Idaho, the Gem State, finds itself in the spotlight for various reasons, both positive and negative. Known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities, it's now also making headlines for political debates and controversies.
Idaho State Historical Records Advisory Board Promotes Preservation of Historical Records
The Idaho State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) is dedicated to the preservation, documentation, and accessibility of Idaho's historical records. Over the years, the board has undertaken various projects and regrant programs aimed at maintaining and enhancing the state's inventory of archaeological and historical resources.
One of the key objectives of these projects is to support nonprofit organizations in county-level historical and cultural activities. This includes providing funding and technical assistance to facilitate broader historical preservation efforts.
Throughout its history, the Idaho State Historical Society in Boise, ID has received numerous grants to support its initiatives. In 1977, the Society received $5,981 for regional workshops and consultation in basic techniques of document conservation (77-041). Fast forward to 2003, the Society received $17,500 on behalf of the Idaho SHRAB to provide disaster planning, records management, and archival training to the state's records keepers (2003-043).
The City of Boise, Office of the City Clerk, also benefited from the board's initiatives, receiving $61,702 for a two-year project to establish a records management and archival program for the City of Boise in 1985 and 1986 (85-089, 86-110).
The Idaho State Historical Society was also the recipient of several grants to support the work of the Idaho Historical Records Advisory Board. In 1986, the Society received $5,000 for travel and meeting expenses (86-091). In the same year, the Society received a grant of $60,250 to support the work of the Idaho Historical Records Advisory Board, including a statewide regrants program. (RC10108-11)
Between 1988 and 2005, the Idaho State Historical Records Advisory Board received multiple grants to analyze the current condition of historical records in the state, identify problems, frame potential solutions, and outline actions that can be taken now and in the future. For instance, in 1988, the board received $24,463 to conduct such an analysis (88-063).
In addition to the Idaho State Historical Society, other institutions have also benefited from the board's initiatives. The University of Idaho in Moscow, ID received a grant of $60,000 to support the arrangement and description of 22 collections related to the history of environmental conservation in the Pacific Northwest (RB50027-08).
The total funding provided to these initiatives amounts to $789,415. This funding comes from a combination of local governments, private donors, heritage trusts, and federal assistance. The focus is on maintaining inventories, supporting nonprofit organizational activities, and preserving significant historical and archaeological resources.
The board's efforts are not limited to the state of Idaho. For example, in 1986 and 1987, the University of Idaho received $55,000 for a two-year project to appraise, arrange, and describe the records of more than 50 mining companies from the Coeur d'Alene region of northern Idaho (86-122, 87-118).
In conclusion, the Idaho State Historical Records Advisory Board plays a crucial role in preserving and making accessible Idaho's historical records. This is achieved primarily through support of nonprofit initiatives via regranting programs, with funding sourced from a combination of local governments, private donors, heritage trusts, and federal assistance. The focus is on maintaining inventories, supporting nonprofit organizational activities, and preserving significant historical and archaeological resources.
The Idaho State Historical Records Advisory Board's funding extends beyond local projects, as the University of Idaho received grants for education-and-self-development initiatives, such as appraising, arranging, and describing the records of more than 50 mining companies (1986-122, 1987-118). The board's efforts are instrumental in fostering business growth in industries like finance and education-and-self-development, helping to fortify Idaho's rich historical landscape for future generations.
With the board's assistance, organizations like the University of Idaho can better understand and preserve crucial aspects of Idaho's past, potentially unearthing valuable insights that could contribute to the state's future economic development and overall prosperity. Moreover, this careful preservation and documentation of historical records can help the state's businesses make informed decisions, rooted in an understanding of their cultural and historical contexts.
