October is American Archives month

This month we celebrate American Archives month, and thus, the importance of archives.  So . . . what is an archive?  Here is one definition: “an archive is a collection of individual publications that are often cataloged or listed and made accessible in some way.  Magazines, journals, and newspapers with Web sites sometimes refer to their back issues as an archive.”  Here is a much simpler one: “An archive is a repository for records of historical value.”

Actually, I like the second definition better than the first.  It defines an archive in a much broader sense.  The biggest “thing” with archives is getting them indexed so you can go to one place, one spreadsheet, one database, search for what you’re looking for, and find where it is located.  With that accomplished, researchers can actually find what they are looking for.

My position gives me the pleasure of being able to work with, among other things, archivists.  The ones I’ve worked with have all been dedicated, devoted, and passionate about what they do.  Of course, I’ve found that same dedication and enthusiasm with librarians, historians and genealogists.  These are amazing people.  They toil away, mostly un-noticed and under-appreciated.  These people are the keepers of our history, our heritage.  Learn more about what archivists do by going to this link for the Society of American Archivists.