SEC. OF STATE BROWN ANNOUNCES RECEIPT OF $130,000 FEDERAL GRANT TO HELP ORGANIZATIONS CARING FOR HISTORICAL RECORDS

Secretary of State Matt Brown announced today that the State Archives Division, on behalf of the Rhode Island Historical Records Advisory Board, has been awarded a $130,000 federal grant. The two-year grant project will provide archival and preservation training to organizations that care for Rhode Island's historical records, and will make grant funds available to repositories. Training opportunities will cover the basics of archives, including records security, protection and preservation, collecting and managing archives, appraisal, arrangement, description, and access.

Under the grants component, repositories may apply for funds to provide better access to their holdings through arrangement and description projects, or to provide better care for their archives through preservation and planning projects.  State Archivist Gwenn Stearn, who chairs the RI Historical Records Advisory Board, will direct the project, and Brown’s office will act as grant administrator.

“As Secretary of State, I am committed to preserving historic records and making them accessible to the public,” said Brown.  “This grant will support our ongoing efforts to protect historic documents and preserve the rich history of our state.”

The project will begin in March 2006, with archival training opportunities beginning in April and running throughout the two years.  Grant applications for archives projects will be accepted in two cycles—during the summer and fall of 2006.  In an effort to reach out to potential applicants, grant writing and development workshops will be offered this spring and summer to make sure deserving projects receive the support they need.  Potential applicants include public and private libraries, historical and preservation societies, academic libraries and archives, and museums.

The new grants will be in addition to the Local Government Records Grant Program that Secretary of State Matt Brown launched in 2004.  These grants have been awarded annually to Rhode Island’s City and Town Clerks for projects ranging from the purchase of archival quality supplies, mobile shelving and environmental controls, to processing and describing historical municipal records for better access to the public.
 
To ensure their inclusion in project opportunities, repositories should check the Historical Records Advisory Board’s web Directory of Rhode Island Historical Records Repositories (www.state.ri.us/RIHRAB).  Under federal terms, grant awards may only be made to repositories holding archives, manuscripts and original graphic materials that are accessible to the public.  The training component, however, will be available to any organization or individual that holds historical records.  Contact State Archivist Gwenn Stearn (222-2353) with any questions about eligibility.
  
The National Historical Publications and Records Commission of the National Archives made the $130,000 grant award at their November meeting.  The Rhode Island Historical Records Advisory Board is a statewide body whose mission is to serve the people of the state by advocating, developing and supporting programs that defend and provide access to Rhode Island’s documentary heritage.