The Roving Archivist Program connects stewards of historical records with a trained professional archivist to provide advice on policies, procedures, arrangement and description of records, preservation planning, emergency preparedness, and setting priorities. The roving archivist conducts a site visit to provide a Strategic Assessment and Program Review, followed by a report of recommendations and resources customized to the needs of the institution. Typical grantees include historical societies, museums, town clerks, historical commissions, special libraries, schools, community archives, and public libraries with local history collections. After the initial assessment the roving archivist continues to engage with the institution, per request, to provide guidance on implementing recommendations, support regrant funding, and build connections within the Commonwealth's archival community.
Through grant funding from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), Roving Archivist Program services are available at no cost to institutions. The MA SHRAB accepts applications on a rolling basis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, sites visits may be delayed to ensure safety.
Due to the demand for this offering, the SHRAB is not accepting new applications for the Roving Archivist program at this time. The SHRAB anticipates opening up applications again in Spring 2023. Please check this page again for new updates.