In January, March and April 2010 the Texas Historical Commission (THC) will offer practical workshops on collections care targeting small history museums that are open to residents of the Kingsville and Bishop areas.

The aim of the workshops is to raise awareness of effective collections management policies and procedures for these facilities.

“Knowing What You Have: An Introduction to Collections Policies and Documentation” will be led by THC Museum Services Program staff Laura Casey and Carlyn Hammons and are coordinated in partnership with the Texas Heritage Trails Program.

Occurring in 8 locations throughout the state, the workshops incorporate lectures, demonstrations, group discussions and hands-on exercises to help participants understand standards for collections management and duties as stewards.

Attendees will gain knowledge and practical skills that can help develop effective policies and procedures to benefit the preservation and documentation of collections. The workshops are geared toward history museum staff and volunteers who are new to collections care and museums that do not have an official collections management policy.

The cost of each workshop is $25 and limited to two registrations per organization. The first workshop will be held in Johnson City on Jan. 14.

To register for the workshops visit www.thc. state.tx.us for details.