FAQ

You have questions. We [probably] have answers for you. If your question isn’t answered here, please contact us.

How do I register?

Click here to register! If you need to register via a purchase order, please contact Mary Rizzo at mr1133@newark.rutgers.edu.

What is included in the cost?

Your registration fees cover the unconference itself, lunch and a reception.

What is an unconference?

An unconference is a participant-driven, discussion-based conference. At an unconference, the agenda is created by the attendees at the beginning of the meeting. Unconferences typically feature open discussions rather than having a single speaker at the front of the room giving a talk. This form of conference is particularly useful for a topic like Telling Untold Histories because it provides opportunities for problem solving and encourages collaboration.

Who organized this unconference?

The Untold Histories committee members come from a variety of organizations and backgrounds.

Who should attend?

Museum professionals and public history practitioners from organizations of all sizes, librarians, public history educators, volunteers, students and emerging professionals. Unconferences work best when attendees have knowledge and experience to share, but expertise is not necessary—or even desired. Unconferences bring people together around common problems and provide opportunities for participants to seek fresh ideas from diverse perspectives.

What should I bring with me?

We suggest bringing a laptop or tablet since unconference session notes will be kept using Google Documents. If you bring a tablet, please install the free Google Drive app (available through the iTunes Store or Google Play).

How do I propose a session?

There are currently two ways to propose a session:

• • In advance of the conference. We are accepting pre-unconference proposals! Add a reply to the Propose a Session page to submit your proposal.

• • The day of the conference. Tell us your idea during the morning scheduling session. It’s that easy.

If you propose a session, you should be prepared to facilitate it. However, that does not mean you will be expected to lecture or present on the subject. Instead, your job will be to get the conversation going, perhaps provide background information, and encourage participation from the rest of the group.

During the morning of the unconference—after all the proposals are in, participants will vote using stickers on which sessions to hold. In order to maximize time and facilitate creative synergy, organizers may combine or adjust some of the proposals. The number of sessions will depend on the number of people in attendance.

Are there any ground rules?

Yes. Read on.

• • Anyone can introduce a discussion topic for a session.

• • Every session should be productive – every session should engage challenges in Telling Untold Histories. Each session should appoint a note taker to post resources and ideas that come out of the discussion in a live Google document. Each room will have WiFi to facilitate note taking and web research.

• • Everyone should participate and contribute. Unconferences are democratic in their structure. There are no experts or underlings. Everyone learns and solves problems together.

• • You are always free to move between sessions. If a session isn’t what you thought it would be, or if you want to check out another, go right ahead.