2012 Achievement Awards | The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board

OHRAB celebrated Archives Month in Ohio this October by recognizing two archival institutions–the Euclid Public Library and the Clark County Historical Society–for significant accomplishments in preserving and improving access to historical records in any format.

The Euclid Public Library was recognized for building a web-based collection documenting its city’s history from multiple perspectives and formats. The library has digitized residents’ family photos, high school yearbooks, and local newspaper editions. The web-accessible collection also includes recordings of City Council meetings, as well as oral histories, in audio and video format, revealing multiple perspectives on the history of Euclid. This impressive range of formats and documents has expanded the public’s ability to connect with its history. Beginning as a celebration of the Euclid Bicentennial, the Library has committed to continuing this project, creating an ongoing program.

The Clark County Historical Society was recognized for its its perseverance and creativity in preserving Ohio’s local records. Like many counties, the Clark County Probate Court’s case files of wills and estate settlements, guardianship, and civil cases contain a wealth of information about the County’s history. The Clark County Historical Society brought together the expertise of staff, the enthusiasm of volunteers and interns, and a small grant for supplies to create a focused effort toward ensuring the preservation of and better access to these important local records. This project was not only ambitious, but creative in its use of resources – including the transformation of back-room activities into a public teachable moment. Because of space constraints, a significant amount of document processing occurred in the public reading room. Project staff and volunteers engaged visitors in the process, explaining how and why these records were being preserved.

OHRAB presentation to Clark County Historical Society, February 6, 2013. Left to right: Flossie Hulsizer, Marty Castle, Marguerite Brinkman, Ruth Stiles, Pat Baker, Virginia Warren, and Mel Glover (project volunteers); Pari Swift and Galen Wilson (OHRAB Representatives); Natalie Fritz (project coordinator)

Also nominated were the Miami University Libraries Digital Library, University of Akron Archival Services, and University of Dayton Libraries.