Archives - Outreach - State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB)

Assistance for local governments and state agencies: Archives Frequently Asked Questions.

Coordinate your inquiries on retention, disposition, and preservation between Office of Records Management and the State Archives. For information contact Ann Jenks at ajenks@nd.gov or (701) 328-2090.

Since 1975, federal law requires each state, territory, and the District of Columbia to have a State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) in order to participate in the National Historical Publications and Records Commission grant program.

The North Dakota SHRAB was established in 1976, with a coordinator and board members appointed by the governor. SHRAB membership is intended to be representative of all types of historical organizations and repositories within the states, including public libraries, historic sites, museums, historical societies, local and state governments, universities and colleges, genealogists, and professional historians. A majority of board members must have recognized experience in the administration of historical records or archives.

The SHRAB responsibilities include:

• Review grant applications made to the NHPRC - www.archives.gov/nhprc/
• Serve as state liaison with the programs of NHPRC
• Plan for the development and improvement of historic records programs in the state and encourage coordination of efforts to preserve historical records

The NHPRC is a statutory body affiliated with the National Archives and Records Administration. The commission is authorized to undertake a wide range of activities involving the preservation, publication, and use of documentary sources relating to the history of the United States.

The SHRAB serves as an advisory and coordinating body. It does not acquire, preserve, or provide access to historical records. The goals and activities the board advocates can only be achieved by the combined efforts of many organizations and individuals interested in the history of North Dakota.

Membership

SHRAB members serve three-year, unpaid terms. Current board members include:

Ann Jenks, coordinator, Bismarck
Lotte Bailey, Bismarck
John Bye, Fargo
Dakota Goodhouse, Mandan
David Gray, Bismarck
Curt Hanson, Grand Forks
Becky Lingle, Bismarck
Gerald Newborg, Bismarck
John Hallberg, Fargo
Deb Kroshus, Bismarck

SHRAB has published a preferred practices manual, Keeping History, for North Dakota records repositories. The manual contains a checklist of preferred practices and sample policies and forms.

• Keeping History
• Preferred Practices Checklist
• Archivists’ Code of Ethics
• Statement on the Sale of Public Records
• Preserving Your Organization’s Records
• Strategic Plan

Address:
612 East Boulevard Ave.
Bismarck, North Dakota 58505
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Hours:
State Museum and Store: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F; Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
We are closed New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
We will also be closed on Christmas Eve this year.
State Archives: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. M-F, except state holidays; 2nd Sat. of each month, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
State Historical Society offices: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F, except state holidays.

Contact Us:
phone: 701.328.2666
email: histsoc@nd.gov