The Public Works Historical Society is seeking members interested in serving on committees, task forces, and special projects, as well as being the Society's liaison to various governmental and professional organizations.
APWA Chapter Activities
We are seeking members to serve as contacts between their local APWA Chapter and the national PWHS. Typically, this will be the chapter's historian, secretary, or a committee chair, however, we recognize that each chapter is organized differently, and may need to designate multiple individuals. Appointments are made by the local APWA Chapter. The duties of the Chapter Historian include (but not limited to) documenting the historical growth of the Chapter and a listing of Chapter Officers, major events and milestones, distinguished leaders and awards presented to the Chapter. Chapter Historians are also encouraged to promote membership in the Society and well as interacting with the Society at the Annual Congress and Exposition. For more information click here.
This committee is tasked to develop a stronger working relationship between local APWA Chapters and Society's national historic and preservation programs. Annual appointments are made by the Society President. Estimated time commitment is two to three hours per month with participation in two or three conference call meetings. There are no travel obligations, however members are encouraged to attend the Society's annual meeting, held in conjunction with the association’s annual Congress and Exposition.
PWHS Committees
As part of the APWA Awards Program, the Society sponsors the Abel Wolman Award given annually to recognize the best new book published and Michael Robinson Award given annually to the recognize the best article published in the field of public works history. Annual appointments to this three-person committee are made by the Society President. Estimated time commitment is ten to twenty hours per month with participation on one or two conference call meetings during the three-month period of February - April. This appointment involves extensive reading of public works history books and articles. There are no travel obligations, however, attendance at the Society's Annual Meeting is encouraged.
This standing committee is charged with developing the program for the Society's annual luncheon as well as nominating and coordinating educational sessions for the APWA Congress. Annual appointments are made by the Society President. Estimated time commitment is two to three hours per month with participation in two or three conference call meetings. There are no travel obligations, however members are expected to attend the Society's annual meeting.
In accordance with our bylaws, the Nominating Committee prepares the annual election ballot by recruiting members able to accept nomination to the Board of Trustees. Annual appointments to this three-person committee are made by the Society President. Estimated time commitment is two to three hours per month over a six-month period with participation on one or two conference call meetings. There are no travel requirements.
In accordance with our bylaws, the Tellers Committee counts and certifies the election results. Annual appointments to this two-person committee are made by the Society President. Members from the Kansas City metropolitan area are preferred to avoid excessive travel.
Special Projects
The Society is interested in identifying individuals with dual memberships in the Society and other historical/preservation organizations to serve as liaisons. Liaisons bridge the gap between both organizations and assist with identifying joint projects and agendas. Appointments are made by the Society President. Estimated time commitment will vary with each organization, however, liaisons should anticipate two to three hours per month and possible participation on one or two conference call meetings. Travel expectations would include participation in both organization's national meetings and conferences, at the member's expense.
The Society is interested in identifying individuals interested in writing reviews of books on public works history. Estimated time commitment will vary, but generally involves thirty hours of reading, followed by two to three hours of writing. Book reviews are published in the Society's Public Works History newsletter and posted on the APWA website.
