It’s Archives Month!
By Aley Philp
Last Tuesday, Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon signed a proclamation declaring October as Archives Month and recognizing the vital role that archives play in preserving our past. It’s an invitation for everyone to engage with the wealth of historical records and documents that shape our identity.
Archives are collections of documents, records, and all kinds of other materials; they include letters, photographs, maps, manuscripts, audiovisual recordings and digital files. These records are meticulously preserved by archivists and institutions to ensure they remain accessible for future generations.
Just as an example of the varied content in Wyoming archives, take a quick tour here of the papers of Robert Conway, reporter for the New York Daily News, who found himself in Palestine in 1948 just as the British were pulling out and the first war between Arabs and Jews was about to begin. These papers are at the American Heritage Center at the University of Wyoming, and thank goodness they are there to help give us a deeper understanding, especially now during the current conflict.
Or check the picture above from Wyoming State Archives of women Union Pacific workers in the railyards in Cheyenne during World War I. With so many men away at war, these women seem delighted with their jobs, don’t they? For these gems, we can thank our archives—and their archivists.
On hand at the proclamation signing Tuesday were leading professional archivists, including staff from both the American Heritage Center and Wyoming State Archives, both of which are invaluable partners of the Wyoming Historical Society and WyoHistory.org.
Archives serve as the foundation for historical research and scholarship. Primary sources, we call them, since, in pictures and words they allow us a first, clear look into what was really going on in other times. But archives also need to be well organized, not just full of information but with information sorted, arranged and preserved so people can find and use it.
Organizing that information—that’s the job of the archivists. It’s demanding and it must be fascinating. Those of us who work in history owe most of what we do, in one way or another, to the archivists. Their collections help us understand our roots, learn from past mistakes and celebrate our achievements. There are countless untold stories.
Ways to celebrate Archives Month include:
• Visit an Archive: Check out an archive, library, or museum near you to explore their collections. Many institutions offer guided tours and educational programs.
• Participate in Events: Join workshops, go to lectures or exhibitions hosted by archival institutions. These often provide unique insights into archival practices and highlight special collections. (See the Wyoming Historical Society’s calendar for some great options remaining this month.)
• Explore Online Resources: Many archives have digitized their collections, making them accessible online. You can search and browse these digital resources and find historical documents from the comfort of your home.
• Volunteer: Consider volunteering at a local archive or historical society. Your time and effort can help support their preservation efforts and enhance public access to historical records.
Archives Month is a time to honor the dedication of archivists and engage with the tapestries of history that archives provide. So, let’s dive in this month, and uncover treasures!
(Aley Philp is executive director of the Wyoming Historical Society.)
Visit Wyoming State Archives
Visit American Heritage Center
Visit Casper College Western History Center