 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRLoving greetings to each one of you, A few days ago I received an email from a woman I had met when she was a very young child from a migrant family in California. Because Nancy's parents had no medical resources, I had taken her to an optometrist to get glasses, and told her: "You will do great things in life." Although I don't recall this incident, what moved me was her wish to say thank you after decades in between, and to express gratitude for something that she said permanently altered her future life. She carried a seed of hope in her heart that bloomed into a successful adult life. My personal seed of hope came directly from time in the tomb with Baba and from the mandali when I was a young adult. I needed their love and understanding to help me sort through the confusion of my family history. One of my favorite memories involved Arnavaz, who in one of our many conversations told me very softly and with a great deal of conviction: "Well, my dear, give it all to Baba." Her profound words have become a daily practice over the decades since then. In my better moments, when my inner house is swept clean of strangers, I like to express gratitude to all of the volunteers over time who have contributed their labor of love to further MAC’s development. We would not be where we are today without their loving dedication! During these three months since our last newsletter, MAC received the Max Seibert Collection, and in that process we met his brother, Jeff, who lovingly and carefully handed over sixty boxes, and numerous paintings and photographs. Special thanks go to Ty Provosty for his role in connecting Jeff with MAC. This is only one example of the mysterious ways in which Baba opens the doors. I believe it is our job to walk through these doorways, and to find ways to communicate and cooperate so that our internal connection with Baba and our work in the world for Him become a singular expression of His love. One of the doorways we are walking through as an organization is to address the next major project at the MAC building. Half of the building’s roof was repaired about three years ago, which protects the archive areas, the library, and other meeting spaces. Now it’s time that the remaining portion of the roof be repaired, with an estimated cost of $70,000 using Peter Nordeen and his crew. By comparison, a local commercial firm priced the roof project at $198,000. We are exploring creative ways to support this needed repair. If you would like to contribute ideas or financial support, please let us know. In His Loving Embrace, Evie [email protected] / 203.915.8017 NATIONAL PRESERVATION MONTH |
| Betty Grant Collection - Cassette tape and 8 track fans rejoice! The Betty Grant collection, consisting of roughly 600 audio tapes, is being processed in preparation for digitization and transcription. This vast collection contains recordings of Betty reading various books such as “That’s How It Was” by Eruch Jessawala and all three volumes of “Mehera-Meher” by David Fenster. Also, there are recordings of Western and Eastern lovers who met Baba, Kitty Davy speaking about consciousness, music and more. All who knew Betty Grant will be able to hear her voice once more on these precious tapes, and what a treat that shall be! |  Betty Grant collection rehoused and labeled |
Charlie Mills Artwork Project - An exciting and innovative project is in the works at MAC! We’re hosting the website of Charlie Mills, a talented artist you may know from his artbook “Meditations on The Ancient One” and his other works such as “Blue Bus Tour” from 1988. Charlie’s portfolio site is as beautiful as his work is, and we at MAC want to preserve that site, keeping it maintained and updated. So we’ve teamed up with Charlie to host his website, ensuring that all of Charlie’s artwork is available for posterity.
Collection being picked up in Cincinnati: (left photo) Scott Tower, Jeff Siebert, Hugh Huntington
Max Seibert Collection - All collections that come to MAC are special, but sometimes the interactions we have with donors are particularly touching. This month we welcomed the Max Seibert Collection into the MAC catalog with the help of Max’s surviving brother, Jeff. In late April, Hugh Huntington and Scott Tower drove to Cincinnati, Ohio, and picked up the collection, which includes sixty boxes, and numerous paintings and photographs.
Max was a tremendously kind individual, a talented tennis player, and a devoted Baba lover. His collection brings not only artwork, but also audio tapes, letters, and books. We’re honored to be able to assist in carrying out his final wishes, as well as grateful for the chance to give such a massive collection a permanent home. You will hear more about this valuable collection in the near future.
Max was a tremendously kind individual, a talented tennis player, and a devoted Baba lover. His collection brings not only artwork, but also audio tapes, letters, and books. We’re honored to be able to assist in carrying out his final wishes, as well as grateful for the chance to give such a massive collection a permanent home. You will hear more about this valuable collection in the near future.
CHERISHING MEHER BABA'S LEGACY
Susan McKendree Gave a Baba-ful Account about Researching and Writing “Blue Bus Tours”
Susan McKendree was the guest speaker for the April "In Touch with Meher Archive Collective, Cherishing Meher Baba's Legacy." If you missed seeing the live presentation or want to listen to Susan’s story again, the recording is made available for your enjoyment.
Claire Barrett, MAC’s archive manager hosted this interesting discussion of Susan’s research process and what compelled her to undertake this project of writing “Blue Bus Tours.” She reveals fascinating behind-the-scenes details and stories about her eight-year journey to publication.
You can see past programs on our YouTube channel. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe.
"Jai Baba" from all of us at MAC!
Claire Barrett, MAC’s archive manager hosted this interesting discussion of Susan’s research process and what compelled her to undertake this project of writing “Blue Bus Tours.” She reveals fascinating behind-the-scenes details and stories about her eight-year journey to publication.
You can see past programs on our YouTube channel. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe.
"Jai Baba" from all of us at MAC!
MEHER NEW LIFE LIBRARY
The Library Collection Continues to Accept Donations
The Meher New Life Library continues to expand its inventory of books, journals, booklets and audiovisual materials. We have acquired book donations from Jon Meyer, Sheriar Books and the late Max Seibert. And MAC volunteers continue the cataloging process. Library shelving has recently been put up in the MAC building.
Our deepest appreciation to our many contributors, and please contact me if you have questions or want to donate materials!
In the Loving Service of Meher Baba,
Anne Barker
[email protected]
Our deepest appreciation to our many contributors, and please contact me if you have questions or want to donate materials!
In the Loving Service of Meher Baba,
Anne Barker
[email protected]
You Can Become Involved with MAC’s Mission
Volunteers are Essential to Carrying Forward Meher Baba’s Legacy
Volunteers are the pillars of carrying out MAC’s mission, and there are several ways you can become involved, both locally and from a distance!
✍🏼 COMMUNICATIONS: Volunteers who have skills in writing, videography, website design & management, and social media are needed.
💻 IT: Are computers and programming your passion? The IT team is looking for one or two more members.
🎤 ARCHIVES: Are you interested in the preservation of Baba’s legacy? You can help with scanning and photographing letters, documents, and other tangible treasures. We are also looking for transcribers, work that can be done locally or remotely.
🎉 FUNDRAISING: We welcome volunteers who have experience in developing major donor relationships, managing annual campaigns, grant writing, direct marketing, and special event management.
To discover more about these volunteer opportunities or others, contact: [email protected]
✍🏼 COMMUNICATIONS: Volunteers who have skills in writing, videography, website design & management, and social media are needed.
💻 IT: Are computers and programming your passion? The IT team is looking for one or two more members.
🎤 ARCHIVES: Are you interested in the preservation of Baba’s legacy? You can help with scanning and photographing letters, documents, and other tangible treasures. We are also looking for transcribers, work that can be done locally or remotely.
🎉 FUNDRAISING: We welcome volunteers who have experience in developing major donor relationships, managing annual campaigns, grant writing, direct marketing, and special event management.
To discover more about these volunteer opportunities or others, contact: [email protected]
PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
Monthly Dhuni Brings the Baba Community Together in His Name
Meher Archive Collective is continuing to host a Dhuni on the lawn of the MAC building once a month on Sundays at 4:00 pm. Watch for MAC’s monthly emails and Social Media posts about this sacred event. Your participation and contributions are welcomed.