FROM: News from the [New York] State Archives, Region 1, No. 1-2/2009.
Preserving the American Historical Record Act (PAHR): The Act will authorize grants to support the essential evidence of American government and society held by state and local governments, historical societies, and libraries.
Status: On May 15, 2008, the Preserving the American Historical Record Act (H>R> 6056) was introduced in the 110th Congress. Original co-sponsors were Representatives Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Chris Cannon (R-UT). This legislation would provide authorization for the Preserving the American Historical Record program to preserve essential documents and archival records held in state and local governments and historical institutions….
The PAHR program leverages millions of additional dollars from state and local programs through a 50% cost-sharing requirement for every dollar granted. The projects funded will provide economic stimulus to states and communities by providing employment opportunities that will produce meaningful and direct benefits for local governments, students, and the general public…. As the program will be directed through existing state archives that are ready to distribute funds quickly, the effects an be almost immediate in localities and communities. (Excerpt from publication piece prepared by the Council of State Archivists (www.statearchivists.org), Society of American Archivists (www.archivists.org), and National Association of Government Archives and Records Administrators (www.nagara.org).
This legislation is very important to the continuation of our work to develop records management and archival programs to our agencies, and to give the people access to the public record. Please contact your local congressional representative (House and Senate) to support this important legislation.