September 8, 2009
Fellow Humanites:
In preparation for our Federation of State Humanities Councils National Conference in Omaha, November 6-8, this year’s planning committee proposes adding something new that we hope will spark some additional fun, offer conference attendees some unique souvenirs to take home, and perhaps even generate a little money for the Federation.
As part of our many activities planned for this year, we’re proposing to host on Friday a Silent Auction of signed, first edition--or otherwise special--books. Between sessions, attendees will have a chance to bid on any of the books, with all proceeds benefitting the Federation.
To make it happen, we’re asking someone at each council to donate a special book for the Silent Auction. How about it?
All of us work with historians, writers, and other scholars whose works are of interest to wide audiences. Some of them have served on our boards. We bring nationally prominent novelists, poets, journalists, historians, and philosophers to our states for special lectures and may have obtained a signed copy of a book worth donating to the cause. Or perhaps you have a special old book from long ago.
If a fair number of councils donate just one special book, we’re sure to have an interesting array of items on which to bid. We’ll end the auction Friday afternoon, so winners can pay for and take their books home. This will raise a little extra money for the Federation’s 2010 conference!
If you are interested in participating, we ask that you bring your book(s) with you to the Conference and give it to Federation staff member when you pick up your registration materials. In advance, however, we ask that you modify this sample bid sheet inserting the title and pertinent information about the book you will bring to the conference. Then email this bid sheet to Liz Paine at epaine@statehumaities.org by Friday, October 9.
Receiving bid sheets in advance will help us to log the variety of items we’ll have to display, ensure that all bid sheets are uniform, and help us determine how much table space we’ll need for the silent auction at the conference. Questions? Call Rick Ardinger at (208) 345-5346 or rick@idahohumanties.org
On behalf of the 2009 Conference Planning Committee, we thank you in advance for participating in the silent auction and look forward to seeing everyone in November!
Thank you,
Rick Ardinger
Click here for the sample bid sheet.
The Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Nebraska Humanities Councils would like to thank the 2009 National Humanities Conference sponsors for their generous support:
John Gottschalk