Look inside the February 2016 Issue of the Arkansas Archivist for these and other features
AHC Celebrates Black History Month with Launch of New Digital Collection
In 1926, Carter G. Woodson, the Father of Black History, established the second week of February as “Negro History Week” based on his core belief that, “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.” In 1976, President Gerald Ford expanded the week into a month.
The AHC and BHCA Welcome New Commissioners
This month we welcome new appointees to the Arkansas History Commission and to the Black History Commission of Arkansas. Rod Soubers has extensive experience in the field of archives. Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch is an Associate Professor of History at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.
From the Director
This month, thanks to the support of Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, the Arkansas History Commission took a significant step forward in fulfilling its role as the state archives. On February 17, 2016, the Governor’s Office issued a memorandum pertaining to the preservation of historical documents held by Arkansas state agencies, offices and departments. In this memorandum, Governor Hutchinson issued a mandate for state agencies, offices and departments to work with the Arkansas History Commission in the preservation of records currently not in use that have long term administrative, legal and historical value.
News from NEARA
Although history defines our very purpose at the Arkansas History Commission and NEARA, this month we take a closer look at Black History as part of the nation’s celebration of Black History Month. For us at NEARA, that means a few things. In addition to our usual column in this newsletter and participation in local events, this year, for the first time, we are participating in a three-part genealogy workshop at Arkansas State University.
