Written by Lauren Katz, Utah Division of Archives and Records Services
For the third consecutive year, the Utah State Historical Records Advisory Board (USHRAB), opens in a new tab has received the State Historical Records Advisory Board Award of Merit from the Council of State Archivists (CoSA), opens in a new tab and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), opens in a new tab.
The Award of Merit recognizes outstanding efforts by state boards to strengthen the preservation and use of historical records. Utah’s USHRAB was honored for its leadership in expanding grant opportunities, increasing outreach to small institutions, and building long-term partnerships that help communities preserve their documentary heritage.
Created by the State of Utah in 1978 and administered by the Utah Division of Archives and Records Service, USHRAB supports archives, libraries, museums, and other institutions through training, outreach, and grants. Since 2007, the Board has awarded more than $457,000 to fund archival projects across Utah. Each October, USHRAB also leads Utah Archives Month, a statewide initiative that connects cultural heritage organizations with their communities through exhibits, events, and storytelling.
The award was presented during the Council of State Archivists Annual Meeting, held this year in Salt Lake City—the first time Utah has hosted the national gathering of state archivists. Attendees from across the country convened to explore the theme “From Records to Stories: Archives as Storytellers of Democracy.”
In addition to USHRAB’s recognition, the Utah State Archives received the CoSA President’s Award of Excellence for its hosting duties, and USHRAB Executive Secretary Genesie Miller was honored with a President’s Award of Excellence for her leadership in updating the national SHRAB guide, a resource that has helped advisory boards grow and thrive nationwide.
