2022 Archives Achievement Award Recipient

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board (OHRAB) is proud to announce that the recipient of the 2022 OHRAB Achievement Award is the Archives and Special Collections of University Libraries at The University of Akron.

During The University of Akron’s sesquicentennial anniversary year from May 31, 2020, to June 1, 2021, the staff and faculty of the Archives and Special Collections preserved and made available important archival resources documenting the long history of the University.  The staff overcame difficulties created by the pandemic, mass protests over the killing of George Floyd, and limited staff and resources to make their collections more accessible to the campus, the community, and the public for research and study. 

The Archives and Special Collections completed multiple projects across a broad range of formats and subjects.  The staff curated four online exhibits on The University of Akron’s history, including “Peace & Power: Black Activism at The University of Akron.”  In addition, they digitized and uploaded nearly 27,000 items from the archives to their digital repository, including nearly 20,000 university photographs, over 5,500 issues of the student newspaper, and nearly 100 volumes of student yearbooks. 

The staff provided research and support for several sesquicentennial-related projects sponsored by the campus and the community, such as the University history docu-series “Keeping the Lamp of Learning Burning.”  Staff also collaborated with the Department of History and team taught an oral history class that recorded twelve oral history interviews on inclusion and diversity that are available online. 

To view the online collections, visit the Archives and Special Collections website at:  https://www.uakron.edu/libraries/archives/ [uakron.edu]

OHRAB congratulates the staff and faculty of the Archives and Special Collections of University Libraries at The University of Akron for their accomplishments and wishes them continued success in their efforts to preserve the history of Ohio.

2022 Citizen Archivist Award Recipients

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board (OHRAB) is proud to announce that Sister Nancy Garson of the Dominican Sisters of Peace Archives, Flossie Hulsizer of the Clark County Historical Society, and Carolyn Shaffer of the Trumbull County Records Center & Archives, are recipients of the 2022 OHRAB Citizen Archivist Award.

The OHRAB Citizen Archivist Award honors volunteers in Ohio’s archives who work long hours, unpaid and often unacknowledged, answering reference requests, processing collections, and indexing historic records.  This award recognizes volunteers in Ohio archives who best exemplify the dedication and hard work volunteers–our citizen archivists–contribute to Ohio’s archives each day.

When Sister Nancy became a volunteer at the Dominican Sisters of Peace Archive in 2016, she undertook organizing the archives according to modern archival standards.  She had no background in archives, but she soon learned by seeking archival training, working with a consultant, and joining professional organizations.  She created policies, processed collections, and organized the archives according to archival best practices.  Sister Nancy oversaw the moves of three archives following the merger within the Dominican Sisters and secured approval for a new HVAC system for the archives.  She laid the foundation for the archives to hire professional archivists in 2022 and continues to volunteer, processing collections and answering reference requests.

Flossie Hulsizer has been a volunteer with the Clark County Historical Society and the Clark County Genealogical Society for over twenty years.  She contributed nearly 6,000 hours of her time to preserving the history of Clark County and making it accessible to the public.  Flossie maintains the Genealogical Society’s family surname files and the family materials related to the First Families of Clark County, a society where members trace their lineage back to the earliest settlers of Clark County.  At the Historical Society, Flossie researches incoming requests and helps researchers find the resources they need. She has printed and bound many booklets of information for the research library and archives that abstract birth, deaths, marriages, and more.

Carolyn Shaffer has been a volunteer at the Trumbull County Records Center & Archives for eight years.  Carolyn is a retired high school teacher from Warren, Ohio.  Carolyn has indexed court case records dating back to the early 1800s, coroner’s files, naturalizations, and many other records.  She prepares records for scanning, a tedious job that she describes as “soothing.”  She helps researchers visiting the archives and is full of knowledge about the events and citizens of Trumbull County.  Carolyn also volunteers at the Trumbull County Historical Society. 

Please join OHRAB in celebrating the accomplishments of Sister Nancy Garson, Flossie Hulsizer, and Carolyn Shaffer and their contributions to the history of Ohio.  We applaud the dedication, talent, and love that they and their fellow volunteers bring to Ohio’s archives each day.

Nominations Open for the 2022 Archival Achievement Award

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:

  • build significant collections
  • implement successful preservation strategies
  • enhance access to archives
  • develop effective digitization programs

Preference will be given to projects or programs that can be adapted for use by other institutions.

Because the award recognizes institutional achievements, individuals are not eligible. Departments employing members of OHRAB are not eligible, but other departments in their institutions are eligible.

Nominating letters should be no longer than two pages, 12-pt, single spaced, describing the institution’s program/project along with its goals, accomplishments, and significance. Each must include the nominee’s institutional name along with a contact person’s name, mailing and email addresses, and phone number. If the nomination includes online collections, please include a link to the website.

Send nominations via email or U.S. mail to:

Tina Ratcliff

County Records & Information Manager
Montgomery County Records Center & Archives
117 South Main Street

P.O. Box 972
Dayton, OH 45422
937.496.6932 

[email protected]

Nominations must be received by October 31, 2022.

Self-nominations are encouraged.

Questions? Contact Tina Ratcliff at [email protected] or 937.496.6932

2022-OHRAB-Achievement-Award-Announcement and Recent Winners

Celebrate Ohio’s Citizen Archivists!

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board Citizen Archivist Award honors volunteers in Ohio’s archives who work long hours answering reference requests, processing collections, and indexing historic records.  This award recognizes a volunteer in an Ohio archive who best exemplifies the dedication and hard work volunteers—our citizen archivists—contribute to Ohio’s archives each day.

All Ohio institutions responsible for archival records that provide free public access to at least a portion of their collections are eligible. Preference will be given to volunteers whose work increases access to archival collections in Ohio.  OHRAB will accept nominations from Ohio archival institutions as well as the general public.

Departments employing members of OHRAB are not eligible, but other departments in their institutions are eligible.

Nominating letters should be no longer than two pages, 12-pt, single spaced, describing the accomplishments and dedication of the volunteer. Include the nominee’s name along with a contact person’s name, mailing and email addresses, and phone number.  If the nominee’s contributions include online collections, please include a link to the website.

Send nominations via email or U.S. mail to:

Tina Ratcliff

County Records & Information Manager
Montgomery County Records Center & Archives
117 South Main Street

P.O. Box 972
Dayton, OH 45422
937.496.6932 

[email protected]

Nominations must be received by September 30, 2022.

Questions? Contact Tina Ratcliff at [email protected] or 937-496-6932.

2022 OHRAB Citizen Archivist Award Announcement

Professional Development Scholarships

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board (OHRAB) is pleased to announce a development opportunity for students, volunteers and records professionals.

OHRAB, with funding provided by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, is offering scholarship aid to support continuing archival education for graduate students and individuals who care for the historic record. OHRAB will award scholarships of up to $300 assist individuals in attending a professional development opportunity of their choosing. The meeting may be in person or virtual.  Applications are due September 30, 2022.

Funding is available to support attendance at development opportunities offered by such organizations as:

  • The Midwest Archives Conference,
  • The Society of American Archivists,
  • The Society of Ohio Archivists,
  • The Ohio Local History Alliance,
  • The Academic Library Association of Ohio,
  • The Ohio Municipal Clerks Association,
  • The International Institute of Municipal Clerk,
  • The Ohio Township Association,
  • The Ohio Genealogical Society, or
  • Other professional development opportunities subject to approval by OHRAB.

Applicants must be individuals who are full-time (minimum of 9 credits) graduate students currently enrolled in an Ohio institution of higher education; individuals working or volunteering in an Ohio library, archive, special collection, or government repository; individuals who serve as a state, county, municipal, or township official or their designee whose main responsibilities is to maintain public records; and those who work or volunteer in other roles caring for or providing access to records within the State of Ohio.

Questions?  Please contact Tina Ratcliff, Montgomery County Records and Information Manager, [email protected]

OHRAB-Professional-Development-Scholarship-Description-Fall-2022

Application-OHRAB-Professional-Development-Scholarship-2022

Professional Development Scholarships

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board (OHRAB) is pleased to announce a development opportunity for students, volunteers, and records professionals.

OHRAB, from funding provided by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, has allocated $1,200 annually in scholarship aid to support continuing education for graduate students and individuals who care for the historic record. The Board will award scholarships to assist individuals in attending a professional development opportunity of their choosing. The meeting may be in person or virtual.  Applications are due on April 30, 2022.

Funding is available to support attendance at development opportunities offered by such organizations as:

  • The Midwest Archives Conference,
  • The Society of American Archivists,
  • The Society of Ohio Archivists,
  • The Ohio Local History Alliance,
  • The Academic Library Association of Ohio,
  • The Ohio Municipal Clerks Association,
  • The International Institute of Municipal Clerk,
  • The Ohio Township Association,
  • The Ohio Genealogical Society, or
  • Other professional development opportunities subject to approval by OHRAB.

Applicants must be individuals who are full-time (minimum of 9 credits) graduate students currently enrolled in an Ohio institution of higher education; individuals working or volunteering in an Ohio library, archive, special collection, or government repository; individuals who serve as a state, county, municipal, or township official or their designee whose main responsibilities is to maintain public records; and those who work or volunteer in other roles caring for or providing access to records within the State of Ohio.

**PLEASE NOTE: OHRAB is awaiting formal notification from the NHPRC on the funding for the scholarship.  While it is necessary for OHRAB to announce this opportunity and begin to receive your applications, all scholarships are contingent on OHRAB receiving the funds from the NHPRC.

For more details, see the attached description and application.

OHRAB Professional Development Scholarship Description Spring 2022

OHRAB Professional Development Scholarship Application

2022 OHRAB Regrants Opportunity

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board announces the availability of grants between $500 and $5,000 to archival institutions to fund projects to preserve and/or provide access to Ohio’s historical records.  The grants are funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), an arm of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). 

Grant applications are due March 31, 2022.  More information on the grants, including the application packet, is available here.

Projects eligible for funding in 2022 include:

  • Assessment and Strategic Planning: hiring consultants to identify needs and priorities for improving the organization, description, preservation and access to collections.
  • Access, Arrangement and Description: identifying, organizing, and improving access to historical records.
  • Preservation: purchasing archival file folders, archival boxes, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, hygrothermographs, or HEPA vacuum cleaners.
  • Website Development: Adding collections to online catalog, developing virtual archives, or creating an on-line database. Websites designed to support access to researchers (e.g., online catalogs, finding aids, and digitized collections, rather than curated web exhibits) will receive preference in funding.
  • Projects focused on under-documented communities and topics, as well as underserved communities, are encouraged.

Please Note: all projects should produce some type of online content, such as a finding aid, report or digital images.

Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit draft grant applications for feedback.  Draft applications must be received by February 25 and comments and recommendations on the drafts should not be construed as guaranteeing a grant award.      

**PLEASE NOTE: OHRAB is awaiting formal notification from the NHPRC on the funding for the regrants.  While it is necessary for OHRAB to announce this grant opportunity and begin to receive your proposals, all awards are contingent on OHRAB receiving the funds from the NHPRC.

 Questions?  Please contact: Stephen Badenhop, Records and Archives Coordinator, Union County Records Center (937-645-4177; [email protected]).

2021 Archives Achievement Award Recipient

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board (OHRAB) is proud to announce that the recipient of the 2021 OHRAB Achievement Award is the Muskingum County Records Center.

In 2019, the Muskingum County Records Center began a partnership with Family Search to preserve the historic records of the Muskingum County Common Pleas Clerk of Courts Office and make the records more accessible. These include the Common Pleas Civil and Criminal files from 1840 to the early 1900s and the Common Pleas Domestic Court files to the late 1980s.  Prior to this project, the records could only be viewed at the Records Center. The lack of an index also hindered access to the documents, which were damaged by inadequate storage conditions.

During the project volunteers contributed over 40,000 hours of their time to unfold, flatten, clean, image, and properly store the original historic documents. Once the records were preserved, the Records Center staff indexed the records, making the original records easily accessible to the public for the first time. Family Search then uploaded the records to its website where the images are now available for free to all researchers.

With this award, OHRAB also honors the memory of Muskingum County Common Pleas Court Clerk of Courts Todd Bickle. Mr. Bickle was a believer in the citizen’s right to access public records. He spearheaded the creation of the Records Center and remained its champion. Mr. Bickle initiated the project with Family Search and his office purchased the materials needed to preserve the historic records. Due to his untimely death, he did not see the project’s completion, but his efforts will continue to benefit all Ohioans.

OHRAB congratulates the staff and volunteers of the Muskingum County Records Center for their accomplishments and wishes them continued success in their efforts to preserve the history of Ohio.

2021 Citizen Archivist Award Recipient

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board (OHRAB) is proud to announce that Barbara Matthies of the Clark County Historical Society at the Heritage Center, is the winner of the 2021 OHRAB Citizen Archivist Award.

The OHRAB Citizen Archivist Award honors volunteers in Ohio’s archives who work long hours, unpaid and often unacknowledged, answering reference requests, processing collections, and indexing historic records. This award recognizes a volunteer in an Ohio archives who best exemplifies the dedication and hard work volunteers–our citizen archivists–contribute to Ohio’s archives each day.

Barbara Matthies volunteers at the Clark County Historical Society at the Heritage Center. After many years as a linguistics professor at Iowa State, Barbara returned to the Springfield area to be closer to family and contacted the Clark County Historical Society about volunteering. For nearly a decade she has been scanning the Society’s photograph collections. Thanks to Barbara, the society has gone from having very few photographs scanned to now having most of its enormous photographic collection imaged and indexed. Barbara has donated over 2,000 hours to making the Clark County Historical Society’s photographic collections accessible to staff, volunteers, and the public.

For more information about Barbara and her accomplishments, please see the attached announcement.

OHRAB congratulates Barbara and thanks her for her dedication to the history of Ohio!

Nominations Open for 2021 Archival Achievement Award

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:

  • build significant collections
  • implement successful preservation strategies
  • enhance access to archives
  • develop effective digitization programs

Preference will be given to projects or programs that can be adapted for use by other institutions.

Because the award recognizes institutional achievements, individuals are not eligible. Departments employing members of OHRAB are not eligible, but other departments in their institutions are eligible.

Nominating letters should be no longer than two pages, 12-pt, single spaced, describing the institution’s program/project along with its goals, accomplishments, and significance. Each must include the nominee’s institutional name along with a contact person’s name, mailing and email addresses, and phone number.

Send nominations via email or U.S. mail to:

Tina Ratcliff

County Records & Information Manager
Montgomery County Records Center & Archives
117 South Main Street

P.O. Box 972
Dayton, OH 45422
937.496.6932 

[email protected]

Nominations must be received by November 12, 2021.

More information is available here: 2021 OHRAB Achievement Award Announcement

Questions? Contact Tina Ratcliff at [email protected] or 937.496.6932