The following is a press release written by the folks at TheGenealogist:

TheGenealogist is delighted to announce the release of an exciting new collection of Irish parish records from Waterford, Ireland. These newly transcribed records offer researchers a fresh opportunity to explore their Irish roots and uncover family connections in one of the country's most historically significant counties.

Among the records is Thomas Francis Meagher, a leading voice in the Young Ireland movement and later a Union General in the American Civil War. Following in his father’s footsteps, he was a successful merchant and the former Mayor of Waterford, remembered for his influence and standing in the early 19th century.

TheGenealogist's Head of Content, Mark Bayley, commented:

“We are thrilled to add these parish records to our growing Irish collections. Waterford is the home of Ireland’s oldest city and is the birthplace of Thomas Francis Meagher. These records offer family historians an opportunity to connect their past to a truly historic part of Ireland.”

The release is part of TheGenealogist’s continuing commitment to make Irish records more accessible for family historians around the world. Whether you're tracing ordinary ancestors or uncovering links to Ireland's revolutionary past, these records offer an invaluable resource.

These records are now available to Diamond subscribers of TheGenealogist, adding to its comprehensive collection of Baptisms, Marriages and Burials.

Thomas Francis Meagher can be found in this release - read his story here: https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/featuredarticles/2025/thomas-francis-meagher-8629/

Don’t miss out! For a limited time, you can subscribe to TheGenealogist for just £119.95 - Save Over £85

Not only will you get a £50 lifetime discount, but you'll also receive a 12-Month Subscription to Discover Your Ancestors Online Magazine worth £36!

Explore these new records and start your genealogical journey today with TheGenealogist by claiming this offer here: https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/MGBPRS1025

Offer expires 31st December 2025.

About TheGenealogist

TheGenealogist is an award-winning online family history website, who put a wealth of information at the fingertips of family historians. Their approach is to bring hard to use physical records to life online with easy to use interfaces such as their Tithe and newly released Lloyd George Domesday collections.

TheGenealogist’s innovative SmartSearch technology links records together to help you find your ancestors more easily. TheGenealogist is one of the leading providers of online family history records. Along with the standard Birth, Marriage, Death and Census records, they also have significant collections of Parish and Nonconformist records, PCC Will Records, Irish Records, Military records, Occupations, Newspaper record collections amongst many others.

TheGenealogist uses the latest technology to help you bring your family history to life. Use TheGenealogist to find your ancestors today!

Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is pleased to announce that the statue of Sir Arthur Doughty is now accessible to members of the public walking the interpretative trail around LAC’s Preservation Campus in Gatineau, Quebec.

Originally erected in December 1940 in front of the former National Archives of Canada building at 330 Sussex Drive in Ottawa, Ontario, this statue pays homage to the second Dominion Archivist (1904–1935). In the 1960s, the statue was moved behind 395 Wellington Street, then the location of the National Library and the National Archives of Canada.

As part of the preparations for the opening of Ādisōke—the new facility that LAC will be sharing with the Ottawa Public Library as of 2026—LAC begin restoring this piece of heritage in February 2024 to give it a new home in Gatineau.

Since the end of summer 2025, the statue of Sir Arthur is an integral part of the interpretative trail around the Preservation Centre and the Preservation Storage Facility, the two buildings that make up LAC’s Preservation Campus.

About Library and Archives Canada

The mandate of Library and Archives Canada is to acquire and preserve the documentary heritage of Canada for the benefit of present and future generations and to be a source of enduring knowledge accessible to all, contributing to the cultural, social and economic advancement of Canada. Library and Archives Canada also facilitates cooperation among communities involved in the acquisition, preservation and diffusion of knowledge and serves as the continuing memory of the Government of Canada and its institutions.

Quotes

“The relocation of the Sir Arthur Doughty statue represents a continuation of where it has previously stood. A prominent figure in the history of LAC and Canada, Sir Arthur takes up his rightful symbolic place once again. Having also rediscovered his lustre and his pen, he can continue his work: keeping watch over the country’s memory, a mission that guided him throughout his career.”

– Leslie Weir, Librarian and Archivist of Canada

“I am pleased that the statue of Sir Arthur Doughty has returned home, close to where carefully preserved documents bear witness to the many experiences, stories and cultures that have shaped—and continue to shape—our country's identity as well as our Canadian culture.”

—The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages

Quick facts

• We owe the statue’s creation to former prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, who was a close friend of Sir Arthur Doughty.

• Sir Arthur Doughty was designated a person of national historic significance in 1991.

• The statue of Sir Arthur Doughty is one of only two statues dedicated to public servants in the National Capital Region, and the first one installed on the Quebec side.

Associated links

• National Historic Person—Sir Arthur George Doughty
• The statue of Sir Arthur Doughty, Dominion Archivist
• Proud to be peculiar: The little-known story of the Archives Museum
• Ottawa, Ontario—monument to Sir Arthur Doughty
• Répertoire du patrimoine culturel du Québec : Arthur George Doughty (French only)
• The Canadian Encyclopedia: Sir Arthur George Doughty

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) shares that John D. Beatty, Senior Genealogy Librarian at its Genealogy Center, has been elected as a Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists.

According to the library, the honor is one of the most prestigious recognitions in the field of genealogy and is conferred only to 50 leaders worldwide who have made significant contributions to genealogical research.

“Being elected a Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists is the capstone of my career,” said Beatty. “I have dedicated my career to advancing the field of family history research, and this honor is a point of distinction that leaves me humbled and deeply grateful.”

Beatty has served at the ACPL Genealogy Center since 1984.

The library says he is widely known for his service, expertise, and published works and has been instrumental in building the Genealogy Center’s robust collections at ACPL.

For more information about the ACPL Genealogy Center, visit https://www.acpl.lib.in.us/genealogy.

The University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum will offer Collaborative Programs exploring medieval books and Finland’s history, culture and economy.

On Thursday, Nov. 13, the Schemel Forum will partner with Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library for the lecture, “From Manuscript to Print: The Journey of Medieval Books,” presented by Professor Michael Knies, special collections librarian and university archivist.

This fall, the McHugh Family Special Collections at the Weinberg Library unveiled its earliest printed book — a circa-1470 editio princeps of De Dignitate Sacerdocii (Dialogue on the Dignity of the Priesthood) by St. Johannes Chrysostomus, as part of an exhibit of the Library’s medieval collections. Donated by University benefactor Edward R. Leahy ’68, H’01, this rare incunabulum, printed by Ulrich Zell, links directly to the legacy of Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of printing.  It is one of about 10 known copies of this book worldwide and is the earliest printed book in the Weinberg Library’s collections.

According to Knies, the book was produced by the first printer in cologne, Germany, Ulrich Zell, who learned the craft from Gutenberg’s partners. An especially interesting feature is the inclusion of a hand-painted initial, something not found in all early printed books.

“The main text of the book was printed and space was left for painted initials added later by a specialized scribe called a rubricator,” said Knies.

Along with the recent donation, the exhibit will include other early printed books, three complete medieval manuscripts and many individual pages from other manuscripts. The manuscripts are unique by definition as they were written by hand and many have decorated initials and decorative borders. Additionally, less than 5% of manuscripts created from this period are still in existence. What remains are “the survivors,” said Knies. These books offer a rare window into a 1,000-year period of Western history, both secular and religious.

“Each piece embodies the preservation and transfer of information and knowledge, as well as artistry and craftsmanship that went into making the book,” said Knies.

During his presentation, Knies will trace the transition from handcrafted medieval manuscripts to the mechanical press, featuring the Library’s complete manuscripts, manuscript leaves and incunabula (early printed books) from before 1500.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room of the Weinberg Memorial Library. The lecture, exhibit and light refreshments are complimentary and open to the community, courtesy of the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library. The accompanying exhibit will be on display in the Weinberg Library’s Heritage Room through December 12.

“Finland: History, Culture, Economy,” a collaborative program with the Jay Nathan, Ph.D., Visiting Scholar Lecture Series, will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in the PNC Auditorium and Atrium of the Loyola Science Center.

The ninth presentation in the Jay Nathan, Ph.D., Visiting Scholar Lecture Series will welcome the distinguished Ambassador, Her Excellency Leena-Kaisa Mikkola, of Finland, to The University of Scranton. The evening will offer the campus and broader community an enriching exploration of Finland’s fascinating history, vibrant culture and dynamic economy through the ambassador’s presentation. Following the lecture, attendees will be treated to an authentic cultural performance that will showcase the rich artistic traditions of this Nordic nation. The program will conclude with a reception, providing an opportunity for informal conversation and cultural exchange between the ambassador, performers, students, faculty and community members.

This event continues the lecture series’ mission of bringing international perspectives to Scranton while fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for Finland's unique contributions to world history, arts, and global commerce.

The lecture, cultural performance and reception will be complimentary and open to the community, courtesy of the Jay Nathan, Ph.D., Visiting Scholar Endowment.

For additional information or registration information, contact Rose Merritt at 570-941-4740 or rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

Additional Schemel Forum events can be found on the Schemel Forum’s webpage.

FREE BCG-SPONSORED WEBINAR

“James C. Ward’s Eldorado: A Coast to Coast Identity Case”

by Nicole Gilkison LaRue, CG, AG

Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 8:00 p.m. (EDT)

 

One James C. Ward was born in the 1820s and his life is documented in Massachusetts and New York. One James C. Ward served in the Mexican War and left sketches and a diary detailing his adventures in California in the 1840s. Could they be the same man? This is a case of identity solved through correlation.

Nicole Gilkison LaRue, CG, AG, is a full-time professional genealogist with articles in NGS Magazine and NGS Quarterly. Nicole has served on the board of directors of the Association of Professional Genealogists. She has presented at national conferences, in addition to teaching at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG). Her special interests include researching women, “brick-wall” obstacles, and paleography.

BCG’s next free monthly webinar in conjunction with Legacy Family Tree Webinars is “James C. Ward’s Eldorado: A Coast to Coast Identity Case” by Nicole Gilkison LaRue, CG, AG. This webinar airs Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. EDT. 

When you register before October 21 with our partner Legacy Family Tree Webinars (https://familytreewebinars.com/webinar/james-c-wards-eldorado-a-coast-to-coast-identity-case/?ref=586500), you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Anyone with schedule conflicts may access the webinar at no charge for one week after the broadcast on the Legacy Family Tree Webinars website.

“BCG promotes continuing education as essential for competent family history research,” said President David Ouimette, CG, CGL. “We appreciate this opportunity to provide webinars focused on standards that help genealogists and family historians build their knowledge and skills and hone their craft.”

Following the free period for this webinar, BCG receives a small commission if you view this or any BCG webinar by clicking our affiliate link (https://familytreewebinars.com/bcg/?ref=586500).

To see the full list of BCG-sponsored webinars for 2025, visit the BCG blog SpringBoard (https://bcgcertification.org/free-bcg-sponsored-2025-webinars). For additional resources for genealogical education, please visit the BCG Learning Center (https://bcgcertification.org/learning).

 A murder mystery that haunted Albany for more than six decades has finally been solved.

Albany Police announced they’ve identified Joseph Stanley Nowakowski as the man responsible for the brutal 1964 killing of Catherine Blackburn inside her home on Colonie Street.

Blackburn was struck in the back of the head and stabbed her in the neck. She was also sexually assaulted and burned on her lips and chest. She died as a result of blood loss. Blackburn’s apartment was not burglarized or damaged.

For 61 years, Blackburn’s family waited for the day they would learn who killed her.

“Sixty-one years ago, evil entered my aunt’s house and changed our lives forever,” said Sandra Carmichael, Blackburn’s niece. “We’ve prayed for this day.”

Police Chief Brendan Cox said the case has spanned generations of detectives.

“That started a 61-year process of trying to investigate a crime, determine the motivation of the suspect, and ultimately bring justice for Catherine and her family,” Cox said.

In 2018, a determined detective, Melissa Morey, opened Blackburn’s case file and teamed up with Dr. Christina Lane, who launched a forensic genealogy program at Russell Sage College. Together with the FBI, the Albany Police Department used genetic genealogy to identify Nowakowski as the likely suspect.

Joseph Stanley Nowakowski (Albany Police)

“Throughout our partnership with Dr. Lane and the students, we were introduced to the FBI’s ability to use forensic genealogy,” said Detective Melissa Morey of the Albany Police Department. “Due to the diligent efforts of our partners, we were able to identify our suspect as Joseph Nowakowski.”

“We reached out to his relatives as part of the investigation,” Morey said. “Without their help and cooperation, we would not be here today.”

Nowakowski died in 1998, but to confirm the findings, investigators needed his DNA.

Investigators were granted permission from the court to exhume his body from Albany Rural Cemetery to a DNA sample.

"We all stood around the gravesite at Albany Rural Cemetery a couple of weeks ago on a Monday morning as we exhume the body," said Lee Kindlon, Albany County District Attorney.The DNA matched evidence recovered from the 1964 crime scene — specifically, a handkerchief found under Blackburn’s body.

Police say there is no evidence that Blackburn knew Nowakowski.

“All indications from that day were that she did not know him and that they were strangers,” Cox said.

Nowakowski had a violent criminal history. In the 1970s, he was convicted of assaulting an elderly woman in Schenectady and had multiple arrests dating back to the 1950s.

He was released from prison in 1980, and lived a quiet life until his death in 1998.

In June 2021, skeletal remains were discovered along County Road 225 in Wharton County, a rural area southwest of Houston, Texas. The Wharton County Sheriff’s Office, along with other law enforcement agencies, responded to the scene and launched an investigation. The remains were determined to belong to a teenage girl, estimated to be between 14 and 17 years old and approximately 4’8” to 5’2” in height. At the time of discovery, she was wearing a “Lilo and Stitch” t-shirt and was found with a watch and several rings. To aid in identifying her, investigators commissioned a forensic artist to create a composite sketch of her likeness, which was widely distributed to the public.

Despite am exhaustive investigation, the girl could not be identified and became known as Wharton County Jane Doe (2021). Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP82601.

In 2023, working with the Texas Rangers, the Wharton County Sheriff's Office submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the young girl. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the provided evidence and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the Jane Doe. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team began working to on the case, providing new investigative leads to investigators.

As the investigation continued, authorities received a tip from a woman searching for a missing relative. She voluntarily provided a DNA sample and a direct comparison to the profile of the unidentified person confirmed that the remains belonged to 16-year-old Yeimy Maciela Beltrand. Beltrand had been reported missing to the Houston Police Department by her mother on April 30, 2021. Investigators believe she was killed in Harris County and that her body was subsequently transported and left in neighboring Wharton County.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has now opened a homicide investigation. During the course of the inquiry, a witness came forward and reported seeing the teen’s boyfriend shoot her. In August, a murder charge was filed against the suspect, 27-year-old Luis Omar Beltran-Mendoza. However, he has not yet been apprehended and remains at large.

The casework costs associated with advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy at Othram were contributed by Project Justice, a philanthropic effort to reduce the backlog of unsolved cases. We are grateful for this funding which allowed us to assist law enforcement in working this case.

Individuals who have taken a consumer DNA test can support ongoing forensic investigations by uploading their DNA data to the DNASolves database. This is especially important in cases where the unidentified person may come from a biogeographical background that is underrepresented in existing genetic genealogy databases.

The identification of Yeimy Beltrand represents the 23rd case in the State of Texas where officials have publicly identified an individual in collaboration with Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Texas cases where your support can help bring long-awaited answers to families.

Mark James Denger has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mark Denger is recognized for his many years of dedicated military service, leadership, operational excellence and expertise. With a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years, Mr. Denger is a recognized subject matter expert in his field, currently serving as the chief historian heading up the Military History Office for the California Military Department. Prior to assuming this role in 2024, he has been responsible for preserving and interpreting the military history of California, inclusive of ensuring that California's National Guard's legacy and heritage is accurately documented, preserved and accessible for future generations.

In addition to this primary role, Mr. Denger also serves as a cultural property protection professional. In this capacity, he provides expert guidance as both a consultant and resource advisor to the Governor's Office of Emergency Services on safeguarding California's many archaeological sites, historic monuments and structures, objects of antiquity, historic landmarks, artifacts and other objects of historic or scientific significance pertaining to the military history of California.

Leveraging decades of expertise in military history, archives, and museum curation, he now leads program development for the Heritage Emergency Response Team (HERT) within the California Military Department. Under Mr. Denger's leadership, HERT has been established as California's first non-firefighting, multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional Type 3 All-Hazards/All-Artifacts Incident Management Team (IMT) and Cultural Property Protection Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT). Although a new and evolving concept in California's emergency management and homeland security disciplines, the HERT's mission is to rapidly respond, support, and assist museums, libraries, archives, and other cultural institutions in safeguarding collections and heritage resources during and immediately after natural disasters or emergencies.

Mr. Denger's longstanding commitment to the preservation and protection of California's military history is further demonstrated by his ongoing service as a Chief Warrant Officer Four (CW4) for the Military Museum Command, California State Guard. In this context, he is also being recognized for his earlier tenure as both an archival technician and field historian with California Military Heritage Command, having assisted in the oversight of the California National Guard's museum activities and historical programs under the U.S. Army Museum Enterprise. From 1996 to 2015, he served in similar roles within the California Center for Military History, focusing on the preservation and restoration of critical historical documents and records.

Mr. Denger's expertise in museum management and operations was honed during his time as curator and archivist at the California State Military Museum from 2013 to 2014. During this period, he also served as the artifact responsible officer for the U.S. Army's Center of Military History, managing the stewardship of state and federal military artifacts located throughout the state. His earlier work in this field includes serving as archivist and registrar at the American Heritage Library and Museum from 1995 to 2010, and as a research historian with Tetra Tech under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Formerly Used Defense Sites Program from 2005 and 2007, conducting in-depth investigations into military sites across California.

Mr. Denger's early career has also featured positions in procurement and supply chain management. His background in project management has included roles as a materials manager and project coordinator with Plexus Corporation from 2000 to 2002 and serving as a special project manager and in procurement roles with Rockwell International / Boeing's Space Systems and Space Transportation Systems Divisions, and the Jensen-Kelly Corporation. This professional journey in aerospace is deeply rooted in his earlier military service having served in submarine satellite communications with the U.S. Navy from 1977 to 1983.

Academically, Mr. Denger's military education includes completion of the Warrant Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, along with significant coursework at the Naval Postgraduate School's Center for Homeland Defense and Security, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Combat Studies Institute, and the Naval War College's Stockton Center for International Law. He holds certifications in Crisis, Emergency and Disaster Management from the California Specialized Training Institute, as well as additional certificates in emergency management from the Department of Homeland Security and the National Fire Academy as well as various other credentials in criminal justice and management.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Denger has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to patriotic, civic, and community service. He is President Emeritus of the Sons of the Revolution in the State of California and Senior Advisor to the Children of the American Revolution. He is also a past President of the Society of the War of 1812 in California, where he additionally served as Vice President General of the General Society. His memberships include the Sons of the American Revolution and the Military Order of the Carabao.

In 1997, he founded the Los Angeles-Pasadena Base of United States Submarine Veterans Incorporated, serving as its first base commander until 2003, and he also represented the U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II as a relief crew member. From 1996 to 1998, he served on the Los Angeles Veterans Advisory Council. He is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and American Legion. Mr. Denger's volunteer work includes long-standing involvement with the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross, reflecting his strong belief in giving back to his community.

In his personal life, he is deeply devoted to his family and community, and is the proud father of one son, Steven Michael. Reflecting on his career, Mr. Denger attributes much of his success to effective networking, a skill that has enabled him to build lasting professional relationships and advance collaborative projects throughout his career. In the upcoming years, he plans to retire with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Five, after completing a distinguished career devoted to preserving California's military history and supporting veterans' causes.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

The State Historical Society of Missouri is partnering with Missouri University of Science & Technology to host an in-person and virtual lecture series about desegregation in higher education.

The series kicked off Tuesday with an opening reception at the Curtis Laws Wilson Library in Rolla, and will host lectures on Oct. 14, 21 and 28.

Hosted in honor of the 75th anniversary of desegregation in higher education, Missouri S&T was home to some of the first Black students integrated in a Missouri university in 1950.

"Our two students, George Everett Horne and Elmer Bell Jr., were the very first Black students in one of the public universities in Missouri," Missouri S&T archivist Debra Griffith said. "Since it was those two people who came here and it's the 75th anniversary, we decided this was a good time to honor them."

Horne and Bell enrolled following a lawsuit filed in 1950. When they enrolled, the Rolla community was still segregated and was home to only 42 Black residents. Both transferred after their first semester at Missouri S&T to the University of Missouri, where there was a larger Black population.

Gary Kremer, executive director of the State Historical Society of Missouri, will host the first lecture on Oct. 14. His lecture will focus on the challenges faced in the fight for desegregation of Missouri public schools after the Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education. From this case, the court ruled that separating children in public schools based on race was unconstitutional. Kremer's discussion will include insight into the white and Black resistance to desegregation.

The next lecture, hosted on Oct. 21 by Larry Gragg, covers the process of desegregation at Mizzou and Missouri S&T from 1950-63. Gragg, the Missouri S&T university historian, plans to cover the efforts that played a role in the integration of Black students into the culture at both universities.

Horne and Bell were joined by Gus Ridgel in filing the 1950 lawsuit that allowed Black students to attend universities other than historically Black colleges or universities. However, the road for desegregation at Mizzou started 12 years earlier with Lloyd Gaines.

Gaines, a prospective law student, filed a lawsuit for admission to Mizzou's law school in 1938. One of Missouri's HBCUs, Lincoln University, did not have a law program. In the 12 years that followed, multiple lawsuits, from Gaines and other students, were filed to grant admission to Black students with no success.

The 1950 lawsuit filed by Horne, Bell and Ridgel through the NAACP was the final piece to the puzzle and allowed Black students to enroll at MU if Lincoln University did not have their preferred major.

Four years later, the decision from Brown v. Board of Education cemented desegregation in the American school system.

The series' final lecture will be hosted by Harvest Collier, Missouri S&T's first African American faculty member. Collier, hired by Missouri S&T in 1982 as an assistant professor of chemistry, went on to serve as vice provost of undergraduate studies before retiring in 2012. Collier will provide his insight on faculty desegregation at Missouri S&T and his experiences as a STEM student, research scientist and professor from over three decades with the university.

When looking at the importance of the history of desegregation, Griffith said she emphasizes remembering it.

"It's important because we tend to think now that Black students were always allowed to go to public universities, and that isn't true," Griffith said. "People have forgotten that history, that this is a fairly recent development."

Each lecture will be hosted in-person at the Curtis Laws Wilson Library in Rolla and virtually over Zoom from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The registration link for Zoom can be found at shsmo.org/calendar.

Nitrate film poses a dangerous risk to archives, museums and other cultural institutions. But, how are these organizations preserving this flammable film? The Wyoming State Historic Records and Advisory Board (SHRAB) invites the public to this month’s Quick Tips, which will share the preservation strategies of the Wyoming State Archives and the American Heritage Center. In a collaborative panel, Cindy Brown, Bill Hopkins and Emmaline Velasquez will discuss their techniques, tips and tricks for preserving nitrate film.

The session will be held Oct. 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Google Meet at meet.google.com/bgr-reit-tkr or by dialing (US) +1 319-449-2718, PIN: 581 688 137#.

Our speakers

University of Wyoming American Heritage Center Assistant Director and Head of Collections Management Bill Hopkins and Wyoming State Archives Digital Archivist Cindy Brown collaborated on researching and developing their institutions’ nitrate-negative solution.

Emmaline Velasquez is the primary processor for the Carrigen Nitrate Negative Collection and has previously worked as a registrar, docent, and scanning technician. She will provide practical, hands-on advice for working with these materials.

The speakers will share their experiences and practical solutions from their ongoing work with nitrate film through their presentation. Participants will learn about the challenges and hands-on strategies involved in working with this highly flammable material.

Attendees will learn: 

• Challenges and Strategies for Preserving Nitrate Film and Negatives
• Freezer Storage Preparation, Monitoring, and Safety Practices
• Project Planning and Resource Needs for Nitrate Projects
• Practical Handling and Digitization Tips for Nitrate
• Supporting Wyoming's Cultural Heritage Mission

The Roving Archivist Program Quick Tips series represents SHRAB's ongoing commitment to providing accessible professional development for Wyoming's cultural heritage community. These sessions support institutions statewide in improving their preservation practices and collections care.

For more information about the Roving Archivist Program, visit rovingarchivist.wyo.gov/home or email spcr.rovingarchivist@wyo.gov.