What We Do

Archives Without Tears is for those who work or volunteer in organizations that deal with the past — whether it’s a museum, historical society, historic house, city clerk's office, library, historic site, church, or college archives. You'll receive practical advice, sample forms and policies, and learn basic, valuable practices for collecting, preserving, and assisting researchers with the historical treasures in your care.

Archives Without Tears (AWOT) is presented by the Pennsylvania State Archives in partnership with the Somerset County Historical Center. Presenters Tyler Stump and Anne Marie Ickes are archivists with PHMC's Records Services Division of the Pennsylvania State Archives. With decades of experience, they are well-versed in archival and records management principles.

Registration is for the full two-day workshop and includes lunch on Tuesday as well as light breakfast options each day. The Somerset Historical Center is located about 4 miles from PA Turnpike Exit 110 and is close to numerous hotel and inn options for out-of-town guests in Somerset, PA.

Registration can be done online, over the phone by calling the Somerset Historical Center at (814)445-6077, or in-person by visiting the Somerset Historical Center, 10649 Somerset Pike, Somerset, PA 15501.

Workshop Schedule

DAY ONE
The Basics of Archives
• What historical records are--and are not
• Evaluating, receiving, and managing collections
• Processing and arrangement
• Preservation and environment
• Digitization and electronic records
• Making records available to potential users

9:00am - 12:00pm: Basics of Archives
12:00 - 1:00pm: Lunch (included with registration)
1:00pm - 4:00pm: Basics of Archives (continued)

DAY TWO
Disaster Planning and Response 9:00am - 12:00pm
• Evaluating and planning for issues
• What do I do when the water pipes break?
• Can my records be saved? Can they be restored?
• What supplies do I need when disaster strikes?

PHMC HARC Grant Discussion 11:00am - 12:00pm
• Overview of the Historical and Archival Records Care Grant
• Suggestions for a competitive application

This program is funded in part by a National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) State Board Programming Grant.