Current Issues and Advocacy

Learn about current legislation, initiatives, and advocacy efforts for New York State’s historical records communities.

Preserving the American Historical Record (PAHR)

PAHR is a bill (HR 2256) introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in May, 2009, that seeks to provide federal formula-based grants to every state for projects that preserve historical records and make them more accessible. The funds would be used for statewide projects and for redistribution to local governments, historical societies, library historical collections, universities, and other organizations to ensure essential care of and improved access to documents and historical records in many forms, from paper to electronic media.

New York State Archives

• Laws and Regulations related to local government, state agency, and non-governmental records
• Special initiatives, model/demonstration projects, and unique undertakings that increase the accessibility of New York's historical resources

Council of State Archivist (CoSA)

• Issues such as the proposed federal legislation for grants, digital access partnerships, and online sale of public records
• Current projects including emergency preparedness training and survey of state archives

Museum Association of New York (MANY)

• How you can advocate for the preservation of New York State’s documentary history
• The latest legislation and policy affecting records and records keepers
• How to secure historical records in your care

New York Legislative Directory

Capital District Library Council, Advocacy Information

Museum Association of New York offers a number of tools including:

• Advocacy Tips
• Legislative and Policy Updates
• Lobbying FAQs

New York Library Association provides advocacy tools that are beneficial for libraries and other not-for-profits to influence legislators in supporting NYS budget initiatives.

Society of American Archivists (SSA),

Professional Issues and Advocacy draws attention to SAA initiatives that advocate on behalf of archives and archivists. It includes information on the Preserving the American Historical Record (PAHR) bill described above.