Category Archives: THRAB

Nominate an Archive or Archivist for a THRAB Award

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The Texas Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) invites nominations for its 2021 archival awards. THRAB bestows annual awards in the categories of excellence, advocacy, and distinguished service.

The Archival Award of Excellence honors archival institutions and individuals in Texas who have made significant achievements in preserving and improving access to historical records in any format. The Advocacy for Archives Award acknowledges an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to ensure the preservation and availability of Texas’s historical record.

In 2020, THRAB named the service award in honor of its first recipient, nationally renowned Texas archivist and archival educator Dr. David B. Gracy II. The David B. Gracy II Distinguished Archival Service Award recognizes an individual, archival institution, education program, or nonprofit/government organization that has provided outstanding leadership, service, or contribution to the archival profession in Texas.

THRAB is accepting nominations through August 6 and will announce the recipients in October during Texas Archives Month.  For nomination forms and additional information, visit https://www.tsl.texas.gov/archivalaward.

Recent recipients of the Archival Award of Excellence include the Texas Archive of the Moving Image (TAMI) and Travis Williams, Archivist and Special Collections Librarian at St. Edward’s University.

The inaugural Advocacy for Archives Award was presented to the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health and the Distinguished Service Award, as mentioned earlier, went to David B. Gracy II. The awards are funded by a State Programming Board grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

About THRAB

In 1976, Governor Dolph Briscoe established THRAB, the State Historical Records Advisory Board for Texas. THRAB is a nine-member board that supports public access to records; serves as a catalyst for improving storage conditions within the state; supports the preservation and access efforts of historical and genealogical societies, archives, museums, libraries, colleges, local governments, and other institutions; and reviews grant requests submitted to the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). THRAB initiatives are funded by the NHPRC.

Learn more about THRAB at www.thrab.org.

Funding provided by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission

THRAB Offers Opportunity for Free Registration to Basics of Archives Online Course

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The Texas Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) is pleased to offer an educational opportunity free of charge to individuals working with historical collections and who lack a background or formal training in archives. Through funding from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), THRAB has partnered with the American Association of State and Local History (AASLH) to reserve a select number of spots in their upcoming beginner’s course, Basics of Archives. Designed for those with little to no archival experience, the AASLH instructor presents modules online over five weeks, with lessons covering the essential components of archives work from acquisition to outreach.  For more information about applying for free registration, visit: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/workshops.

Applications due August 31.

THRAB initiatives supported through funding from the NHPRC. THRAB serves as the State Historical Records Advisory Board for Texas. Visit www.thrab.org for more information.

THRAB Seeks Nominations for Archival Awards

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Call for Nominations for Archival Awards of Excellence, Advocacy, and Distinguished Service

The Texas Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) is pleased to announce an expanded awards program for 2020. In addition to the Archival Award of Excellence for an individual and institution, THRAB seeks nominations for the Advocacy for Archives Award and a Distinguished Service Award. Organizations, individuals, programs, and institutions are all eligible for the new honors. Send nomination packets to THRAB coordinator Jelain Chubb at the address below by August 10, 2020. THRAB announces award recipients as part of Texas Archives Month celebrations in October.

Advocacy for Archives Award acknowledges an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to ensure the preservation and availability of the historical record of Texas.

Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual, archival institution, education program, or nonprofit/government organization that has provided outstanding leadership, service or contribution to the archives profession in Texas.

Archival Award of Excellence recognizes significant achievements in preserving and improving access to historical records in any format by a Texas archival institution and individual achievements.

For institutions: All Texas institutions responsible for archival records that provide public access to at least a portion of their collection are eligible. Achievements include recent projects and/or on-going programs that build collections, enhance access to archives, develop effective digitization programs, or implement preservation strategies.

For individual: An archivist or individual who has made an outstanding contribution in the areas of management, preservation, access, advocacy, or use of historical records in Texas. Nominees must have accomplished the work within the state of Texas during the five years preceding the year in which the award is presented. Current THRAB members are not eligible.

Nomination Process: Submit a complete nomination packet to THRAB coordinator Jelain Chubb. Nomination packets include the appropriate award nomination form, a statement of work accomplished, two letters of support and any supporting materials. For more information, visit https://www.tsl.texas.gov/archivalaward.

Nomination Forms:
Archival Award of Excellence
Advocacy for Archives
Distinguished Service


Send nominations via email thrab@tsl.texas.gov or U.S. mail to: Jelain Chubb / ATTN: THRAB Awards / Texas State Library and Archives Commission / PO Box 12927 / Austin, TX 78701

Submit Nominations by August 10, 2020

The Texas Historical Records Advisory Board and its programs receive support from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

THRAB Offers Free Webinar Series: Creating an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan

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The Texas Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) invites participants to develop an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for their archival repositories with a free webinar series launching May 20. Over the course of five weeks, professional consultant Rebecca Elder of Elder Cultural Heritage Preservation will guide participants through the step-by-step process of creating an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for their archival repositories. Each 90-minute webinar will focus on components of building a plan, with the final installment an opportunity to assess draft plans and review potential implementation concerns. The topics are as follows:

Week 1: Emergency Planning Basics and the Emergency Team

Week 2: Risk Assessment and Choosing a Plan Template

Week 3: Contact Lists and Salvage Priorities

Week 4: Procedures, Supplies and Implementation

Week 5: How Did It Go?

Registration is for the series. Please note that week two covers risk assessment, which would typically require access to the repository. Those not able to make on-site visits because of COVID -19 may need to address the more specific details of this module at a later date. Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1539294695231443212

Support for this project provided by the National Historic Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), the funding arm of the National Archives.

THRAB and TSLAC Participate in the DFW Archives Bazaar

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Archives bazaars are an increasingly popular way for repositories, libraries, historical and genealogical organizations, museums and others to join together and present to the public the research collections, services and educational opportunities available in various regions of Texas. The DFW Archives Bazaar took place Saturday, November 2 in the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center in Denton and both the Texas Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) participated with exhibit booths. We enjoyed meeting our colleagues from North Texas and members of the community who stopped by to learn more about our efforts. Below are some photos from the event. The Houston Archives Bazaar will be held on Sunday, November 17 from 10a.m. – 2p.m. at White Oak Music Hall. See you there!


THRAB Offering Free SAA Workshops at the State Archives

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As part of its efforts to support education and training for archivists, librarians and others charged with preserving and providing access to the rich documentary heritage of the state, the Texas Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) is pleased to announce two free workshops on issues relating to digital collections. The Society of American Archives (SAA) developed these workshops as part of its Digital Archives Specialist curriculum and are open to archivists, librarians and staff members working at Texas archival repositories and charged with managing digital projects. Registration is limited to 30 attendees.

“Privacy and Confidentiality Issues in Digital Archives” takes place on Friday, November 22, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Building Digital Advocacy” will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2019 from 9 a. m. to 5 p.m. Both workshops will take place in the Tocker Learning Center at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) located at 1201 Brazos Street in Austin.

According to SAA, “Privacy and Confidentiality Issues in Digital Archives” covers privacy and confidentiality legal issues specific to archives of digital material. Topics include free speech, third-party rights, donors, national security legislation and special situations like medical and education records.

“Building Digital Advocacy” provides attendees with the tools to obtain support for digital archives. Instructors will offer strategies for connecting with donors of materials, technology staff and others who are essential to successful digital archives management.

To learn more about these opportunities and to register, visit THRAB’s professional development webpage at https://www.tsl.texas.gov/workshops. Deadline to register is October 25, 2019.

Funding for these workshops is provided by a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. 

THRAB Announces 2019 Archival Award of Excellence Recipients

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The Texas Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) is pleased to announce that the C.L. Sonnichsen Special Collections at the University of Texas at El Paso Library and Brenda Lincke Fisseler, former volunteer with Lavaca County, have been chosen to receive the 2019 Archival Award of Excellence. The award recognizes significant achievements in preserving and improving access to historical records in any format by a Texas archival institution and individual.

“This year’s recipients serve as stellar examples of how dedication and ingenuity can help ensure that archival records are not only preserved, but made even more useful for future generations,” said Jelain Chubb, State Archivist and the board’s coordinator.

The board selected the C.L. Sonnichsen Special Collections at the University of Texas at El Paso Library as the recipient for the award in the institutional category for their Casasola Project. With the Casasola Project, Special Collections personnel employ crowdsourcing to help identify unnamed individuals featured in the images from their Casasola Studio photograph collection.

Catholic Youth Organization Golden Gloves Boxing Team, PH041-10-00111, circa 1955. More than 40 people called to identify individuals in this Casasola Studio photo when it appeared in the El Paso Times. Courtesy of C.L. Sonnichsen Special Collections, University of Texas at El Paso Library.

Not only does the collection of photos highlight the people and culture of Texas, but the Library has enhanced the value of the images by partnering with the community for biographical and historical information. In so doing, members of the general public have contributed narrative context to the collection and connected personal history with the greater purpose of archives work.

THRAB selected Brenda Lincke Fisseler as the recipient for the award in the individual category for her extensive work with Lavaca County records. Ms. Fisseler helped coordinate an initiative to rescue, preserve, properly house and facilitate access to historical records documenting the county that led to the creation of the Lavaca County Archives. She has demonstrated the enormous impact one individual may have on preserving our collective history.

Congratulations to the winners!

THRAB serves as an advisory body for historical records planning and supports efforts to preserve and provide access to archival collections throughout the state. Funding for THRAB is provided by the National Historical Publications Records Commission, the grant-making arm of the National Archives and Records Administration. The state archivist is appointed by the governor to preside over the nine-member board. Learn more about THRAB by visiting the website.

Celebrate Archives Month in October!

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Texas archivists celebrate Texas Archives Month in conjunction with American Archives Month each October. Texas archival institutions, repositories and organizations are offering exhibits and activities as we raise awareness about what archives have in our holdings and what archivists do with our collections. Webinars, workshops and exhibits will be on offer throughout the month.

Watch how archivists tag images for preservation and access during the University of North Texas Special Collections’ metadata live stream or log-in for a webinar on Native American boarding school records from the Society of American Archivists (SAA). Want to learn how to preserve your personal digital archive? The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has a workshop for that! And hop on to Twitter on October 2 when archivists from TSLAC and other repositories participate in #AskAnArchivist Day. We are also promoting archival activities that you should make plans to attend later in the fall. You will find Archives Bazaars happening in Houston and Denton, for instance, and SAA workshops at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

The Texas Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) maintains a Texas Archives Month webpage to keep track of all these happenings across the state.THRAB announces the annual Award for Archival Excellence as part of the Texas Archives Month celebrations and, as was recently reported here, the Texas Archives Month poster is up and available for download from the site. Keep an eye on Out of the Stacks for announcements about these and other archival activities coming up.

Happy Texas Archives Month!


2019 Texas Archives Month Poster Now Available Online

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October is Texas Archives Month and the Texas Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) is kicking it off with our 2019 poster, The Power of Water. The theme acknowledges both the prevalence of archival records dealing with water-related subjects and the threat water poses to those very materials. The design features images from Rosenberg Library, the University of Texas at El Paso Library, Fort Worth Public Library, Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the Archivists of Central Texas. Visit https://www.tsl.texas.gov/arc/thrab/archivesmonth.html to download a copy of the poster and learn more about Texas Archives Month activities. #TxArchivesMonth #AmericanArchivesMonth

THRAB Emergency Planning and Response Workshops Prepare Archivists for Disasters

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American Institute for Conservation’s “Emergency Response and Salvage Wheel” and other sample resources from THRAB’s Emergency Planning and Response workshops.

The Texas Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) serves the archival community with a range of ongoing efforts supporting the preservation of the historical record. With funding from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), THRAB provides free training opportunities to those working in repositories around the state. As part of the offerings for 2019, THRAB coordinated a series of educational webinars and workshops designed to help archivists combat threats from natural and other disasters by preparing collections and staff for such emergencies. Rebecca Elder, a preservation consultant who runs Elder Preservation, created and taught the Emergency Planning and Response series, which included hands-on workshops complete with wet-salvage exercises and a two-part online component.

  • Instructor Rebecca Elder of Elder Preservation.
  • Workshop at the Fondren Library, Rice University.

On-site workshops were held over two days and addressed each phase of dealing with major emergency situations in an archive. Elder guided participants through processes like developing an emergency plan, assembling a team, establishing salvage priorities and purchasing appropriate supplies and disaster gear. Workshop participants performed a risk assessment exercise in the facilities in which the workshops took place and learned to identify possible threats.

Day two involved a wet-salvage project where participants learned methods of handling and recovering soaked papers, books, posters, cassette tapes, computer disks, negatives and photographs. The images above capture participants in action as they work on recovery techniques.THRAB offered the workshop at Rice University’s Fondren Library in Houston and the TSLAC’s State Records Center in North Austin.

THRAB also supports the various Archives Bazaars happening across Texas in 2019 and 2020, produces an Archives Month poster each October, honors institutions and individuals with the Archival Award of Excellence and funds a Special Award for National History Day with the Texas State Historical Association’s Texas History Day program. Keep up with THRAB happenings at THRAB.org.