New York State Archives Awards More Than $4 Million in Local Government Records Management Grants

The New York State Archives today announced that $4.1 million has been awarded to 65 local institutions to preserve and manage government records and archival materials. The grants, awarded through the Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund (LGRMIF), will provide municipalities, school districts, and educational institutions across New York State with resources to address their most needed records management needs and ensure that records are properly preserved and accessible to the public.

New York State Archivist Brian Keough said, "Archival materials are more than just pieces of paper or electronic records. They ensure the public has an accurate record of our collective history. As we celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary this year, we are reminded of the importance of preserving materials that, at the time, may have seemed mundane, such as deeds, maps, and cemetery records. Not only are these records irreplaceable, but they also provide a window into our local history. These LGRMIF grants will ensure that our government and educational institutions have the support they need to preserve these materials, allowing generations of researchers, historians, educators, students, and members of the public to access and learn from them."

This year's funded projects include record inventory and review initiatives, digitization projects, and storage improvements. Since 1988, the LGRMIF program has provided more than $255 million in competitive grant funding to local governments and institutions throughout New York State. Funded project categories include:

Disaster Management: Creating and executing recovery plans to protect paper and electronic records in the event of a disaster.

Inactive Records: Improving processes to manage infrequently used records that must be retained.

Historical Records: Preserving historical records so they can be used as educational resources in communities and classrooms.

Files Management: Improving or updating the systematic control of active files.

Document Conversion and Access: Digitizing hardcopy records using digital imaging to improve access and preservation.

LGRMIF grants awarded this year range from $6,535 to $163,626. Grants are awarded through a competitive selection process to support local records management projects expected to have the greatest impact.

A full list of awards by county is available on the New York State Archives website.

About the New York State Archives

Established in 1971, the New York State Archives has amassed one of the most extensive and historically significant state archive collections in the nation. The Archives manages, preserves, and provides open access to over 250 million colonial and New York State records dating back to the 1630s. In addition, the Archives provides records and archival management services to nearly 4,500 counties, cities, towns, villages, school districts, and other local governments across New York State. The Archives offers technical assistance, training, and grants to non-government repositories through the Documentary Heritage Program and Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY). Researchers can access public records through the Archives' online Digital Collections or by appointment on the 11th floor of the Cultural Education Center. For more information, please visit the New York State Archives website.