2023 American Archives Month

 

    Accessibility to historical materials is crucial to better understand our past and our future. Archives, a "place where people can go to gather firsthand facts, data, and evidence from letters, reports, notes, memos, photographs, and other primary sources," allows access to various points of history, whether national or personal. Beginning in 2006, American Archives Month has been celebrated through many archives organizations at all levels. Its purpose is to highlight the importance of historical materials of enduring value and the efforts to preserve and provide public access to them. This October, American Archives Month is being celebrated nationwide through a variety of ways.

The National Archives and Records Administration

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) serves as the nation's record keeper. Established in 1934 by President Franklin Roosevelt, NARA keeps federal records that are deemed to have continuing value. Some of those records include the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Louisiana Purchase Treaty, and much more. 

During American Archives Month, NARA aims to publicize their mission and records to raise awareness of the value of archives and archivists. Some of their current resources for this month include:

• Pieces of History Blog
• In-Person Exhibits
• Educator Resources

2023 Activities & Tools

The Society of American Archivists has prepared multiple activities and resources to continue to educate for the entire month. The following materials have been prepared:

• "What Is An Archive?" Document
• American Archives Month Event Planning Guide
• "Archives and Young People" Document
• "Measuring the Impact of Archives" Survey

Along with the Society of American Archivists, other organizations participated in an ongoing #AskAnArchivistDay on social media. It allows questions to be asked and answers to be provided in an accessible format. 

Oklahoma State University Archives

American Archives Month is meant towards all archives, and there are various institutions in each state that have their own. Here at Oklahoma State University, the Edmon Low Library has a Special Collections & University Archives which "gathers and protects the significant records that preserve our institutional history and culture." While it is currently under major construction, appointments can be made to access any materials held in the Archives. 

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Government Information Online is produced by the staff at the Oklahoma State University Libraries Government Documents Department, a regional depository for U.S. Government and Oklahoma state government documents. We are located on the 5th floor of the Edmon Low Library. Our department website can be reached at www.info.library.okstate.edu/government-documents.