American History Savers

American History Savers was formed with the intended purpose of providing professional archival, library, and museum services. These services include reviewing and advising on how best to preserve important books, records, photos, and other items of historical and non-historical value to the client, as well as photographing, cataloging, digitizing, indexing, and the production of printed and video records for private and commercial distribution.


Our mission is to help our clients identify, stabilize, record, preserve, maintain, and display artifacts of a historical or non-historical nature. We provide a broad range of services designed to help our clients gain intellectual control over their collections, allowing for the practical use of historical items for daily business functions. We also assist with the valuing of the important historical assets of our clients and their institutions, and offer brokerage and marketing services.




We would love to discuss your particular project needs with you at your convenience.

Please contact us at:

E-mail - contact[@]americanhistorysavers.com
Phone - +1 (785) 331-7124
Mail - 1202 Union Road Lawrence, KS 66044

Our services include:


  • Preservation

  • Photography

  • Cataloging

  • Digital Archiving

  • Indexing

  • Video Record Production

  • Paper record production

  • Brokerage and Marketing of collections

Current projects:

The Baldpate Inn

1.) Key Room Index: Our initial project was to provide an accessible index to all the keys in the key collection. We believe (but are not certain) that there are over 30,000 keys. We have over 1,000 keys indexed to date. We have completed indexing the rare keys and the collections that cover the walls and are preparing to work on the keys hanging from the ceiling. Steve is preparing a grid for this so that visitors will be readily able to find their key. Categories will be cruise liner ships, hotel keys, whimsical keys (turkey, donkey, snowskey, etc.), World War II keys from Germany, etc. Keys from submarines and airplanes. Reputed keys to Buckingham Palace, Hitler's desk, etc.

2.) Photo collection: We are currently in the process of identifying all the objects and individuals in the photos hanging throughout the Inn. Once completed, or as close to completion as possible, we will provide a searchable index and then a mapping of the photos on the walls so that visitors can identify the photos. Some of these are Presidential photos of Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and Harding. Photos of Jack London, Charlie Chaplin, Roy Rogers. A staff favorite is of General Pershing smiling.

3.) Original Buzz Saw: Steve was able to locate the old buzz saw used here at the Inn and dig it up (it was buried quite deeply in the dirt after decades of non-use). Steve and Brian moved it down the hill and built a platform for the buzz saw to rest upon on display at the Inn. He has to date replaced the blade and the belt which complete the Saw. Finally, he will complete a sign which will include photos of the saw in use years ago and some description of the machinery.

4.) Appraisal and Assessment of Historical Baldpate Inn items: We continue to assess historical items to determine what role they may have had in the Inn's history. The lead Archivist, Brian Johnson, has been assessing and advising on preservation of those items inherent to the history of the Inn.

The Trails Club of Oregon

American History Savers, Inc. was hired to conduct a needs assessment of historical materials held by the Trails Club of Oregon and to complete some preliminary work with those materials in order to evaluate and, where necessary, stabilize their condition. The report was the result of the evaluation and work and outlined our discoveries and recommendations on how to proceed with further retention and processing of the materials.

University of New Mexico School of Law Library

The University of New Mexico School of Law Library engaged the services of American History Savers, Inc., for the purpose of assessing the archival procedures and needs for collections currently on hand, and those expected to be added to the Library’s collection very soon. The assessment and inclusive proposals encompassed establishing reference and access procedures; preservation and storage conditions; and collection processing and maintenance. It suggested, by way of commonly used practices throughout the archival community, methods to handle the collection. However, it was understood that every institution has specific circumstances that are unique to their situation. As such, we made recommendations that are flexible and should accommodate decisions that are specific to the Library.

Marie Robb, JD, MLS -
Director


Academic Account Manager for Thomson-West, a legal publisher. BSE, University of Kansas. JD, Washburn University School of Law. MLS Emporia State University.


Marie is responsible for the on-site logistics of the work effort. Communicates with site management and negotiates projects and expected outcomes. Oversees the daily functions of American History Savers, Inc.


Brian K. Johnson, CA, MLS -
Director, Archival and Preservation Services


An archivist with the city of Portland, Oregon. BA History from Linfield College, MLS Emporia State University. Certified Archivist. Co-author; Portland Fire & Rescue: a history or the city of Portland, Oregon Fire Department (2007).


Brian oversees the appraisal and processing of materials on site. Heads up team of librarians, archivists and museum specialists.


Steven A. Robb, BA -
Operations


BA Communications from Washburn University.


Photographer for on-site projects, producing photos as needed for documenting the ongoing work. Creates working documentation for site functions and for historical records. Assists in processing and cataloging materials at the site. Responsible for the overall function of the on-site team to ensure continuity of work, as well as restoration of antique equipment such as an early buzz saw for the Baldpate Inn.


Devin Mack -
Information Technology


Webmaster, responsible for building and maintaining all American History Savers, Inc. websites, including coding and graphic design. Helps assess the company's technology needs. Researches, makes purchase recommendations, and deploys new technology to the company based upon assessments. Provides support and maintenance for company technology.