Services
This page is your jumping off point to the services that Federation offers to its members and explore all we have to offer. Whether you're looking for the latest news on what's happening in public history in North Carolina, need a short-term loan to produce a project or event or just need some advice on how your organization, we're here to help.
We present the Albert Ray Newsome Award annually in recognition of outstanding work by member organizations in the preservation and promotion of local history.
If you have questions about any of our services, contact Adrienne Berney by email or by phone at (919) 814-6641.
Federation Quick Links
Bulletin
Published quarterly, the Federation Bulletin contains information of interest to member organizations. Included are notices about grants; information about useful historical resources; a calendar of events that announces tours, programs, and exhibits; descriptions of new historical publications; announcements of upcoming workshops and conferences; and information about the needs and activities of member organizations.
Access to the Bulletin is restricted to members only, though a sample is available to members of the general public.
We invite you to join the Federation so you can receive the current issue of the Federation Bulletin by mail or email.
The Federation also publishes a list of useful books available through the State Library as well as a list of historical publications available from Federation members.
Federation Advisor Network
Federation members have years of experience in many aspects of preserving state and local history. Through the Federation Advisor Network (FAN), Federation members who have questions—on such topics as developing exhibits or managing volunteers—can connect with members who have experience.
We've created a database of members who have volunteered to offer advice on particular topics. Some of the topics on which support is available:
- Board Training
- Collections Managment
- Creating Historical Publications/Videos
- Digital Outreach/Social Media
- Disaster Recovery
- Exhibit Development
- Fundraising
- Grant Writing
- Personnel/Volunteers Management
- Public Programming
- Retail Issues
- School Programming
- Setting Up a Library
- Starting a Museum
If you have a question or need advice in one of the areas outlined above, please contact Adrienne Berney at adrienne.berney@ncdcr.gov or at (919) 814-6641. In your request, be sure to specify which area you would like advice in and to give your contact information. In return, you will receive the name and contact information of up to three advisors who have signed up in that area. It will then be up to you to contact any or all of those advisors to seek assistance.
If you have wisdom to share and are willing to offer advice to other Federation members, fill out the advisor application. We especially need more advisors in board training and development; digital outreach; disaster recovery; grant writing; physical security of a facility; restoration and conservation; retail issues; and setting up a library.
Loans
The Federation offers interest-free revolving loans to non-profit organizations in North Carolina with a historical, educational focus. Groups do not have to be a member to apply, though members receive priority. Applications are reviewed for historical merit. The types of loans are:
Historical Publications
Groups may apply for amounts up to $15,000 for the publication of historical books or pamphlets. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Grantees have one year in which to repay the loan. A list of previously produced publications is available.
Apply for Publishing a Book or Pamphlet
See a List of Publications Created Through the Revolving Fund
Historical/Educational Videos/CDs
Groups may apply for amounts up to $15,000 for the production of historical videos or CDs. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Grantees have one year in which to repay the loan.
Apply for Creating a Video or CD
Special Events
Organizations may request up to $1,500 to use as seed money for special events. Grantees have three months in which to repay the loan.
Training/Education
The Federation offers occasional workshops focusing on different aspects of preserving, sharing, and promoting local history. Recent workshops have covered creating and sustaining innovative museum programs and partnerships and using digital tools to promote museums.