Meet the Experts Who Care for Smithsonian Film Collections

Every recording saved is a story rediscovered.

The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives recently launched the Audiovisual Media Preservation Initiative (AVMPI) to describe, preserve, and provide access to audiovisual collections across the Smithsonian. In this online program, we’ll introduce AVMPI, meet the media experts behind it, and preview some of the video material they’re working on.

• Walter Forsberg, Curator of Recorded Media, Smithsonian Libraries and Archives
• Leigh Gialanella, Digital Archivist, National Museum of American History – Archives Center
• Blake McDowell, Media Archivist and Conservator, National Museum of African American History and Culture
• Kira Sobers, Media Digitization Manager, Smithsonian Libraries and Archives
• Dave Walker, Audiovisual Archivist, Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

Register via Zoom

We are committed to providing access services so all participants can fully engage in these events. Optional real-time captioning will be provided. If you need other access services, please email [email protected] Advanced notice is appreciated. This program will also be recorded and made available following the event.

Erin Rushing | READ MORE

Erin Clements Rushing is the Outreach Librarian for Smithsonian Libraries and Archives. She enjoys sharing the Libraries and Archives' treasures with new audiences and telling the stories from the stacks through various outreach efforts. She coordinates social media and the blog (Unbound), plans tours and manages the internship program. She also handles rights and reproductions for library collection images and acts as point person for copyright concerns. Erin holds an M.L.S from the University of Maryland, as well as a B.A. in History and Art History.