INTRODUCTION TO POWERS MUSEUM MHRAB PROJECT 2004–2005

The objective of this cycle 3 project was to process three subject-specific collections (Hall Family Collection, 1870-1910; Hawthorne Elementary School/PTA Collection, 1922-1990s; and Carthage Sportsmen's Protective League Collection, 1916-1990s) that were in various stages of processing when abandoned due to other commitments and lack of task-dedicated personnel/volunteers at the museum. In addition, another collection loosely named the Carthage Scrapbooks Collection, was to be processed, boxed, and when necessary, duplicated into reference-use photocopies. A limited number of historic photographs in selected scrapbooks were to be photo duplicated as well. The goal beyond completing processing, was to create a finding aid that would be available in a small-run print edition as well as placed online showing the results of this work and expanding the archival finding aid started in the museum's cycle 1 grant.

Please note that the Hall Family Collection has not been completed as of March 2005 and will be processed during spring and early summer 2005. The collections above were processed, although due to software issues and loss of some project personnel during the final two months of the work schedule, the results posted to the online finding aid should be considered as draft descriptions. Likewise, name/subject listings found in this online guide should be considered as a starting point only since catalog records created by Past Perfect™ collection management software will document additional specific names/subjects per each scrapbook or archival item. Forward any inquiries to the museum and replies will be sent within 2-3 days via e-mail (subject to availability of project director).