Jason Chernesky, former FDA historian was laid off and now is collecting oral histories of fed employees and contractors that were in the govt, create database. With @oah.org . Institutional and life course. @shfghistorians.bsky.social @ncph.bsky.social

AI may be useful in declass effort since 100s of terabytes of documents and need individual review. @shfghistorians.bsky.social @ncph.bsky.social @oah.org

If no access to records, what happens to federal historians? Do they have jobs? If no records, do any of us historians have a purpose? @shfghistorians.bsky.social @ncph.bsky.social @oah.org

Army Center for Military History: Declassification issues today limit access to and publication of histories. There are hundreds of terabytes of docs from recent wars but all still classified. Sheer size impossible. Keeps full story from public. @ncph.bsky.social @shfghistorians.bsky.social

www.historians.org/events/congr... Briefings on tariffs, AI, acad freedom, history of deportation...see the website. AHA is chartered by Congress--I did not know that. These briefings of historical context are meant for congressional staff @shfghistorians.bsky.social @ncph.bsky.social @oah.org

One attendee: it is only through lobbying that we get through this situation. Fed historians cannot take such actions. @shfghistorians.bsky.social @ncph.bsky.social @oah.org

www.smh-hq.org/archivedreso... Very good to hear about this effort to archive info taken off the federal websites. @ncph.bsky.social @shfghistorians.bsky.social @oah.org

National Archives started a group within the agency to focus on retrieving records of federal agencies being eliminated. Federal records act as driving. Society for Military History has live resource on closings and records--crowdsourced. @shfghistorians.bsky.social @ncph.bsky.social @oah.org

Does SHFG have a statement on ethics? Has something on its website. Should also look at @ncph.bsky.social, @oah.org or @historians.org

How can SHFG support laid off federal historians? Networking opps. Communication--but needs improvement. Community groups can be formed within Society. Build out advocacy but not ready-made. Tell SHFG how to help. Offer resources. @ncph.bsky.social @shfghistorians.bsky.social

SHFG Annual Meeting Plenary: How can The Society support its membership, recognizing the all-volunteer nature of the organization? Professional ethics--act as you feel confortable. But Society can provide professional consultation, support. @ncph.bsky.social @shfghistorians.bsky.social

I am sitting in the Plenary for the Society for History in the Federal Government Annual Meeting at the Library of Congress. A survey gave answers including worries about the current political situation and larger questions on preservation, integrity, jobs, and security. @ncph.bsky.social

Some key thoughts: build relationships beyond the grant. Be a good human. Develop reciprocal relationships. Do not let fear lead you, rely upon your training and do the work. Resilence and joy #NCPH2025 keynote: Marco Robinson, Nishani Frazier, Hilary Green, Christy Hyman, Tara Y. White.

Come to the Creative Showcase at #NCPH2025 to see examples of my jewelry, pottery by Leah, embroidery by Krista, and other great art and creative work by public historian colleagues! In the Exhibit Hall 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday!

Working Group Exploring Best Practices in Public Lands History today 10:30 - 12:30. We have set aside the second hour for audience participation, so please consider joining us! We welcome your thoughts and input! #NCPH2025

New earrings

This morning, walking to work at the National Gallery of Art.

The AHA & the @oah.org have released a joint statement on the presidential executive order “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K–12 Schooling.” “We reject the premise that it is ‘anti-American’ or ‘subversive’ to learn the full history of the United States.” 🗃️

Guess what? I am here! I hope to see you! And here is my latest pair of earrings...Czech glass, sterling silver.