Curatorial team monthly report for March 2004

Marge & Pat attended the Museum Association of Montana annual meeting in Miles City. We attended workshops on framing, historic photographs, the history of the Miles City area, exhibit planning and development, working with volunteers, deaccessioning, grant writing, internet collaboration, and others. We met and discussed many issues with colleagues. Pat was elected to board of MAM.

Tim and Janna continued to process backlogged material in the Curatorial Center to make room for more when they move to the next site on their list (of buildings to be cataloged). They are also preparing an exhibit of Gilbert Brewery material for the Curatorial Center gallery, which is scheduled to open May 15.

Pat is working with P&I on planning for the inventory project, preparing concessionaire inventories, and continuing work on the Long-term Preservation Plan, the final phase of the IMLS grant project. Input on the recommendations was received by Julie Johnson-Edelen, Visitor Services Manager, and by Tim, Janna, and Marge. Other staff and Commissioners were invited to provide input, and we hope that their comments will be forthcoming. The grant period ends May 31st, with the final report due to IMLS August 31. The recommendations and the Long-term Preservation Plan will guide us in our work for years to come.

All of us are preparing for the summer season. Marge has been cataloging material from the Music Hall and preparing a list of music rolls for John Ellingsen to use in the music machines this summer. We are developing schedules and planning for all the projects that were left unfinished last year and that we will begin this year. Pat & Marge attended CPR training; Janna & Tim will attend first aid and CPR training along with the seasonal staff training in May.