What do we have in store for the 2024 Local History & Historic Preservation Conference?

Workshops put the power of history in your hands! By offering opportunities to develop skills, tap into resources and learn insights through Q&A sessions, workshops provide you with the tools needed to build upon and improve your institutional efforts. This year, our workshops focus on digitization; archival work; diversity, inclusion and accessibility; and larger Society initiatives that can help your organization meet its own goals.

For a full presentation schedule timeline and additional details:

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Want to learn more about this year's one-hour breakout sessions? Click here.

Workshop Highlights: Thursday, October 17

Getting Started with Local History Digitization Projects

Whether you’re uploading documents for historical records or locating archival images to verify key dates, any successful digitization process starts with a vision. In this workshop led by WiLS Digital Specialist and Consortia Manager Kristen Whitson, you’ll learn two key elements of digitization: scanning and describing archival images and documents. Get practical tips on equipment selection, learn about basic imaging principles, discover ways to outsource digitization to trusted vendors and more. You’ll also learn about important means of cataloguing information for future retrieval through the use of metadata, title creation and subject terms. 

Papers, Pictures, and Patrons: The Basics of Managing an Archive

An archive is only as good as the archivist who builds it. Archivists Greg Kocken and Peter Shrake team up to teach the role and value of archives for institutions of all sizes, including how to connect your historical data to the communities and organizations you serve. Through previous case studies and informative activities, learn how to update, manage and transform your archive into a repository of information that supports and expands your institutional mission. 

Workshop Highlights: Friday, October 18

Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Your Organization

Led by a panel of Society staff and Wisconsin educators, this workshop will focus on both the challenges and successes of implementing diversity, inclusion and accessibility measures within an organization. Learn how to include families and community members in your efforts, how to plan events and programs with all audiences in mind, how to create your own unique roadmap for change—and, of course, how to avoid mistakes and setbacks along the way. 

Building the Wisconsin History Center… With Coffee & Donuts!

Everything is better with coffee and donuts—including history workshops! Join us as Wisconsin Historical Society leaders talk in-depth about the upcoming Wisconsin History Center and recent work to design the facility, exhibits and programming in this new space. Afterwards, stick around for fresh coffee, delicious donuts and great conversation as YOU share updates from your own organization and discuss ideas with Society leadership on how to achieve your goals.

Join us at the Local History & Historic Preservation Conference! Connect with fellow history enthusiasts, explore unique tours, and dive deep into our region's rich heritage. Don't miss this chance to be part of something truly special—reserve your spot today!

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Any questions? Please contact lhhpconference@wisconsinhistory.org.