The Day of Service is a New England Archivists community volunteer project that is part of the annual Spring Meeting program. This year's event on Thursday, March 23rd, will offer volunteers a variety of experiences at two possible sites. Participating in NEA's Day of Service is a great way to enhance your skills, or learn new ones, and join with colleagues and new friends to serve the profession.
Sign up to volunteer at either the Sturgis Library or at the Bourne Historical Society using the 2017 Day of Service Volunteer Form. Shifts are first come, first serve, and space is limited so sign up early to guarantee a spot*. Sign ups will close Wednesday, March 22nd, 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.
*You do not have to attend the Spring 2016 Meeting in order to participate in the NEA Day of Service event.
ABOUT THE PROJECTS
Sturgis Library:
Project #1: Gravestones and Deeds preservation work
This project will have volunteers encapsulating gravestone rubbings, a project for which prior experience is strongly requested. Mylar and double stick tape are provided; these supplies are partially funded by the Cape Cod Antique Dealers’ Association.
Project #2: Stanley Smith Deed Collection online database
For this project volunteers will contribute to the Stanley Smith Deed Collection online database, a work-in-progress in collaboration with the Boston Public Library. Amassed by local historian Stanley Webster Smith (1869-1941), this extensive collection includes deeds for land, property, wharfs, salt works, and church pews. Volunteers will work from digital images and fill out forms with keywords and other information (to be entered into the database by a staff member). Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own laptops if they have them.
Bourne Historical Society:
Project: Town Undertaker Edward D. Nickerson diary transcription
The Bourne Historical Society recently received three diaries, dating from 1898-1930, with photographs and handwritten descriptions of Bourne from the town undertaker Edward D. Nickerson (at that time the only undertaker on Cape Cod). Volunteers will transcribe one volume (111 pages, covering 1902-1921) from photocopies and are encouraged to bring their own laptops, as computers at the historical society are limited (transcriptions may also be handwritten initially). Volunteers’ ideas or suggestions for an upcoming exhibit, tentatively titled “Edward D. Nickerson, A Bourne Original: Undertaker, Environmentalist, Storyteller,” will also be welcome.
Bring your expertise and enthusiasm and help make a difference at one of these cultural heritage institutions on the Cape!
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Attend the NEA Spring 2017 Meeting
"Changing Tides" | March 23-25, 2017
Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis*
Early-bird registration is open through Sunday, February 19th.
See the NEA website for schedules, rates, and travel information
*PLEASE NOTE: There are still rooms available at the The Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis, but the original NEA block is almost full. When making reservations, it is advisable to call the hotel directly (866-828-9111 or 508-775-7775) and ask for a room for the NEA Spring 2017 Meeting. They will honor our rate for any room reserved during the meeting.
