Volunteer on Thursday, March 31st to work with fellow NEA members in the creation of phase boxes for archival collections at the Maine Historical Society in Portland. The Day of Service event, in conjunction with the NEA Spring 2016 Meeting, is a chance for archivists to help our colleagues improve the preservation of the Society’s bound manuscript and rare book collections, including diaries, journals, ledgers and early Maine imprints, while also getting to learn a valuable skill, meet new people, and serve our profession.

Volunteers will work on-site at MHS to create phase boxes out of recycled materials to house 18th-20th century bound volumes. This work will help supplement ongoing preservation work, stemming from an IMLS conservation grant awarded in 2006. Materials will vary in size and age. Volunteers will learn how to utilize recycled materials to efficiently and economically to create phase boxes and enhance the preservation of a variety of materials.

All training and supplies will be provided to volunteers at the start of each shift, and no prior experience creating phase boxes needed. MHS is a short walk from the conference hotel. Snacks will be provided. Interested volunteers will also have the opportunity to go on a tour of MHS before or after their shift.

Shifts are first come, first serve, and space is limited so sign up early to guarantee a spot*. Sign ups will close Friday, March 4th, OR as soon as all spots are filled. Once someone signs-up for a shift, the project organizers will email potential volunteers to confirm participation and share further logistical details.

Help make a difference for a historic Maine repository and we'll see you in Portland!

​*You do not have to attend the Spring 2016 Meeting in order to participate in this event.