This seems like a very opportune time for an initiative to strengthen state and local history here in New York.
Carol Kammen’s response to Peter’s Feinman’s post on the “Path Through History” initiative suggests creation of an advisory board and the use of electronic communications to stay in touch and inform New Yorkers about history. That is an excellent proposal and the timing is right for a new push in the public history era for several reasons: Read more
The following essay by Albany County Clerk Thomas Clingan is reprinted with permission from the Tivoli Times, the newsletter of the Albany County Hall of Records (ACHOR). ACHOR celebrated its 30th Anniversary in October.
Albany County can trace its records management program to a 1978 National Historical Publications and Records Commission (“NHRPC”) grant of $9235 to inventory Albany County Clerk records, accepted by the Albany County Legislature in Resolution 99 of 1978. This first modern inventory was completed and printed in 1979. The theft and quick recovery of County Clerk’s oldest Dutch record book in May 1980 increased public awareness of the need to safeguard these documents, and in January 1981, Resolution 10 of that year accepted a further $20,000 NHPRC grant to study the possibility of a joint city and county archives and records management system.
The Archives Partnership Trust and the New York State Archives have announced the availability of awards for applicants to pursue research using the New York State Archives.
The Larry J. Hackman Research Residency program is intended to support product-related research in such areas as history, law, public policy, geography, and culture by covering research expenses. Award amounts range from $100 to $4,500. The deadline for receipt of application materials is January 15, 2013.
Academic and public historians, graduate students, independent researchers and writers, and primary and secondary school teachers are encouraged to apply. Projects involving alternative uses of the State Archives, such as background research for multimedia projects, exhibits, documentary films, and historical novels, are eligible. The topic or area of study must draw, at least in part, on the holdings of the New York State Archives.
Information on the 2013 Larry J. Hackman Research Residency Program is available on-line at www.nysarchivestrust.org or by contacting the Archives Partnership Trust, Cultural Education Center, Suite 9C49, Albany, New York 12230- (518) 473-7091- [email protected].
Hundreds of organizations in the archives community across New York State, will celebrate Archives Month with special commemorative activities.
Archives Month is an annual celebration aimed at informing the general public of the diverse array of materials available in local archives. Among the many activities free and open to the public will be open houses, exhibitions, lectures, workshops and behind-the-scenes tours of archives.
These special events are designed to celebrate the importance of historical records, and to familiarize interested organizations and the public with a wealth of fascinating archival materials illuminating centuries of New York history and culture.
Albany
The Albany County Hall of Records, at 95 Tivoli Street, Albany, will celebrate its thirtieth anniversary with an Open House on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, 10AM to 2PM. County Clerk Thomas G. Clingan invites all interested chroniclers of history to attend.The celebration will include speakers recounting a brief history of the Hall of Records, an exhibit of archival records entitled “Albany’s History: Treasure by Treasure,” tours of the facility, and light refreshments. The exhibit will display some of the Hall of Records’ treasures, like the handmade map of the 1810 Post Road between Albany and New York City, an early deed showing Indian signs, Albany’s original 1686 City Charter, court records written in Dutch, and Civil War Allotment Rolls. RSVP at 487-5146 or [email protected].
New York City
In New York City, The Archivists Round Table of Metropolitan New York (ART) is leading promotion of archives events. Among those participating in New York City are historical societies, universities, libraries, and cultural organizations. Highlights include: tours of the archives at the Museum of the City of New York, the Davis Library Archives and Special Collections at St. John’s University, and the Girl Scouts of USA National Historic Preservation Center- open house presentations at the Franklin Furnace Archive, Inc. and the Interference Archive- and a presentation by Manhattan Borough Historian, Michael Miscione. A complete list of Archives Week events and schedules in NEw York City can be found on the Archivists Round Table of Metropolitan New York’s website. Pre-registration for some events is required.
Photo courtesy Michigan Tech Archives Blog.