Unveiled: Forum for SHRAB Data Access
Historical Records Advisory Boards Across the United States
Historical Records Advisory Boards (HRABs) play a crucial role in preserving and promoting access to historical records in various states across the country. These boards, located in different state capitals, act as coordinating bodies that support the preservation, management, and accessibility of historical records within their respective states.
The Kentucky State Historical Records Advisory Board, based in Frankfort, KY, is one such example. Its counterparts in Columbia, SC (South Carolina State Historical Records Advisory Board), Lansing, MI (Michigan State Historical Records Advisory Board), Carson City, NV (Nevada Historical Records Advisory Board), Raleigh, NC (North Carolina State Historical Records Advisory Board), and many others, each serve a similar purpose.
The HRABs primarily advise on statewide archival policies, planning, and resource allocation to help ensure the long-term protection and use of historical and archival materials. They act as a liaison among local archives, state agencies, and national organizations to promote archival standards, coordinate grant programs, and encourage public access initiatives.
Specifically, these boards assist in planning and coordinating efforts for the preservation of historical records, provide resources and guidance on archival management and disaster planning, serve as an advisory body to state archives or cultural agencies, facilitate communication and collaboration between state archives, local historical organizations, and other stakeholders, and promote public awareness and education regarding the importance of archival preservation.
For instance, the Texas Historical Records Advisory Board, located in Austin, TX, offers resources to assist with planning and response processes related to historical records, demonstrating this advisory and supportive role.
While the UK National Archives Board has a strategic governance role at the national level, state Historical Records Advisory Boards in the US typically focus on advising and coordinating archival efforts within the state. These boards function to enhance local and state archival capacity rather than direct governance.
The HRABs can be found in numerous states across the country, including but not limited to: Augusta, ME (Maine Historical Records Advisory Board), Harrisburg, PA (Pennsylvania State Historical Records Advisory Board), Bismarck, ND (North Dakota Historical Records Advisory Board), Boston, MA (Massachusetts State Historical Records Advisory Board), Springfield, IL (Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board), Des Moines, IA (Iowa Historical Records Advisory Board), Oklahoma City, OK (Oklahoma Historical Records Advisory Board), Hartford, CT (Connecticut State Historical Records Advisory Board), Salt Lake City, UT (Utah State Historical Records Advisory Board), Denver, CO (Colorado Historical Records Advisory Board), Phoenix, AZ (Arizona Historical Records Advisory Board), Providence, RI (Rhode Island Historical Records Advisory Board), Boise, ID (Idaho State Historical Records Advisory Board), Pierre, SD (South Dakota State Historical Records Advisory Board), Cheyenne, WY (Wyoming Historical Records Advisory Board), Morrow, GA (Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council), Topeka, KS (Kansas Historical Records Advisory Board), Montpelier, VT (Vermont Historical Records Advisory Board), Nashville, TN (Tennessee Historical Records Advisory Board), Columbus, OH (Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board), Santa Fe, NM (New Mexico Historical Records Advisory Board), Madison, WI (Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board), Jefferson City, MO (Missouri Historical Records Advisory Board), and many more.
Each of these boards plays a vital role in preserving and promoting access to historical records, ensuring that the stories and history of each state are preserved for future generations.
The HRABs in the United States, such as the one in Frankfort, KY, serve not only as preservation and access facilitators for historical records but also promote education-and-self-development by raising public awareness about archival preservation, and encouraging public access initiatives. Moreover, these boards collaborate with various stakeholders, including state archives, local historical organizations, and national organizations, to cultivate a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of historical records within their respective states.
