The American Association for State and Local History announced the winners of its Leadership in History Awards Program for 2008.  These awards recognize the best of the best in state and local history.  New York state winners are the Coalition of Niagara County Historical Societies for the public program, World War II Axis Prisoners of War at Fort Niagara 1944-45 and the New York State Archives for the website, Throughout the Ages

Libraries, museums, archives, arts and historic preservation organizations across the nation will set aside May 1 to participate in MayDay, a national effort to prepare for disasters.  Sponsored by Heritage Preservation, AASLH and other members of the Heritage Emergency National Taskforce, MayDay encourages organizations to take one simple step to protect the art, artifacts, records, and historic sites they hold in trust.

Any type of organization can participate in MayDay.  For example CLRC sponsored a discussion on health and safety in archives.  Others have shared collection plans with outside organizations to learn from one another.  Perhaps you might bring together a committee to review and update your disaster plan.

Organizations are encouraged to share their MayDay stories and they will be entered in a drawing for disaster supplies donated by Gaylord Brothers.  You can submit your plans (in brief!) to taskforce@heritagepreservation.org by May 22.