December 16, 2005
We are happy--and relieved--to inform you that the
President has signed the component of the appropriations bill that restores
funding for NHPRC in fiscal year 2006-2007. The final figure reported
out of the House-Senate Conference Committee and passed on to the President
was $5.5 million for grants and $2 million for NHPRC staff and program
administration.
This has been a long struggle that started back in
mid-February of this year. While the problem was unfortunate, there
were a number of accomplishments during the advocacy process that you
all have a share in bringing to fruition. On behalf of the Council of
State Archivists, I want to thank you for your efforts in the following
successes:
Over 1,000 letters were sent in to Congressional members
in support of the restoration of funding. This mobilization of the archival
community and its constituents is unparalleled, and shows welcome strength
and commitment. Well over 100 visits took place to members of Congress
in their home and Washington offices. Over 8,000 signatures were logged
on an electronic petition in support of the funding as well. The genealogical
community was a welcome partner in getting the petition out, and in
lending their strength with letters. 97 out of the 102 letters submitted
as public testimony to the Treasury, Transportation and HUD Appropriations
Subcommittee were on the issue of funding for NHPRC. This is welcome
evidence of the capacity we have to get support for archival issues.
The archival community came together to work on this
collaboratively-CoSA, the Society of American Archivists, and NAGARA
joined forces in planning and conducting this effort. The archival regional
organizations also took up the work and enlisted their members in the
advocacy effort to great effect. We also collaborated on this effort
with the Association of Documentary Editors, the American Association
for State and Local History, ARMA, and the National Coalition for History.
This collaborative approach was critical in ensuring information flow
and identifying key legislators in the process.
We have developed a method and network for advocating
at the federal level, and are better informed and prepared to address
future needs. This capacity will serve the archival community in important
ways in the future.
And most of all-funding was restored for NHPRC. It
is no small accomplishment to move a program from being zeroed out completely,
and getting it restored with a reasonable funding level. I hope you
all take great pride in your role in making this happen.
We hope you'll pass our appreciation on to your constituents
and also to those legislators and legislative staff members who were
so helpful in this effort. Most of all, on behalf of the CoSA Board,
our heartfelt thanks to you for your efforts in restoring NHPRC funding.
Your commitment and dedication to the American Historical Records is
most appreciated.
With many wishes for a peaceful and productive holiday
season,
David Carmicheal
(on behalf of the CoSA Board)
David W. Carmicheal
Director
Georgia Archives
v. 678-364-3714
f. 678-364-3859
www.GeorgiaArchives.org
