and the
Buffalo and Erie County
Historical Society
The Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society is one of the country's oldest regional historical institutions. The Historical Society collects, preserves, and interprets artifacts and records of Western New York history so that future generations may better understand themselves and this region.
The Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society has the largest collection of Pan-American Exposition artifacts, a l90l event that trumpeted the industrial and commercial excellence of the Americas at the turn of the last century. Other objects in the 80,000-plus item collection that have national significance include, the Red Jacket Medal, a Pierce Motorette (an early motor vehicle), and a prototype cardiac pacemaker. Sketches and paintings chronicle two centuries of growth of the city of Buffalo and surrounding land, and portraits range from Peter Porter, one time Secretary of War, to Presidents Grover Cleveland, and Millard Fillmore.
The Research Library maintains manuscript, photographic and rare book collections, including records from the Holland Land Company, letters to Millard Fillmore, and materials from the Larkin Soap Company.
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Visit the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society homepage at
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The cover image of the 1901 Pan-American Exposition was supplied by the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society. Thank you!
The purpose of the Lake Ontario Archives Conference is to support the education and professional discourse of members of the archival profession and of users or supporters (librarians, historians, etc.) of archives residing in Upstate New York (Western, Central & Eastern) by the holding of a conference on the preservation, management, and use of archival and historic records.
LOAC has traditionally kept its fees low to encourage the widest possible membership. Currently the membership fees are $4.00 per year or attendance at the Annual Conference. Due to rising costs in conference preparation, the board will present the general membership with a motion to increase membership fees, followed by an opportunity for a brief discussion of the matter and a vote. To make your voice heard, please make a point to attend the annual meeting (Saturday, June 16).
Individuals interested in joining LOAC should contact:
Tara A. Riese
Archivist/Consultant
9575 Genesee Rd.
East Concord, NY 14055
(716) 592-3513
t8riese@aol.com
or
Linda Kennedy
Assistant Librarian
Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society
25 Nottingham Ct. Buffalo, NY 14216-3199
(716) 873-9644 Ext. 306
bechs@acsu.buffalo.edu
LOAC 2000/2001 BOARD MEMBERS
Tara Riese (Program Chair), Archives Consultant, East Concord, NY, telephone: 716.592.3513, email: t8riese@aol.com
Linda Kennedy (Local Arrangements Chair), Assistant Librarian, Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, Buffalo, NY, telephone: 716.873.9644 Ext. 306
Bridget Bower (Treasurer and Webmaster), Archivist, Ithaca College Library, Ithaca, NY
James D. Folts (Secretary), Head, Reference Services, New York State Archives, Albany, NY
Geof Huth, Manager, Records Service Development, New York State Archives, Albany, NY
John Landro, Consultant and Records Analyst, City of Rochester Archives and Records Center, Rochester, NY
Brian Keough, Curator of Manuscripts, SUNY at Albany, NY
Barbara Morley, Media Curator, Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation & Archives, Cornell University, School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Ithaca, NY
Patricia M. Virgil, Director of Library & Archives, Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, Buffalo, NY
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Visit the LOAC homepage at
http://www.ithaca.edu/library/archives/loac/
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Pre-Conference Workshops
Thursday, June 14, 2ndFloor, Room A, Bulger Communication Center, Buffalo State College
W1a 9:00–10:30a.m.; W1b10:45a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Both are being demonstrated by IKON Office Solutions
Lunch (on your own) Thursday, 12:15 – 1:45 p.m.
Workshop 2: Increasing Access to Archival Records through the Use of Various Description Techniques and Database Software
Thursday, June 14, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. – 2ndFloor, Room A, Bulger Communication Center, Buffalo State College
The workshop will discuss various techniques for describing archival records and how a simple database program can be used to improve those techniques and generally improve access to the information contained in archival records.
Presenters:
Heidi Bamford , Regional Archivist, Western New York Documentary Heritage Program
Jim Tammaro , CRM, Regional Advisory Officer, New York State Archives, Region 8
Friday, June 15, 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. – 2nd Floor Foyer,
Bulger Communication Center, Buffalo State College
Welcome and Conference Announcements
Friday, June 15, 9:30 – 9:45 a.m., 2ndFloor, Room A,Bulger Communication Center, Buffalo State College
Plenary Presentation
Friday, June 15, 9:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., 2ndFloor, Room A, Bulger Communication Center
"On Being an Archivist: Recollections in Tranquility."
Description: Shonnie Finnegan, University Archivist Emerita at the University at Buffalo, will provide a first-hand account of archival advancements in New York State over the past 30 some years, including the founding of LOAC, MARAC, SARA, and the impact of Federal grants on the establishment of archival programs. She will also venture some reflections on the pleasures, perils, and prospects of the archival calling.
Break 11:00-11:15 a.m., 2nd Floor Foyer, Bulger Comm. Center
Concurrent Sessions (1&2),11:15am.-12:30pm.
1. Microsoft Access as used in Archives
Friday, June 15, 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 2ndFloor, Room A, Bulger Communication Center, Buffalo State College
Abstract: Microsoft Access is a popular relational database. The session leaders will describe how Microsoft Access is used at their facilities. Benefits and limitations in using Microsoft Access in archives will be discussed. Attendees are encouraged to share success/failure stories in using Microsoft Access from their own institutions. Together we can develop a more efficient system of information retrieval.
Session Leaders:
Brian Keough , Curator of Manuscripts, SUNY at Albany
John Landro , Consultant & Records Analyst, City of Rochester Archives and Records Center
2. Disaster Planning and Response for Archivists
Friday, June 15, 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 2ndFloor, Room B, Bulger Communication Center, Buffalo State College
Abstract: One of the central professional goals of all archivists is to protect the records under their care. Archivists are providing only part of that protection if they do not develop a comprehensive disaster plan for their collections. This session will examine how to evaluate potential risks, what steps to take to mitigate the possibility of a disaster, how to develop a disaster plan, and how to respond in the event of a disaster.
Presenter: Geof Huth, Manager, Records Service Development, New York State Archives
Lunch (on your own) Friday, 12:30 – 2:15 p.m.
There are many wonderful restaurants within walking distance of Buffalo State College. Info available at the Registration Desk.
Concurrent Sessions (3&4), 2:15pm.-3:30pm.
3. Privacy & Ethics Policies Round-Table Session
Friday, June 15, 2:15 – 3:30 p.m., 2ndFloor, Room A,
Bulger Communication Center, Buffalo State College
Abstract: NO PRESENTATIONS – this will be a confidential and open discussion on privacy and ethics. Archivists provide safekeeping for documents designated worthy of permanent preservation. Decisions made regarding material acquisition, donor agreements, description and arrangement,
research access, collection use, and material preservation frequently reveal conflicting needs and interests.
What are the effects of new technologies for access and reproduction on archivists, donors and their organizations, and users? What are our most pressing concerns regarding privacy and ethics and how are they addressed in practice? Bring your ideas and issues to this confidential and informal discussion among peers.
Discussion Leaders:
Barbara Morley , Media Curator at Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation and Archives
Brian Keough, Curator of Manuscripts at SUNY at Albany
4. Education in Chautauqua County: The Archival Sources
Friday, June 15, 2:15 – 3:30 p.m., 2ndFloor, Room B,
Bulger Communication Center, Buffalo State College
Presenter 1: Jack Ericson, Special Collections Curator at SUNY Fredonia, “Archival Records of Jamestown Public Schools”
Abstract: Jamestown Public Schools is the largest school system in Chautauqua County. What archives are available and how well do they document the evolving history of this school system?
Presenter 2: Joanne Schweik, Emeritus Curator of Special Collections at SUNY Fredonia, “Higher Education – How to Document the Development of SUNY Fredonia, 1826- ”
Abstract: How do you document the development of the Fredonia Academy, the Fredonia Normal School and SUNY Fredonia?
Presenter 3: Michelle Henry, Chautauqua County Archivist/Historian, “Student Records for Rural Schools – A Publication Program”
Abstract: The County holds records of local school
districts, 22 that have been abstracted and published by the Chautauqua County Genealogical Society. This presentation will indicate what the records contain and the process of publishing.
Tours: Meet at registration desk Friday, June 15, 2001, 3:30pm.
T1: Spirit of the City: Imagining the Pan-American Exposition
Resource Center of the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, 459 Forest Avenue. Fee: $4/person
This special tour includes the Darwin Martin House, the grounds, and the Barton House. For more information about the Darwin Martin House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright see the website at www.darwinmartinhouse.org . Fee: $8/person, we must have a minimum of 15 people or the tour will be cancelled.
Friday Evening (5:00-8:30 p.m.)
Banquet & Keynote Address
Location: Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society (25 Nottingham Court, just North of Buffalo State College, on the opposite side of Elmwood Avenue).
The Historic Architecture of the Erie Canal Corridor
Abstract: Erie Canal Legacy: Architectural Treasures of the Empire State is the title of a magnificently illustrated survey of historic architecture in upstate's canal corridor by photographer Andy Olenick and historian Richard O. Reisem, published by the Landmark Society of Western New York in 2000. The authors will share their experiences in photographing and documenting historic structures, and explain their steps to preserve their archives. A book signing by the speakers will follow the Address.
Saturday, June 16, 2001
Saturday, June 16, 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. – 2nd Floor Foyer, Bulger Communication Center, Buffalo State College
Annual Business Meeting
Saturday, June 16, 8:30 – 9:15 a.m., 2ndFloor, Room A, Bulger Communication Center, Buffalo State College
Topics to be discussed at LOAC Business Meeting and voted on: Raising membership fee, reports by officers, and new Board elections. All registrants for this Conference are members, and your votes do count.
Concurrent Sessions (5&6), 9:30am.-10:45am.
5. Environmental Records
Saturday, June 16, 9:30 – 10:45 a.m., 2ndFloor, Room A, Bulger Communication Center, Buffalo State College
Presenter 1: John Suter, New York State Archives
Abstract: The New York Environmental Affairs Documentation Project has developed an archival documentation guide, online links, and an historical overview of environmental issues in the state. The presenter will describe the products of this significant project to improve access to environmental information in New York.
Presenter 2: Kathleen DeLaney, Assistant Librarian/Archivist, SUNY at Buffalo Archives, “Attics, Basements, Trunks of Cars: Intrigue in the Search for Records of The Love Canal”
Abstract: More than 20 years after the toxic waste crisis at Love Canal, the incident and name remain synonymous with the environmental movement. This presentation will describe the interdisciplinary Love Canal Collection at the University at
Buffalo; how widely-varied researchers from academic and general public use the collection; the significance of Love Canal in environmental history; and the current project between the Niagara Falls Public Library and the University to locate, identify and develop a systematic inventory of historic Love Canal documents.
6. Access and Use Fees in Archives
Saturday, June 16, 9:30 – 10:45 a.m., 2ndFloor, Room B, Bulger Communication Center, Buffalo State College
Abstract: Fees for public access to and use of archival resources are becoming more prevalent, but show wide variation by type of repository (college, private organization, government). Online access is increasing demands for free information. The session leader will describe the current situation and identify issues for open discussion. Attendees are encouraged to share examples of use/access fee schedules from their own institutions.
Session Leader: James D. Folts, Head of Reference Services, New York State Archives
Break 10:45-11:00 a.m., 2nd Floor Foyer, Bulger Comm. Center
Concurrent Sessions (7&8),11:00am.-12:15pm.
7. Celebrating the Pan-American Exposition: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly!
Saturday, June 16, 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., 2ndFloor, Room A, Bulger Communication Center, Buffalo State College
This year Buffalo is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Pan-American Exposition. The Pan-Am brought together the countries of North, South, and Central America and featured the latest technological advancements, including large-scale electrical displays made possible by the hydro-electric power of nearby
Niagara Falls. Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society staff
members will discuss the impact of the community-wide celebration on both the Society’s Library & Archives and its Education Division.
Presenters:
Patricia M. Virgil , Director of Library & Archives
Michael L. Horning, Education Coordinator
8. Digital Imaging Projects: Planning and Follow-Through.
Saturday, June 16, 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., 2ndFloor, Room B, Bulger Communication Center, Buffalo State College
Abstract: Thorough planning for digitization projects insures that the context of each decision is well considered and that problems encountered will be resolved within the appropriate framework. The planning process revolves around determining what purposes the project is to serve and assembling appropriate resources to meet those needs.
Presenter 1: Barbara Morley, Media Curator at Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation and Archives, “Decision making for image digitization”
Presenter 2: Bridget Bower, Archivist at Ithaca College Archives and Special Collections, “Ithaca College Archives: A Case Study.”
Questions: Please call (716) 592-3513 or email t8riese@aol.com
Or contact Linda Kennedy at (716) 873-9644 Ext. 306
or email bechs@acsu.buffalo.edu
LOAC workshops and sessions will take place in the Bulger Communication Center (#24 on College map) at Buffalo State College. The Banquet will be held at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society.
Go to registration form.
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