History Specialist Calling

[jelanzoni]

I have just been called as our branch History Specialist. Since this is a fairly new calling there is not a whole lot in the manual but the bare bones.
So I have a few questions and I am also seeking feedback and ideas as to how other wards and branches are implementing and embracing this unique calling.
I look forward to your responses and input and I thank you for taking the time to help me get oriented.

1st Question what are some of the duties and responsibilities other History Specialists have been assigned as a part of their calling?
2nd Question: How do other History Specialists send out invites to leaders if you do not have access to member emails?
3rd Question: Has anyone created a simple presentation or video to demonstrate the Unit History application to leaders and members?

Last seeking ideas on how other branches and wards have collected and archived data being shared from members. Since being called members have approached me telling me that they have pictures, programs, bulletins and even objects such; tablecloth signed by all sisters in attendance at the first Relief Society celebration, Ward Boy Scout Troop flag. The Unit History is really more for current events but since I am also our branch librarian I wish to embrace this out pouring of past Ward and now branch history. Maybe create a Throwback Unit History? Looking forward to your ideas and input. Thank you.

[russellhltn]

I'd suggest starting with Unit Histories and Annual Histories.

[jelanzoni]

That has already been done. Guess I should have mentioned that. Thanks!

[BrianEdwards]

Last seeking ideas on how other branches and wards have collected and archived data being shared from members. Since being called members have approached me telling me that they have pictures, programs, bulletins and even objects such; tablecloth signed by all sisters in attendance at the first Relief Society celebration, Ward Boy Scout Troop flag. The Unit History is really more for current events but since I am also our branch librarian I wish to embrace this out pouring of past Ward and now branch history. Maybe create a Throwback Unit History? Looking forward to your ideas and input. Thank you.

I personally am quite hopeful that the Unit History eventually becomes a long-term historical archive, rather than the current "3 year visibility then it disappears into Church Archives." In that vein, we recently created a number of stories about when our Branch was created, when the local building was dedicated, the corresponding open house flyers and program, and a number of other historical stories from up to 20 years ago. We also created separate stories from the unit histories we prepared for the past 5 years (that's all I had access to).

We wanted to do this now, since as is the case everywhere, over the years you lose access to either documents, pictures, or the members themselves with their memories. So at the very least, our current members can see these stories for the next few years, and better understand the legacy left to them by those who came before. I don't have any info regarding whether the Unit Histories will become any kind of long-term access location, but it that eventually does happen, we'll have some good stories in place for historical reference.

And yes, I understand this isn't exactly the stated purpose of the Unit History tool. But our members have really enjoyed it

[jelanzoni]

Thank you for sharing Brian. We have a special situation with our Plattsburgh Branch. It was ward until the Air Base closed and then we became a branch. It is my hope to invite our older members back by sharing their stories and histories of our ward/branch. Thank you again for sharing.