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To expedite the transition of the Archives from a manual record keeping system to a computerized system, the Historical Society turned to colleague and friend Mr. Dale Freudenberger, Heritage Project Manager and Market Towns Initiative Manager for the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, for help and advice. Through Mr. Freudenberger's association with Dr. Paula Holoviak of Kutztown University, the Society enlisted the help of an intern to facilitate the computerization process.
Kutztown University History student Mrs. Jill Figner, met with PAHS Secretary Mrs. Betsy Burnhauser and Mr. Dale Freudenberger at the Archives in March 2007. After discussing the Society's existing methods of operation and its hopes of computerizing the collection, Mrs. Figner joined PAHS as their intern.
The first step of the process was to determine which software would best suit the needs of the Society. After reviewing their options the Society opted to purchase PastPerfect Museum Software - "approved of by the American Association of State and Local History for museums and historical societies." The second step was to purchase the hardware necessary to execute the computerization. While the hardware was being built to specifications by Computer Pals of Lehighton, PA, Mrs. Figner attended training classes to learn the PastPerfect software.
Despite being ready to begin the data entry process after returning from the training classes, Mrs. Figner observed that the physical layout of the existing Archives was problematic. The Society's collection was scattered throughout several disconnected rooms and closets, accessioned items were intermingled with acquisitions in temporary custody still awaiting review, storage space was rapidly dwindling, and the existing work area was not conducive to setting up the computer equipment.
Mrs. Figner suggested approaching the Borough Manager Mr. Roger Danielson for permission to relocate archives to the east end of the second floor where a suite of rooms and closets were adjacent to each other. Permission for the move was granted and so, under Mrs. Figner's direction and participation, volunteers began the work of cleaning, scrubbing, and priming and painting walls in the new "suite" with supplies discounted by Shea's Hardware of Palmerton, PA.
The "Old Archives" was emptied of its contents and the existing shelving was set-up in the new "Receiving Room". The "Office" was set-up with desks, office equipment and supplies, and a wireless internet connection installed by Mr. Tom Leis of PenTeleData. The "Main Collection Room" was outfitted with newly purchased shelving, a library table, and a work desk. "Nice but not necessary" items such as drapes, a table lamp, a ceiling fixture, and a carpet runner for the hall add to the charm of the "new digs". New and used air conditioners were also donated.
Once the computer equipment was installed in the "New Archives" the computerization could begin. But, one thing remained to be done, the "Old Archives" needed to be cleaned and bid a fond farewell ... and that was an emotional good-bye to say the least.
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For additional information about the Archives, return to the main page and click the various links, or call 610-824-6954, or Email: contactus@palmertonhistorical.org.
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