Archives Month
October 2009


SOA Members,

This year’s Archives Month theme is “Taking A Stand: Abolition in Ohio“. We chose this theme due to the upcoming sesquicentennial of the Civil War and in honor of the 150th anniversary of John Brown’s raid on Harper’s Ferry (October 16, 1859). How did Ohioans participate in the abolition movement? Who were notable, and not-so-well-known abolitionists? What were some of the important people/places/events in Ohio?

Archives, museums, historical societies, libraries, and other organizations with archival and history collections are invited to participate in Archives Month this year by scheduling a special event or exhibit to highlight the collections in your institution. Archives Month posters will be available in late September.

Some suggested activities include:

  • Hold a kick-off reception with a featured speaker on the importance of preserving archival records, eg., an archivist or librarian, researcher, or local government official. Don't forget to invite the press!
  • Print out and display the official Archives Month Poster (available in September)
  • Develop a website consisting of your institution's contributions, if any, to the Ohio Memory Project. (www.ohiomemory.org )
  • Send press releases to local media, including a description of your archival materials, an article using research from the materials in your collection, or photographs of some of the most interesting materials in your collection.
  • Contact your local government officials and organizations in your community to let them know about Archives Month. Offer to speak about your collection and what resources in your collection could be of use to them. Or (if possible) offer to be a repository for their historic materials or offer your expertise in helping them organize their archives.
  • Create a display some of your materials in your institution.

If you are able to participate with an exhibit or event and would like it publicized through the Society of Ohio Archivists website and listserv, please send me a description of the event and contact information by September 20.

Sincerely,
Louise Jones, Vice-President
Archives Month, Chair