News Update by NHPRC
National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) Awards Grants and Announces Major Initiatives
From 2020 to 2024, the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) has been a driving force in preserving, documenting, and making accessible historical records and collections. The commission's major initiatives typically focus on archival projects, digitisation efforts, and educational programs.
In December 2024, the NHPRC awarded $2.4 million in grants, following the $4 million awarded by the National Archives in June 2024. The specific projects funded are yet to be disclosed, but the commission is known to support state and local government archives, public and private institutions, and tribal organisations in preserving and publishing significant historical records.
Looking back, one of the most notable events was in August 2016 when the Access to Historical Records program was revised. Highlighted projects included those on Jefferson's Petroglyphs, Georgia O'Keeffe and Maria Chabot, Princeton University and the Cold War, and Decoding Civil War Telegrams.
Educational initiatives have also been a key focus. In August 2023, two professional development opportunities were announced. Coursework Development Grants, such as those awarded to the University of North Texas, fund partnerships between faculty and archival collections to integrate historical documents into academic courses.
In October 2023, Dr. Colleen Shogan was nominated as the Archivist of the United States (AOTUS). More recently, in February 2024, Katherine Sibley was named the Organization of American Historians (OAH) representative to the Commission.
The NHPRC's commitment to public access initiatives is evident in their support of digitisation projects. For instance, the University of North Texas Music Library was granted funds to digitise the Tim Owens Jazz and Broadcast Collection, which includes over 150 hours of jazz interviews and performances.
The commission's strategic plans have also undergone changes. In September 2015, a new Strategic Plan was introduced, and in December 2015, the revised Strategic Plan was introduced. These plans guide the commission's work in preserving and providing access to America's historical records.
As the NHPRC continues its work, it is clear that the commission plays a crucial role in preserving and making accessible America's rich historical records for future generations. For the most recent grant details and commission news, visit the NHPRC or the National Archives official websites or their annual reports.
- The National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), in its ongoing efforts to broaden the scope of historical records access, extends its initiatives beyond archival projects and digitization to encompass health-and-wellness, perhaps funding research relating to medical-conditions, as part of the education-and-self-development sector, similar to the integration of historical documents into academic courses.
- Given the diverse range of projects supported by the NHPRC, including Jefferson's Petroglyphs, Georgia O'Keeffe and Maria Chabot, and Decoding Civil War Telegrams, one might envision a project in the future that delves into the history of scientific discoveries or breakthroughs, furthering the commission's mission to preserve and provide access to America's historical records.
