In 2019 the Statewide & Regional Stepping Stones Project was launched to explore the creation of a first-of-its kind digital preservation network for the state of Michigan and the surrounding area. To date, the project has conducted the first comprehensive digital preservation survey of Michigan cultural heritage and other collecting/research institutions, and held a two-day symposium (March 4th & 5th) to translate that research into actionable agenda items for launching a new network/community.

You can read all about the project here: https://www.gvsu.edu/library/stepping-stones-68.htm 

At the March 4th & 5th Symposium held at Grand Valley State University, institutions from all across the state unanimously agreed that the time was right to begin establishing a formal community to advance advocacy, training, policies, and technical solutions for digitization and digital preservation for the state/region. This Pre-Conference Workshop will build upon the Symposium through conversations, exploration and community building around issues of policy and governance materials needed to launch and run this new open statewide digital preservation network and community.

The Pre-Conference Workshop will be held on Sunday, June 16th from 12pm - 4pm, with food and beverages provided. The schedule leaves everyone plenty of time to get checked-in at the hotel and attend the Fudge/Pub Crawl at 5pm.

So, please consider joining us and becoming a part of this important initiative!