliverables, for validation by UNESCO, within the expected duration of the contract, as indicated below:
- Conference on climate change and UCH
- Report on the ISBSA Conference (October 2024)
- Baltic Project Documents
- MOOC
- Climate Change project (webpage & associated documents)
- Statutory meetings
- 7. Associated events for Nice 2025
8. Implementation and Follow up statutory meetings and UNOC
Work Location – Home based
Expected duration – 10 months
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Accountability (C)
Communication (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in disciplines in the field of culture
Work Experience
- A minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience acquired in the field of culture of which three (3) in cultural policies at the international level.
Skills and Competencies
- Good knowledge of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and UN System.
Long Description
- Good knowledge of UNESCO’s standard-setting instruments and programmes in the field of culture, including of the 2001 Convention.
- Good knowledge and proven expertise in coordination of global consultations and multi-stakeholder management.
- Good knowledge and proven expertise in underwater archaeology and the protection of underwater cultural heritage.
- Good knowledge and proven expertise in coordination of multilateral cooperation projects.
- Good knowledge and proven expertise in event coordination and awareness raising material
Long Description
- Strong ability to collect, synthesize and analyse information from various sources and formulate research documents.
- Strong ability to collect and handle geographic information system (GIS) data and heritage inventories.
- Ability to interact efficiently with a wide range of partners and stakeholders within and outside the Organization.
- Ability to work both independently and in a multicultural and multilingual environment.
- Strong IT skills.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge of both English and French (speaking, reading and writing) and good knowledge of the other language.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Work experience
- Professional experience in the United Nations system.
- Proven experience in organising global multi-stakeholder consultations.
- Expert knowledge of UNESCO Culture Programmes.
- Proven experience in the study, protection, conservation and awareness raising of underwater cultural heritage.
Languages
- English and French and knowledge of another UN official language will be an asset.
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
Interested candidates should complete the on-line application, download and complete the Employment History form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information:
A written proposal comprising:
- An up-to-date CV;
- A brief technical proposal outlining the approach and methodology for the assignment in line with the terms of reference
- A competitive fee for the assignment quoted in EUR (or USD) and expressed on a monthly basis.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.
Save on AASLH Conference Registration When You Register by Next Week
2024 AASLH Annual Conference
September 11 – 14
Mobile Alabama
Save on Registration When You Register by Friday, July 26
The early bird registration deadline for the 2024 AASLH Annual Conference is one week from today!
Register by Friday, July 26 to receive the best rates. AASLH members receive the lowest registration rates.
The 2024 AASLH Annual Conference in Mobile, Alabama, aims to bring together our national history community to explore the vital work of history practitioners with the theme Doing History, which inspires attendees to acknowledge a holistic view of the past, making space for diverse interpretations, and striving toward a future where everyone feels like they belong to something larger than themselves.
Registration includes:
- More than 60 learning sessions.
- Three plenary sessions, including one about the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to enter the United States, and its descendant community in Africatown.
- Networking events to meet your colleagues in the national history community.
- Exhibitors with products and services to help you improve the way you operate.
Enhance your experience with a workshop to deepen your learning, an evening event to connect with other attendees, and a tour to experience Mobile and Alabama history.
Deepen Your Learning at the 2024 AASLH Annual Conference with Workshops
Workshops at the AASLH Annual Conference explore a topic over a half- or full day. This extended time allows you to more deeply understand the subject and how you can implement what you’ve learned at your organization.
Workshops are available on Wednesday and Saturday. There is an additional cost to participate in workshops, and preregistration is required.
Historic Window Repair
Saturday, September 14
Participants in this workshop will learn about historic window design, operation, and maintenance. They will get the opportunity to assess historic windows in their setting at the Oakleigh House Museum and practice removing, reglazing, and rehanging sashes. Fee includes transportation, lunch, and personal protection equipment. This workshop is led by Natalie Henshaw of The Campaign for Historic Trades.
Wednesday Workshops (September 11)
Field Services Alliance Meeting
Join us for the FSA annual meeting where we’ll network, share updates on our programs, discuss trends we are seeing across the regions we serve, and plan topics for future trainings.
Introduction to Transcribing and Annotating Your Document Collections
This workshop focuses on two activities for making your document collection more accessible, discoverable, and thus usable: transcription and annotation. You will also participate in exercises to help you develop your own project policies.
Putting it All Together: Preparing for 2026 at Small History Organizations
Attend this workshop to learn about the Making History at 250 Field Guide, our new handbook of low-resource programming ideas, and how to effectively apply these tools to your site or organization.
How Cultural Competency Can Impact Your Institution and Your Stakeholders
Cultural competency is the ability to function with awareness, knowledge, and interpersonal skill when engaging people of different backgrounds, assumptions, beliefs, values, and behaviors. You’ll learn strategies to employ these skills in various ways at your organization.
Preserving Oral Histories with Podcasting
Presenters will share tips on how to collect oral histories with an oral history release form, conduct an oral history, curate a podcast season, and incorporate audio files with digital platforms from audio tours to exhibits.
Saturday Workshops (September 14)
Building Reciprocal Relationships
Learn from members of an International Coalition of Sites of Conscience cohort that is working to build reciprocal relationships with excluded communities and change institutions from the inside out.
Putting it All Together: Preparing for 2026 at Small History Organizations
Saturday’s workshop is a repeat of the Wednesday program.
See the Conference Program to learn more about these workshops. You can sign up for a workshop when you register for the conference.
NAS Conference Programme Announced & Ticket Sale Open
NAS 2024 Conference
Archaeology of Waterways
Durham University
15-18 November 2024
A four day hybrid event with associated workshops and excursions.
Programme Announced
The conference speaker programme has now been announced and includes an impressive line of up presenters from the UK, Germany, Norway and India, on research into the Archaeology of Waterways. Full programme can be found here.
Ticket Sales Now Open
Tickets for the conference can be purchased from the NAS Membership and Events Portal here.
Discounted tickets can be bought by members of the NAS, the Finds Research Group and the Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland. Students can also apply for discounted tickets that do not include lunch. Tickets for excursions, workshops (on the 15th and 18th) and the conference dinner (on Saturday 16th) will be coming soon.
The 2024 Conference has been supported by
