SRMA presents Archives Month

What is Archives Month?
Archives Month programs provide an opportunity for educating the public and resource providers about what archivists do and why it is important. They help trustees, administrators, office holders and the general public to understand and appreciate that historical records have a contribution to make to modern society.

This year, our theme is “The Past as Prologue.” Individual institutions may choose to schedule events throughout the month, for one week, or for one day. The audience depends upon the mission of your archive. A public library will probably want to invite the public while a corporate library may restrict activities to company employees.

For participating institutions, Archives Month is an opportunity to show off their collections, and to demonstrate the value and significance of their records. Benefits of an Archives Month include:

Expanded public awareness of archives
Increased acquisition & preservation
Expanded use of historical records
Increased cooperation among archives institutions
Deepened understanding of archives’ usefulness to educators
Increased public and corporate funding
Convey who archivists are and what we do
Increase visibility of SRMA, member institutions, collections and their use to society
Establish connections with supportive beneficiary parties and, through them, with the public

Publicity
The celebration will be publicized across Colorado and Wyoming through a poster, newspaper articles, and events at various repositories. We will ask the governors of our states to officially proclaim October “Archives Month.” If you will provide information on your planned activity, we will be happy to help publicize your event on the web site. Please send information to Jody Georgeson (see contact information below.)

Please send historic images — photographs or documents from your collection for use on the web site — to Jody Georgeson. They should be scanned at 150 dpi, .tif format, copyright clear, images that will reproduce well at around 2x3”. (If you are unable to scan your images, let us know — one of us will be able to help you.) Each SRMA member institution will recieve 2 posters. Others may be ordered by contacting Jody Georgeson.

Events
We encourage you to think of ways in which your organization can celebrate Archives Month in your community. Your activity does not have to be directly related to the theme, but does need to focus on the importance of archival records. Ideas include creating exhibits, hosting receptions, giving tours, writing articles, or developing special programs. Check the calendar to see what other SRMA members are doing.

Other States' Archives Events
Following is a list of a few other states' archives events.

The South Dakota State Archives is celebrating Archives Week October 16-22. See www.sdhistory.org/ArchiveWeek/statearchivesweek/ _private/archivesweekindex.htm.
Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference Archives Week will be held October 9-15. See www.lib.umd.edu/MARAC/committees/archives-week.html.
Wisconsin Historical Society celebrates Archives Week October 16-22. See www.wisconsinhistory.org/archivesweek.

In addition, other states’ Archives Week activities can be found on the Council of State Historical Records Coordinators’ (COSHRC) Archives Week directory.

Need help?
We have included sample flyers, a sample mayoral proclamation and press releases for you to use. Excellent event planning guides can be found on the COSHRC site. Or contact any member of the planning team for assistance.

For Additional Information
For additional information or to provide information on your planned activity, please contact:

telcomhist@aol.com

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