GCC, historical agencies will host history conference on Nov. 4
Topics include disaster planning for museums, and discussion about Confederate statues and symbols
Photo by Tom Rivers: Confederate re-enactors are shown in April 2015 during a mock battle in Medina at State Street Park.
BATAVIA – The Genesee Community College History Club and Genesee County Federation of Historical Agencies is sponsoring a local history conference at GCC in Batavia on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 8:30 a.m. until about 3:30 p.m.
Public and private historians are welcome as well as history buffs of all ages for the conference in room T102 of the Conable Technology Building.
“We have put together a day of interesting programs that should appeal to a wide variety of history-minded folk,” said Derek Maxfield, history club advisor and president of the Genesee County Federation of Historical Agencies. “I am especially interested in the session on disaster planning and the panel discussion about the Confederate monument controversy.”
Conference sessions will include the state of history in Genesee County, a discussion led by Dr. Michael Eula, Genesee County Historian; tracing lineal heritage, a discussion led by the Daughters of the American Revolution; a panel discussion about disaster planning for historical organizations and museums; and a panel discussion about how to treat Confederate statues, memorials and symbols.
Maxfield said the sessions should prove interesting. The Genesee County historian will discuss a recent acquisition of letters written by General Emory Upton of Batavia. He was a prominent general during the Civil War.
Tracing lineal heritage, led by the DAR, will help people learn to research their genealogy.
The History Club wanted a session on disaster planning after the Attica Historical Society suffered damage recently in a flood. Maxfield said experts will have advice on trying to save some historical artifacts, including books that may have been damaged from water. Experts will also have advice for museums and historical societies on how to plan and avert tragedies.
Maxfield will lead a panel discussion on Confederate monuments and symbols, offering examples from around the country. The discussion will include free speech rights, the rights of the minority and majority, and a way forward with the placing of Confederate monuments.
Historical agencies and museums are invited to set up displays for visitors to browse. Registration is $25 and includes a box lunch. If you wish to attend the sessions without lunch, the registration is $12. Please indicate your sandwich preference when registering. Registration will close at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 30 for those who wish to order lunch. Those not wishing to have lunch may register the day of the event and pay at the door.
For the registration form, click here. For questions about the conference, contact Prof. Derek Maxfield – ddmaxfield@genesee.edu or call 585-343-0055 ext. 6288.
