Online Library for MALHM Members

This online library is available to members of the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums. Please log in to view the documents.
If you're not currently a member, please join us! Our low annual membership fee is just $25 for all-volunteer organizations or individuals and $50 for organizations with paid staff.
Minnesota local history professionals generously share their knowledge and experience with others in their field, true to the MALHM motto of "peers helping peers."

Members have contributed their policies, procedures, conference handouts, handbooks and resource lists to MALHM's new online library, made possible with a grant from the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Grants Program and support of MALHM members.

Most of the documents are in Word or PDF format. Please help us to continue to add to our online library! Send your documents by email or contact us if you have any questions.  Updates to the online library will be made on a regular basis as new resources become available.

Collections

Find our complete Collections Initiative Manual, a guide for small museums on topics like accepting donations, accessioning process, and handling loans. We've also included sample collections policies, copyright and more.

Funding

Find information on improving your fundraising efforts through donor development, grant writing, and events.

Education & Outreach

Find information on developing educational programs for adults and youth, working with local educators, and how to engage your community.

Staffing

Find information on personnel policies, job descriptions, and volunteer management.

Governance

Find information on governing documents, like bylaws and articles of incorporation, as well as board job descriptions and more.

Facilities

Whether your organization owns a historic mansion, a primitive log cabin or a modern museum, you share many of the same facilities issues. This section includes information on housekeeping schedules and facility use agreements.

Exhibits

Find information on developing exhibits and where to find traveling exhibits.

Marketing, Websites, & Social Media

Developing a marketing strategy and website or social media presence is time-consuming but important for today's museum.  Learn about best practices and engagement strategies for getting the most out of your digital platforms and promoting your organization.

Interpretation

Find sample guides for interpreters, resources for exhibits and more.

Newsletters

This section includes the current issue of our membership newsletter, MALHM archives, and other communication for members only.

Historic Preservation

Gain tools and knowledge for being an advocate for historic preservation in your community.