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GHS Awarded Grant to Digitize Finding Aids
SAVANNAH, Ga., October 1, 2012 – The Georgia Historical Society will digitize around 1,600 archival collection finding aids over the next two years, creating a searchable online database to be hosted by the Digital Library of Georgia. The National Historical Publications and Records Commission, (NHPRC), has awarded a $68,488 grant in support of the project.
Finding aids are documents that provide detailed information about the contents of individual archival collections which in turn allow researchers better access to, and understanding of the materials. Once the digital database is created, finding aids will be linked to existing online educational resources like the New Georgia Encyclopedia and GHS’ Today in Georgia History providing the public with both increased access and context.
“An understanding of the past is crucial to our future as a nation. That's why it's imperative that we make history accessible to students and teachers,” said Todd Groce, GHS President and CEO. “This grant will allow the Georgia Historical Society to deliver unprecedented online access to our archival collection descriptions and lay the necessary foundation for future digitization of archival materials."
The NHPRC is a 15-member body established in 1934 and chaired by the Archivist of the United States. Affiliated with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) it supports a wide range of activities to preserve, publish, and encourage the use of documentary sources, created in every medium ranging from quill pen to computer, relating to the history of the United States.