OHRAB members present 2014 Achievement Award to Greene County Archives, December 16, 2014. L to R: Alan Anderson (County Commissioner), Bob Glaser (County Commissioner), Galen Wilson (OHRAB), Gillian Hill (Archivist/Records Manager), Dawne Dewey (OHRAB), Robin Heise (Public Outreach Archivist), Tom Koogler (County Commissioner).
The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board (OHRAB) is pleased to announce that the Greene County Records Center and Archives is the recipient of the 2014 OHRAB Archives Achievement Award!
We commend the staff and volunteers for all that they have done to preserve, provide access to, and promote Greene County local government records. We are especially impressed with the way the county came together in 2011 to respond to the building disaster in a way that provided care for the records and ultimately re-housed the archives and record center in a clean, environmentally controlled space that provides more convenient access to the records. Their willingness to share their experience has hopefully encouraged others to be proactive in what to watch for, reactive in a way that protects the records, and serves as an example of government involvement in supporting its archives. Further details…
The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board Achievement Award recognizes significant accomplishments in preserving and improving access to historical records in any format by an Ohio archival institution. All Ohio institutions responsible for archival records that provide public access to at least a portion of their collections are eligible. Eligible accomplishments include recent special projects or on-going programs that:
Preference will be given to projects or programs that can be adapted for use by other institutions.
Deadline: October 17, 2014
Download⇒ OHRAB Achievement Award flyer (2014 – PDF)
A June 24th Columbus Dispatch article, “Old records salvaged from Licking County Courthouse attic” spotlight’s OHRAB’s 2011 Achievement Award Winner, Licking County and Records Manager, Katy Klettlinger.
OHRAB is pleased to recognize the Shaker Heights Public Library as its 2013 Achievement Award recipient. The Shaker Heights Public Library, in conjunction with the City of Shaker Heights Landmark Commission, created HistoricShaker.com, an online collection and reference tool capturing and cataloguing the architectural history of Shaker Heights homes dating as far back as 1915. More than 1,000 volunteer hours were provided in the scanning of more than 10,000 index cards to create a searchable database highlighting the construction year, building materials, construction cost estimate and architect of Shaker homes. In addition, a Smartphone app was created, allowing the public to view the digitally-recorded history of homes as well view a walking tour of Shaker’s historical landmarks, events, oral histories and people significant to the history of the city.
The OHRAB achievement award provides annual recognition to archival institutions that have demonstrated significant accomplishment in preserving and improving access to historical documents in a number of formats. More information on the award is available here.
Press: Cleveland Plain Dealer: HistoricShaker.com wins two state awards for online database and phone app.
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)
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.