News from the DHP
HUDSON VALLEY DOCUMENTARY HERITAGE PROGRAM
Administered by Lower Hudson Conference

 Columbia Dutchess Greene Orange Putnam Rockland Sullivan Ulster

DHP Winter/Spring 2008 Workshops

From the IRS:

Annual Electronic Filing Requirement for Small Exempt Organizations - Form 990-N. Beginning in 2008, small tax-exempt organizations that previously were not required to file returns may be required to file an annual electronic notice, Form 990-N, Electronic Notice (e-Postcard) for Tax-Exempt Organizations not Required To File Form 990 or 990-EZ. This filing requirement applies to tax periods beginning after December 31, 2006. Organizations that do not file the notice will lose their tax-exempt status. Additional information is available at http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=169250,00.html

"Foundation Grants for Preservation in Libraries, Archives, and Museums" is now available through the Central Library Resource Council's (CLRC) Preservation Resources Page.  Visit  http://www.clrc.org/preservation/ and scroll down to Grant Funding Sources.  This publication from the Library of Congress and the Foundation Center includes information on 474 foundations that have contributed to preservation

Save Our History is a national history education and preservation initiative that raises awareness and support for preserving local heritage. The History Channel® created Save Our History to support local history education and historic preservation efforts in communities across America.
The History Channel will award a total of $100,000 in grants of up to $10,000 this year; applicants may apply for up to $10,000 in project funds. Eligible applicants are required to be nonprofit 501(c)(3) history organizations such as a museum, historical society, preservation organization, historic site, library, archive, or other history organization; Applicant organizations must be located in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia; Other eligible applicants include local government agencies such as a parks and recreation commission, historic commission, department of local history, or other local government agency that owns and/or operates a historic site or property; Eligible applicants must partner with a local elementary, middle, or high school, or an organization that provides educational programming for children of similar ages. Applicants may partner with multiple schools or educational organizations. Application deadline is June 6, 2008.  Go to: http://www.history.com/minisites/saveourhistory/ for complete information and an application.

FREE SITE VISITS AVAILABLE

The Hudson Valley DHP offers free advice and on-site consultations with a regional archivist to area not-for-profits.  To speak with a Regional Archivist about your archival needs or to schedule an appointment.

in Orange and Rockland counties, contact Dianne Macpherson (914) 592-6726, e-mail lowerhudson@msn.com;

in Columbia, Dutchess,  Greene,     Putnam, Sullivan and Ulster counties, contact Reginald White, e-mail Rwhite@bestweb.net

Organizations of any size are invited to participate.  Historical societies, museums, libraries and archives are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.

Notes from the Regional Archivist…

I recently made a site visit to the Hudson Area Association Library in Hudson, NY to offer assistance in starting a local history room. Greta Boeringer, the dynamic director, was uncertain how to begin.  There is a designated room on the second floor that has limited access and room for researchers. At present it holds a wide variety of materials - everything from the post card collection, books (on wooden shelves), periodical collections, framed art works, newspapers, and 'boxes of stuff'.  It was unclear why the library had become the repository for some of the items. We spent time talking about developing a mission statement and collections policy for the local history room. Once that is completed and accepted by the library board, it will become easier to determine the materials to keep and those that should reside in other institutions. We talked about creating a simple survey to distribute to other history organizations in the area to determine who is collecting what so that materials can be logically housed together and avoid duplication. As space is a problem, this will allow more room for the local history collection.  Another important point we discussed was to set a reasonable time-frame to complete the project.  The first step to be taken will be removing books that are not relevant to local history.  Judging from the enthusiasm of Greta and her assistant I am confident this project will ultimately be a great asset to the community.

Dianne Macpherson                                        DHP, Hudson Valley Region