"No people can be deemed masters of their own history until their public
records, gathered, cared for, and rendered accessible to the
investigator, have been systematically studied and the importance of
their contents determined." -- Charles M. Andrews, Historian

 

Saturday, October 1st, marked the official beginning of Archives Month,
a nationwide celebration recognizing the critical role that archives and
archivists play in preserving the documentary history of the nation.  

 

Since 2002, Virginia has celebrated those institutions and individuals
in the Commonwealth that help preserve and make accessible the important
records of our actions as citizens, businesses, religious groups,
government, and society.  The work of these repositories and individuals
give us a sense of being part of a larger picture and helps us begin to
see ourselves connected to others -- family, community, nation or a
group defined by ethnicity, religion, work or play. The result is a
sense of belonging, direction and meaning. Far from focusing only on
past accomplishments, those who care for our archives and special
collections help provide us with a foundation for discussing the things
that matter most in our communities today. 

Archives Month is a collaborative project of the Library of Virginia
<http://www.lva.virginia.gov/> , in conjunction with the Virginia State
Historical Records Advisory Board
<http://www.lva.virginia.gov/about/staff/shra_board.asp> , the National
Historical Publications and Records Commission
<http://www.archives.gov/nhprc/>  and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives
Conference
<http://www.marac.info/mc/page.do?sitePageId=76906&orgId=marac> .  

This year's Archives Month theme is "Celebrating Advocacy for Archives"
and is reflected in the 2011 Virginia Archives Month poster
<http://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/archivesmonth/2011/poster.pdf> ,
which contains images from archival repositories around the state.  In
addition, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell has issued a proclamation that
recognizes the value of the state's archives and archivists.  The
certificate recognizes October 2011 as "Virginia Archives Month."  There
are many activities planned both at the Library of Virginia and at
institutions around the state to celebrate and recognize Virginia's
archives and archivists. A full listing of these can be found on the
Archives Month <http://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/archivesmonth/2011>
webpage.  

During Archives Month in Virginia, take time to learn more about your
local archival institutions and encourage others to recognize their
contribution to the quality of life in our communities. Also, be sure to
take a moment this month to thank an archivist for all the important
work they do each day to preserve the history of the Commonwealth.  

Let the celebration begin!

 

 

Vincent T. Brooks

Senior Local Records Archivist

The Library of Virginia: Archives of the Commonwealth

800 E. Broad St.

Richmond, VA  23219

804/225-4452 (voice)

804/692-2277 (fax)

Website: http://www.lva.virginia.gov
<blocked::http://www.lva.virginia.gov/>  

Blog: Out of the Box
<http://www.virginiamemory.com/blogs/out_of_the_box/> 

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