Workshops and Tours

PastPerfect Museum Software Training
East Lansing, July 21-25, 2008

Back by popular demand, the Historical Society of Michigan (HSM) will be hosting PastPerfect Museum Software Training on July 22-24 at the Historical Society of Michigan's Offices in East Lansing. This training session is being held exclusively for HSM members.

PastPerfect is the affordable integrated software package used by over 6,000 museums all over the world. PastPerfect is the one program that encompasses every aspect of collections management. With PastPerfect, you can automate many museum processes, including accessioning, cataloging, loans in, loans out, exhibits, condition reporting and repatriation. You can use PastPerfect to catalog any type of collection, and then use the advanced research tools and reports for full access to your data! This is the one package that does it all!

PastPerfect is also a powerful contact management and fundraising tool. Its contact and membership management section allows you to automate correspondence and track detailed information about patrons, volunteers, docents, prospective members and members. The Campaigns section helps you create, manage, and track capital campaigns and fundraising events for your organization. To learn more, please visit www.museumsoftware.com or call (800) 562-6080.

This training session will provide the answers to your PastPerfect questions and give you step-by-step instructions for doing many Past-Perfect operations. You'll learn the basics and probably pick up some new tips and tricks along the way! During the training classes, you will have the opportunity to work with PastPerfect staff in a friendly, hands-on learning environment. The training classes are taught by a member of PastPerfect's staff who works with the software every day. All classes are taught using PastPerfect Version 4.0. Classes will run for a series of three days and cover one topic each day:

Monday, July 21: Online Session: Introducing PastPerfect

Join us for a free demonstration of PastPerfect from the comfort of your office or home! This session will introduce you to all of PastPerfect's functions from data entry tips to research and reports. It will also highlight add-on features such as digital media attachments and online options. You can just login and take a tour with our experienced PastPerfect staff.

This session will run from 4pm to 6pm. This session will require a stable internet connection of 56K or faster and an available phone line.

This demonstration is free, but you must sign up by calling PastPerfect at 800/562-6080 or email training@museumsoftware.com to participate.

Tuesday, July 22: Managing Collections Using PastPerfect

Collections Management training provides useful guidelines for cataloging and researching your collection. You will learn how to automate many of the repetitive tasks associated with data entry to speed up the process. Our PastPerfect staff will show you how to maintain a professional standard of data entry and tips on how to keep data entry consistent.

Next, you will learn how to use PastPerfect's powerful research tools to quickly find the records you need, generate lists, and run reports. Using the Multimedia/Digital Imaging optional feature, you will see how to digitize your collection and bring it to life. We will also show you how to keep your data safe with PastPerfect's built-in security and backup features.

If you are a new user, this is an excellent starting point. If you are an experienced user, this class will refine your ability to use the program and help you pick up a few new tricks!

Wednesday, July 23: Customizing PastPerfect Reports and Creating Virtual Exhibits

PastPerfect uses a built-in report maker that is flexible, powerful, and capable of putting your data in a multitude of formats. During the morning session, we will show you how to take your data and make it dance on paper! We will walk you through the steps to customize reports for your organization and create new reports from scratch. Come learn the tools and tricks to design the reports you need!

In the afternoon session, we will introduce you to Virtual Exhibit. This section of the class will walk you through creating a collections-based website using PastPerfect data and images. You will learn how to get your exhibits online or viewable on a CD. No web programming knowledge required. Getting your collection online has never been easier!

Thursday, July 24: Managing Membership and Fundraising Activities

Maintaining effective contact with your constituents is a full-time job. PastPerfect helps simplify this process by managing your mass mailings, membership renewals, donation receipts, volunteer hours, and campaign activities. By learning how to create lists automatically and process receipts, you can boost the efficiency and effectiveness of your mailings. You will learn how to create professional-looking personalized letters using PastPerfect's WordRite feature. This class also gives you the tools to track fundraising efforts through Campaigns and their associated pledges and donations.

This day of training is the tool that can reduce the time needed for this ongoing job! Come to this session and let us show you how!

Friday, July 25: Open for a repeat if a session is sold out.

This affordable three-day training class series helps you get the most out of the world's most popular museum software. You are welcome to join us for any one day, or any combination of days you wish. Sessions will begin at 9am and conclude at 4 pm each day.

This training session is exclusively for HSM members. The cost of the classes is $95.20 per person per day. Registration fees include refreshment breaks and a training manual. Lunch is on your own. Seats are available on a first come, first serve basis. Be sure to register early to guarantee your seat!

Please note that, unlike other workshops and tours, the Historical Society of Michigan is not processing the registrations for this seminar.

However, you must be an HSM Member or become a member to sign up for this training session.

For more information, or to sign up for this session, contact Jennessa Reed, PastPerfect Training Coordinator, at 800/562-6080 ext 105 or by email at training@museumsoftware.com.