Mission
The Massachusetts State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) provides leadership, advocacy and guidance to help ensure the discovery and access, preservation, and use of the Commonwealth’s public and private documentary heritage resources. Funding from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) supports the activities of the SHRAB.
Key Priorities and Strategies
Provide information, educational opportunities, and direct support to assist Massachusetts’s historical records communities in identifying, preserving, and providing access to historically significant records. The SHRAB encourages and supports communication and coordination among the historical records communities and the public. To ensure more inclusive and equitable access to SHRAB programs and resources, the SHRAB commits to greater transparency around decision making and to expand connections with diverse community archives. The SHRAB facilitates and helps identify projects that preserve archival records and make them accessible.
- Assist historical records caretakers in the arrangement, description, and preservation of their records through a vital and growing Roving Archivist program and Regrant funds to purchase archival supplies.
- Support the preservation of documents and histories of historically marginalized people.
- Develop educational opportunities in response to the expressed needs of historical records communities by providing skills-building workshops, training, and mentorship opportunities in support of archival work and in keeping with best practices and standards.
- Enhance digital discovery and access to collection information for a broader audience.
- Emphasize and Raise awareness of the importance of historical records.
- Publicize grant opportunities, offer consultation and draft review of grant proposals, and guide applicants in obtaining grant funds from NHPRC and other sources.
- Collaborate with other organizations to grow the community of those concerned with historical records through in-person and online networking and educational events and forums.
SHRAB Programs:
- Roving Archivist
- Regrants
- Archival Field Fellowships
- Curated Resource Guides
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Annual Conference
*The SHRAB encourages applications for funding for special projects related to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence/American Revolution, especially projects that go beyond the typical colonial rhetoric to explore the stories of often overlooked people and communities.