Curator’s Annual Report

2017 – 2018

Archives

-Organized & protected sections of the collection

-Inventoried Book Collection

-Have process for cataloging new items into collection

This year we added to our textile collection with the purchase from the Pratt estate of a baby’s quilt and woolen blankets. With these additions to our collection it expands our collection

Denmark Public Library

We have created an agreement with DPL to shelve some of DHS book collection with the library, which will create access for users when library is open.

-Reference Only

With this inventory we will be able to send the spreadsheet to Maine State Library to add to their online catalogs. (http://www.maine.gov/msl/)

Scan Project

DHS contracted with Records Management Center (http://rmcmaine.com/) to scan items from the archives.

Items sent to scan:

Town Reports

Ephemera

Ledgers

Almanacs

Diaries

Photographs

Postcards

Scrapbooks

The scans of the items were returned this past week. We will work to make as many of these digitized items available to the public.

Website

DHS has maintained a presence on the internet with our website: https://denmarkhistoricalsociety.com/

The site offers information for researchers in the tabs in the Archives area, links to Denmark and other links of research value in the Resources area.

And on social media with our Facebook page:

Denmark, Maine Memories  https://www.facebook.com/groups/DenmarkMemories/

Collection Policy & Procedure

In 2017/2018 I took a workshop through Maine Archives and Museums about creating a collections policy. Where we are a small organization I added detailed information of our catalog and care procedures for our collection.

Funds

I’d like to take this opportunity to discuss our funds. Without them the society could not move forward with its activities.

The Collections Fund purchases the supplies necessary to protect individual items in the archives.

Birch Cove Fund helps to fund the digitization of our collection.

Acquisition Fund purchases Denmark, Maine-related items.

Grants

Many thank you’s to JoAnne Harbourt for researching and writing grants with which the society will be able to further its work. From purchasing computer equipment, protective coverings. We hope to hear soon if we have received these grants.

Cemetery Committee

Astrea and I have created the cemetery committee with the ultimate goal of inventorying Denmark’s cemeteries and publishing the information the committee gathers. Thank you, Astrea, for chairing the cemetery committee. This newly formed committee is small, but I believe it will grow and become much more important in our town.

Community

Many, many thank yous to Patricia Largey, Jolene Snow and Wilma Lord who have helped to inventory, transcribe and protect the collection.

To Mari Hook and Linda Whiting who have helped with information and care of our textile collection. Mari donated all the containers which protect our valuable quilts and blankets.

And to Astrea Fatica who has given so freely to not only the historical society but to all the non-profits in Denmark. Without Astrea not only would we not have our newly formed cemetery committee and with her astute eye for locating Denmark items we would not have several key pieces of Denmark history.

And to all those who have gifted items, given anonymously and supported Denmark Historical Society. Thank you!

We have accomplished great things in the archives in this past year. The tasks in the archives could not have been done without their assistance.

And thank you to members of the board of directors whose commitment and support of DHS in order to move forward with our organization and keep alive the history of Denmark. Thank you, Terry, Dan, Mari, JoAnne, Pat, Clare and Daryl.

Consider participating in Denmark’s history – join Denmark Historical Society, become a more active member or consider becoming a member of the board of directors.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lee Ann Shand